The Apple Watch Ultra has often been seen on social media as a bigger and tougher version of the Apple Watch, with people liking its rugged looks more than its professional features. However, as per leaks from Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to make the Apple Watch Ultra more professional and functional.
Health Monitoring: The Heart of Apple Watch
Health tracking has always been the main purpose of the Apple Watch series. High blood pressure, often called a “silent killer,” is a major health issue as it usually does not show any symptoms but can lead to severe problems like heart disease, kidney failure, and strokes.Apple has been working to add blood pressure monitoring to its watches. This feature will help users keep track of their blood pressure trends so that they can make lifestyle changes or consult a doctor when needed.
Unlike regular blood pressure machines, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will not have an inflating cuff. Instead, it will monitor patterns in blood pressure and alert users if it detects high blood pressure.Samsung and Huawei already have similar features in their smartwatches. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch uses a special sensor (PPG), while Huawei’s Watch D2 uses a small inflatable cuff for accurate blood pressure readings, although it reduces battery life.Currently, Apple Watches can detect irregular heartbeats, do basic ECGs, and monitor blood oxygen levels. However, these features are not available in some countries due to rules and patents.
Satellite Messaging for Adventure Lovers
As a smartwatch designed for outdoor activities and adventure sports, the Apple Watch Ultra will reportedly include satellite communication. This feature is already available in iPhones for sending messages in areas without mobile or Wi-Fi networks.The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to let users send texts via satellite without any network. For this, Apple will upgrade the modem hardware of the watch.
Currently, the Apple Watch Ultra uses Intel’s modem for LTE and UMTS networks. However, Apple might switch to MediaTek’s modem for the Ultra 3. This will be the first time Apple uses MediaTek as a supplier for its devices.MediaTek’s modem supports the 5G RedCap standard, which is a low-power 5G technology for smaller devices like wearables. This will help the watch save battery while still staying connected to the network.This feature will also help Apple compete with Garmin, a well-known brand in the adventure watch market, which is famous for its long battery life lasting hundreds of hours.
Improved Satellite Services
The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s satellite service will be provided by Globalstar, the same company that supports the iPhone’s satellite SOS feature. Earlier this year, Apple bought a 20% stake in Globalstar, strengthening their partnership. After reports of the Ultra 3’s satellite feature, Globalstar’s stock price jumped by about 15%.
A New Direction for Apple Watch Ultra 3
With these new features, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to become more professional and functional. It will have improved health tracking, 5G connectivity, reliable satellite messaging, and better battery life. This clearly separates it from the regular Apple Watch series.
