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Apple Watch Line Adds 5G and Hypertension Alerts as Ultra 3 Gains Satellite Messaging

Preorders are open now ahead of Sept. 19 delivery, with the new hypertension alert pending regulatory clearance for a wider watchOS 26 release.

Overview

  • Apple introduced the Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3 and Watch Ultra 3, maintaining starting prices of $399, $249 and $799 respectively, with shipments slated for Sept. 19.
  • All three models bring 5G to Apple Watch for the first time, targeting faster connectivity and more reliable calls on cellular versions.
  • Watch Ultra 3 adds built-in two-way satellite communications for messaging, Find My location sharing and Emergency SOS when off the grid.
  • A new algorithmic hypertension notification monitors trends over 30 days and is not a cuff-based reading; Apple says it requires regulatory clearance and plans to enable it on supported older models via watchOS 26.
  • Sleep Score debuts to grade nightly rest based on duration, consistency, wake events and sleep stages, while battery life rises to about 24 hours on Series 11 and up to 42 hours on Ultra 3, with faster charging across the lineup.