A new report questions whether the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a significant upgrade.

What's new in the latest Ultra?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple's newest durable smartwatch, is now available, offering some improvements to the brand's high-end wearable. However, current Ultra owners may not find it a worthwhile upgrade. Apple expert Mark Gurman, a longtime owner of the watch, suggests in his Power On newsletter that most users with an older Ultra model should not upgrade.

Gurman suggests that the updates are not significant enough to justify the expense, calling this year's version an easy skip for current users. Here's a breakdown of what's new, and what isn't.

What's new (and what isn't)

Similar Design: The watch's general appearance is the same as the first and second versions.

Slightly Bigger Screen: While the screen is a bit larger, Gurman says the difference isn't noticeable during everyday use.

Satellite Connection: A potentially important new feature is satellite connectivity for urgent communications when you are in remote areas.

The Problem: As Gurman notes, anyone with an iPhone 14 or later already has this exact feature on their phone.

Who should purchase this watch?

The recommendation here is straightforward. This year's update divides the audience into two groups. If you have an Apple Watch Ultra 1 or 2, there's no need to rush to upgrade. The lack of significant new features makes it a poor value, as you would be paying a lot for an experience that is almost identical to what you already have.

However, if you are new to the Ultra line or are upgrading from a regular Apple Watch, the Ultra 3 is the one to choose. It is Apple's best durable watch right now and a great, feature-rich way to enter the premium category.

In my opinion, Apple has made it easy for current Ultra owners to decide: you can save your money this year without feeling like you're missing out. This seems like an "S" year for the Ultra, a minor improvement rather than a true generational change that changes the product.

While satellite connectivity is a useful safety feature, it is unnecessary for anyone with a modern iPhone, making it a weak selling point for an upgrade. For now, current Ultras should continue to work well for their owners until next year's model.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date, cost and features

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is finally here with more screen space and satellite technology.

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