Apple is set to launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with several hardware upgrades, including significant improvements in connectivity, according to Mark Gurman’s latest report.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be the first of its kind to support both satellite connectivity and 5G, according to a recent report by Bloomberg. Satellite connectivity was initially introduced with the iPhone 14, enabling the Emergency SOS feature that connects users to emergency services when no cellular or Wi-Fi signal is available. This feature has proven life-saving in many situations, especially for those in remote locations.

Building on iOS 18, Apple has also introduced the ability to send and receive SMS and iMessage via satellite when there is no cellular coverage. This will be particularly useful for Apple Watch Ultra 3 users, as the device is designed for high-risk activities like diving and hiking, where traditional connectivity options are often unavailable.

In terms of 5G, the current Apple Watch models still rely on LTE connectivity, while the iPhone has supported 5G since 2020. 5G offers faster data transfer speeds and lower latency, which can be beneficial for users in areas where 3G or 4G signals are weak. Apple will implement 5G Redcap on the Watch, a specialized version of 5G designed for IoT devices. While it doesn’t provide the same speeds as standard 5G, it consumes less power, making it more suitable for wearable devices.

To enable 5G and satellite connectivity, Apple is expected to use a MediaTek modem rather than its own C1 chip, which was introduced with the iPhone 16e. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated to be unveiled in September 2025.