Apple Watch Ultra 3: Apple’s Rugged Smartwatch Takes Aim at Garmin

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most powerful and durable smartwatch yet, combining 5G connectivity, two-way satellite messaging, advanced health features, and a brighter always-on display. With a major battery upgrade and expanded sleep tracking features, the Ultra 3 is Apple’s clearest attempt to compete with Garmin’s adventure watches like the Fenix and Enduro series.

Bigger, Brighter, Stronger: Apple Watch Ultra 3 Design

The Ultra 3 boasts the largest and brightest display ever on an Apple Watch, with LTPO3 technology for smooth refresh rates and ultra-thin bezels. Its 49 mm titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and WR100 water resistance make it ideal for hiking, diving, and extreme sports.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Battery Life vs Garmin

One of the biggest upgrades in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its battery performance. Apple now offers:

42 hours of normal use
72 hours in Low Power Mode
20 hours of continuous outdoor workouts with GPS and heart-rate monitoring
Fast charging: 15 minutes = over half a day of power

This is a clear improvement over the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 36 hours. But how does it compare to Garmin’s watches?

Garmin Fenix 7: Up to 18 days in smartwatch mode, ~57–73 hours GPS with solar
Garmin Enduro 2: Up to 34 days smartwatch, 150 hours GPS with solar
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar: 28–40 days smartwatch, 150–260 hours GPS with solar

Garmin still dominates multi-day endurance, offering weeks of use without charging. But Apple fights back with fast charging, 5G connectivity, satellite messaging, and an advanced health ecosystem that Garmin can’t match. For everyday adventurers and weekend athletes, charging every 2–3 days may be a fair trade-off for Apple’s smart features.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Sleep Tracking: Now Actually Practical

One of the most exciting improvements is in sleep tracking. The Ultra 3 introduces a Sleep Score feature that measures quality, interruptions, and sleep stages. Combined with hypertension detection and advanced recovery insights, it’s designed to help users optimise rest and performance.

Thanks to the longer battery life, users don’t have to charge their Apple Watch overnight anymore, something that held back earlier models. Instead, you can wear the Ultra 3 to bed for detailed sleep analysis, then top it up quickly during the day thanks to fast charging. This makes Apple’s sleep tracking finally useful in real-world daily routines, something Garmin users have long enjoyed.

Connectivity That Outpaces Garmin

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 takes a lead over Garmin in smartwatch connectivity:

5G Cellular: Faster data, streaming, and messaging without an iPhone nearby.
Two-Way Satellite Messaging: Send texts, share your location, and reach emergency services off-grid.
App Ecosystem: Apple’s App Store offers far more third-party fitness and productivity apps than Garmin.

For explorers who want a balance of adventure readiness and smartwatch convenience, these features make Apple uniquely competitive.

Fitness & Adventure Features

Apple Watch Ultra 3 also steps up for athletes with:

Dual-frequency GPS for precision tracking
On-wrist coaching and Workout Buddy training
Advanced running metrics like VO₂ Max, cadence, and training load
Race Route and Pacer tools for structured training
Dive computer mode with Oceanic+ integration for scuba up to 40 meters

Safety Features

Like previous models, the Ultra 3 includes:

Emergency SOS (cellular and satellite)
Crash Detection & Fall Detection
Loud Siren & Flashlight
On-wrist Medical ID

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Straps and Bands: Style Meets Function

Apple has designed a range of durable yet stylish straps for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, ensuring the watch is ready for both rugged outdoor use and everyday wear. The core collection includes:

Alpine Loop – Built for adventurers with a tough woven design and corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook.
Trail Loop – A lightweight, breathable band designed for athletes and high-performance workouts.
Milanese Loop – A timeless stainless-steel mesh strap with magnetic closure, perfect for a more formal look.
Ocean Band – A flexible, high-performance band designed for water sports and scuba diving.

Matching Apple Watch Ultra 3 Straps to the iPhone 17 Pro

If you’re upgrading to the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners can match their straps to Apple’s new standout finishes for a complete style pairing. Many don't want the standard, and that is where The Time Club comes in, aftermarket watch strap/band replacements for Apple Watches!

To match iPhone 17 Pro ‘Cosmic Orange’:

The Molten FKM – A rugged, heat-inspired band built for durability in Molten Orange.
The Vanguard – Emberstrike Edition – Bold and fiery design to mirror the cosmic hue.
The Expedition – Solar Edition – Perfect for outdoor explorers who want solar-inspired accents.

To match iPhone 17 Pro ‘Deep Blue’:

The Varsity Flex – Regatta Edition – Nautical styling to complement deep blue tones.
The Expedition – Admiral Edition – Inspired by naval precision, pairing perfectly with oceanic finishes.
The Pinnacle – A sleek, performance-driven strap for a refined yet sporty aesthetic. Available in a variety of colours

To match iPhone 17 Pro ‘Refined Silver’:

The Vanguard – Emberstrike Edition – A bold contrast against silver tones.
The Noir FKM – Understated and minimal, for a clean premium look.
The Expedition – Shadow Edition – Dark, refined styling that complements silver finishes perfectly.

Special Mention: The Titan Collection

For those seeking a truly premium titanium option, the Titan band comes in three distinct finishes:

Crafted from lightweight yet durable titanium, The Titan offers the perfect balance of luxury and strength, an ideal match for the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s rugged titanium case.

Price & Release Date

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date is 19 September 2025, priced at $799 / £749. Preorders are now open worldwide.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re an ultrarunner, thru-hiker, or expedition athlete who needs weeks of battery life, Garmin remains the undisputed champion. Its Fenix, Enduro, and Instinct models offer unmatched endurance with solar charging.

But if you want a premium adventure smartwatch with the best smart features, satellite connectivity, sleep tracking, and integration with iPhone, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the strongest competitor Apple has ever produced.

Final Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may not dethrone Garmin in endurance, but it brings better battery life, meaningful sleep tracking, advanced health monitoring, and unmatched connectivity into a rugged and stylish package. For most athletes and adventurers, it’s the most compelling all-in-one smartwatch of 2025.