Apple’s upcoming **Watch Ultra 3** is anticipated to feature a potentially life-saving capability: the ability to dispatch emergency messages via satellite. As reported by Bloomberg’s **Mark Gurman**, this new option reflects the **Emergency SOS via Satellite** feature that was launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
This satellite messaging function could transform the experience for outdoor adventurers, particularly hikers, as it permits users to send distress signals even in remote locations lacking cellular service. Importantly, the functionality will operate without the need for an iPhone, providing a trustworthy backup solution if your phone is lost, damaged, or runs out of power.
When Apple unveiled satellite messaging with the iPhone 14, the feature was found to be efficient. During evaluations, it was feasible to connect to a satellite and transmit a message in mere seconds. Although Gurman’s report does not provide specific insights into how the feature will operate on the Watch Ultra 3, it is logical to anticipate a comparable experience.
If this information holds true, it would position the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as the first prominent smartwatch to offer satellite messaging capabilities—a notable advancement for wearable technology.
Since its launch in 2022, the Apple Watch Ultra has only experienced minor enhancements. The **Ultra 2** brought a more luminous display, while the 2024 variant introduced an elegant black color choice without any significant new functionalities. This pattern of incremental updates indicates that Apple may be preparing for a more significant overhaul in the Watch Ultra 3.
Alongside satellite messaging, Gurman suggests that the new iteration might incorporate **blood pressure monitoring**, although this feature has encountered previous delays. Should Apple realize these innovations, the Watch Ultra 3 could establish a new benchmark for smartwatches in terms of both utility and safety.