Apple is set to introduce significant upgrades to its flagship Watch Ultra smartwatch in 2025. The most notable addition is the rumored inclusion of satellite communication capabilities, similar to the feature introduced in the iPhone earlier this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new Apple Watch Ultra will offer non-emergency satellite messaging.
This will allow users to send text messages without needing a 4G/5G or Wi-Fi connection. The Watch Ultra is also expected to include a long-awaited blood-pressure monitoring feature. This feature has been under development for some time and is anticipated to be a significant addition to the smartwatch’s health-tracking capabilities.
Apple plans to remove the Intel cellular modem from the Watch Ultra and replace it with a MediaTek chip. This new cellular chip is expected to be included in at least some models of the smartwatch in 2025. The satellite communications feature will be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring.
With this feature, users will not need to carry their iPhones with satellite communication capabilities, as the Apple Watch Ultra itself will be capable of sending out messages in case of an emergency. This innovation will mark the Apple Watch Ultra as the first mainstream smartwatch equipped with satellite features. These new capabilities are set to make the Apple Watch Ultra a more versatile and essential tool for users, enhancing both connectivity and health monitoring features.
The hypertension detection feature, expected to debut in 2025, has been in development for years.
Apple’s satellite-enabled smartwatch upgrade
It was initially slated for release with the 2024 Apple Watch models, but the timeline has now shifted to the following year.
The feature will likely provide users with a non-invasive way to monitor blood pressure trends. Instead of delivering precise systolic and diastolic readings, the Apple Watch is expected to analyze data and alert users when their blood pressure appears to deviate from the normal range. This trend-based system will act as a health prompt, encouraging users to seek medical advice or verify their condition with standard monitoring devices.
Sensors at the base of the device will likely detect subtle vascular or blood chemistry changes, offering a non-invasive method for health tracking without the need for bulky equipment. Apple is also reportedly preparing to bring 5G connectivity to its Apple Watch lineup. This development would mark the debut of the 5G standard in Apple Watches, aligning the wearable device with the broader mobile industry’s ongoing shift to next-generation network technology.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to support satellite texting and blood pressure monitoring capabilities, marking a substantial upgrade in wearable technology. Apple plans to incorporate MediaTek technology in its future Apple Watch models, replacing Intel cellular modems. This shift will introduce 5G Recap, a 5G service optimized for wearables that don’t need full 5G speeds.
While iPhones have integrated 5G technology for years, cellular Apple Watches still rely on 4G LTE, making this transition to 5G a significant enhancement. As 2025 approaches, users can look forward to these advanced capabilities in Apple’s latest wearable technology. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is poised to bring impactful health and connectivity features to the market, setting new standards in consumer health monitoring and communication.
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