Apple’s Watch Ultra 3 May Feature Satellite Messaging, Blood Pressure Monitoring

Apple is reportedly planning to upgrade its ultra smartwatch with built-in MediaTek modems for the first time, which will enable users to send messages via satellite.

The company's flagship model—the Apple Watch Ultra—is expected to get the satellite capabilities in 2025, Bloomberg reported citing sources. When smartwatch users are without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, the technology will enable them to transmit text messages through Globalstar Inc.’s network of satellites.

Apple introduced the first satellite communication feature in the iPhone 14, which allowed users to maintain communication with emergency services. While the feature helped users, hikers and outdoor lovers still needed to have their iPhone with them. With the smartwatch integration, such users would be able to use emergency texting via satellite through simply their watch strapped on the wrist, without having to carry their phones on hikes.

Apple Watch Ultra would become the first widely available smartwatch with satellite capabilities. With the addition of the satellite feature, Apple plans to lure customers who would have an incentive to purchase the $799 Ultra model instead of a less expensive one. 

Additionally, Apple is accelerating development of a blood pressure feature for its smartwatch. In an effort to persuade hikers and health-conscious users to upgrade their smartwatches, the company may add the blood pressure monitoring feature into Apple Watch next year. 

Apple has been focusing on improving its products’ health and safety proposition. The blood pressure monitoring capability is in line with its objective of promoting its smartwatch and phones as devices that can help in emergencies and potentially even save lives.

Although the feature is tipped to be made available in 2025, it is not absolutely certain. Apple had intended to release the feature last year, but it was delayed.