Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first smartwatch to feature satellite connectivity

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature a unique new communication tool. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has just revealed some exciting new details about the upcoming smartwatch.

Send text messages via satellite

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to launch in 2025 with the ability to send text messages via satellite without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, according to reports. It would be the first smartwatch on the market to have that feature.

This feature would be similar to what Apple has added to its iPhone lineup. Apple added satellite communication functionality starting with the iPhone 14 in 2022. This feature allows users to communicate with emergency services.

Apple has since expanded the service to allow anyone to contact roadside assistance providers and message others via iMessage.

Gurman also said that blood pressure monitoring could finally be ready to launch on both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the next-generation Apple Watch.

Here's more information from Gurman about the feature:

Meanwhile, the blood pressure feature is designed to work in a similar way to Apple's sleep apnea detector. It won't give users specific readings — like diastolic or systolic — but it will alert them that they may be experiencing high blood pressure.

The report also says Apple is continuing to research non-invasive blood sugar monitoring for the watch, but it could take years to perfect.

A real reason to upgrade

The addition of satellite functionality would certainly make the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stand out and give many outdoor adventurers a reason to upgrade. The ability to communicate via satellite using just a smartwatch would allow hikers and many others to leave their iPhones at home when they’re on the trail.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a favorite for many thanks to its slimmer case and larger display, but there’s still not much reason to upgrade if you have a newer model. Instead of a brand new Apple Watch Ultra model this year, Apple just added a black titanium model to the Ultra 2.

Adding a blood pressure monitor to both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 would be a great step forward and would make more users upgrade.