Last year, Apple did not unveil a new model of the Apple Watch Ultra. Instead, they introduced a black titanium variant of the existing generation. However, this year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to receive significant hardware enhancements, notably in connectivity options.
5G and satellite connectivity arriving with Apple Watch Ultra 3
A recent report from Bloomberg supports ongoing speculation about the connectivity upgrades planned for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This year’s model will be the first Apple Watch to offer satellite connectivity and 5G capabilities.
Satellite connectivity made its debut with the iPhone 14, providing the Emergency SOS feature via satellite. This functionality allows users to point their iPhones in the right direction until it establishes a link with a satellite to reach emergency services in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This feature has proven life-saving for many individuals in perilous situations.
Additionally, with the launch of iOS 18 last year, Apple introduced the ability to send and receive SMS and iMessages via satellite when cellular service is unavailable. These features are especially beneficial for Apple Watch Ultra users, as this device is tailored for extreme activities such as diving and hiking.
Regarding 5G, existing Apple Watch models continue to rely on LTE connectivity, while the iPhone has incorporated 5G capabilities since 2020. 5G provides higher transfer speeds and reduced latency. Although most users do not download substantial files on their Apple Watch, having 5G access in areas lacking 3G or 4G can still be advantageous.
Apple plans to implement 5G Redcap for the watch, a tailored version of 5G specifically designed for IoT devices. This version is not as fast as standard 5G but consumes significantly less power. According to Mark Gurman, Apple intends to utilize a MediaTek modem for enabling 5G and satellite connectivity instead of its proprietary C1 chip, which debuted with the iPhone 16e.
The announcement for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated in September.
Also, check this out
Recommended gadgets:
