TL;DR
A reviewer bought the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September and has used it daily for three months. Key positives include improved battery when worn overnight, the Action button, exclusive Ultra watch faces (notably Modular Ultra with always-on seconds), and modest display and charging improvements; the $799 price remains a sticking point.
What happened
The author, who previously preferred Apple Watch Series models, purchased an Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September and has worn it daily for three months. Although many of the features they enjoy are not exclusive to the Ultra line, the reviewer highlights longer practical battery life that reduces the need to charge before bed, the convenience of the Action button to launch workouts, and exclusive watch faces — especially the Modular Ultra face with always-on seconds around its edge — as reasons they would hesitate to switch back. Compared with earlier Ultra models the Ultra 3 brings slightly faster charging, a larger display with smaller bezels, and a more modern look. At the same time the reviewer notes they do not use core adventure-focused Ultra features and questions whether paying the Ultra’s $799 premium makes sense for their needs, particularly given that the Series 11 offers a 46mm option with a very similar display.
Why it matters
- Real-world trade-offs: helps buyers weigh Ultra-exclusive conveniences against the higher cost.
- Battery and charging improvements can affect daily routines, especially for those who track sleep.
- Software-differentiated features (exclusive watch faces) may drive buying decisions even when hardware is similar.
- Similarity between Ultra and Series displays raises questions about the value of Ultra’s price premium.
Key facts
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 launched three months before the review.
- The reviewer purchased the Ultra 3 in September and has used it daily.
- Notable positives cited: longer usable battery while worn overnight, the Action button, and exclusive watch faces.
- Modular Ultra face offers always-on seconds around its perimeter — a meaningful update for the reviewer.
- Ultra 3 brings faster charging and a slightly larger display with smaller bezels versus older Ultra models.
- The reviewer does not regularly use many adventure-focused Ultra features.
- Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799; the reviewer questions paying that again for future upgrades.
- Apple Watch Series 11 is available in a 46mm size with a display the reviewer says is nearly identical to the Ultra’s display.
- The reviewer typically upgrades every 1–2 years and may return to a Series model if its feature set becomes compelling.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will make Ultra-exclusive watch faces available on Series models — not confirmed in the source.
- If future Series models add features that match Ultra conveniences (battery, Action-like control) and how that affects buyer choices — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the reviewer ultimately pays $799 again for a future Ultra upgrade — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Action button: A physical control on certain Apple Watch models that can be customized to trigger functions such as starting workouts or timers.
- Always-on display: A display mode that keeps watch face information visible at reduced brightness and power draw when the device is idle.
- Bezel: The frame or border around a device display; smaller bezels typically mean a larger usable screen area without increasing device size.
- Modular Ultra face: An Apple Watch face designed for Ultra models that supports multiple complications and, in the Ultra 3, an always-on seconds perimeter.
- Battery life: The amount of time a device runs on a single charge; practical battery life depends on usage patterns like sleep tracking and workouts.
Reader FAQ
Did the reviewer buy the Ultra 3?
Yes — the author purchased an Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September and has worn it daily for three months.
What are the biggest reasons they would keep the Ultra line?
Longer practical battery between charges, the Action button, and Ultra-exclusive watch faces such as Modular Ultra.
Is the reviewer certain they'll keep buying the Ultra?
No — the reviewer is conflicted due to the $799 price and says they might return to a Series model depending on future features.
Does the Series 11 offer a comparable display?
The reviewer says the Series 11 comes in a 46mm size with a display that appears nearly identical to the Ultra’s display.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 APPLE WATCH APPLE WATCH ULTRA 3 Three months with Apple Watch Ultra…
Sources
- Three months with Apple Watch Ultra 3: Worth it?
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 In-Depth Review: Worth the Upgrade?
- Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: the biggest and best …
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