Apple • Watch Ultra Series 3
Apple • Watch Ultra Series 3
When Apple announced its latest lineup of wearables, I initially had my eye on the Apple Watch Series 11. On paper, it seemed like the obvious upgrade for 2025. But as I revisited the lineup and thought about my own experience, I realized something: I’ve been wearing the original Apple Watch Ultra Series 1 again lately—and I’ve completely fallen back in love with it.
The story of how I even got my first Ultra is a fun one. I won it at a conference—along with $1,000 at the same event. I’ve told that story many times before, but suffice it to say, it made me fall in love with the Ultra. I did eventually downgrade to a Series 7 to save some money when my family needed it, but recently I picked up a used Ultra Series 1 again and haven’t looked back.
This year, though, I finally decided to grab the all–black version I’ve always wanted. That stealth black titanium with the black ocean band? Too good to resist.
The Packaging Experience
Apple knows how to make an unboxing feel special. I remember when the original Ultra came out, the packaging was almost an experience in itself—clean, intentional, and unlike any other Apple Watch. The Ultra 3 follows that same philosophy.
Inside the outer sleeve, you’ll find a thick instruction booklet, a panoramic mountain spread, the band in its own box, and of course, the watch itself. It’s more of a square-shaped package compared to the standard Apple Watch, and while familiar, it still feels elevated.
The braided charging cable is included as before, though not color-matched to the black watch, which would have been a nice touch. Still, it’s a detail Apple gets right elsewhere, and you feel that premium experience throughout the unboxing.
The Black Ocean Band
The used Ultra I’ve been wearing came with the blue ocean band. Functional, sure, but not really my style. The black ocean band, though, is a whole different vibe—matte, understated, and comfortable. Honestly, it reminds me of something Black Widow might wear in the Marvel movies: utilitarian, tactical, but sleek.
And that’s really the ethos of the Ultra line. It’s rugged, tool-like, and unapologetically built for performance.
The Watch Itself
Sliding the Ultra Series 3 out of the box, I was immediately struck by the finish. The black titanium is lighter than I expected, with a subtle depth that changes under different lighting. The orange accents pop even more because of it—sometimes leaning yellow, sometimes a vibrant orange. It’s the same orange that Apple is now experimenting with on the iPhone 17 Pro, and it’s fascinating to see that design language carry across products.
Compared to the raw titanium of the Ultra 1, the black finish makes the screen feel larger. The bezels are noticeably smaller, and the chassis rails thinner, making the display stand out in a way the earlier model never quite achieved.
Ultra 3 vs. Series 11
For most people, the Series 11 will be the Apple Watch to buy. It’s slimmer, lighter, and brings over many of the features that used to be reserved for the Pro-level watches. But the Ultra 3 still has some distinct advantages:
Battery life: The Ultra easily outpaces the 11, especially if you use sleep tracking.
Durability: Flat sapphire glass edges and a titanium shell mean bumps and scrapes hit the body, not the display.
Screen real estate: More complications, more information at a glance, less tapping through menus.
Design: If you like stealthy, rugged tech, the Ultra is in a different class.
That said, the size and bulk won’t be for everyone. The Ultra is thick, angular, and can catch on clothing or knock into things. The Series 11, with its rounded edges and slimmer frame, feels more like a piece of jewelry. The Ultra is a tool.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 feels like Apple doubling down on the idea that the Ultra isn’t just a watch—it’s a companion for athletes, adventurers, or anyone who values longevity and performance over minimalism.
For me, the Ultra wins this year. The all–black stealth look is exactly what I wanted, the improved bezels and screen size are noticeable, and the overall feel is premium without being flashy. If I wasn’t running a tech review channel, this is a watch I could easily see myself using for years.
If you want sleek and light, go Series 11. If you want rugged performance, battery life, and a design that looks as tough as it is, the Ultra 3 is the clear choice.
