Highlights
- The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could support satellite messaging allowing users to send texts via satellite.
- Apple plans to switch from Intel modems to MediaTek modems introducing 5G for Apple Watch in future.
We recently reported how an Apple patent document revealed details of a blood pressure tech for future Apple Watches.
It has been clear for a while now that Apple is focused on making the Apple Watch more than a simple smartwatch. It is consistently working on developing useful features that will help people in their everyday life.
Now a Bloomberg report has highlighted details of another major Apple Watch upgrade in development.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly working on exciting upgrades for its next-generation Apple Watch Ultra including a potential lifesaving feature and a major connectivity upgrade.
Here’s a quick recap of the recent update.
Apple Watch 3 Might Get Satellite Connectivity
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first Apple Watch to support satellite messaging.
According to the Bloomberg report, this feature would allow users to send text messages via satellite when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are unavailable, as long as they have a clear view of the sky.
It’s similar to the satellite connectivity already available on modern iPhones.
If this really happens, it could be a game-changer for users who venture off the grid without their phones. It may also come in handy if an iPhone is lost or damaged in an emergency situation.
Using the Ultra model for this feature makes sense due to its larger battery, which offers twice the life of the sleeker Series models.
Apple Watch To Get Modem Switch For 5G
Apart from satellite messaging, Gurman also revealed that Apple is planning to upgrade the Apple Watch’s cellular capabilities.
Gurman reports that Apple will switch from Intel modems to MediaTek modems paving the way for 5G connectivity in upcoming models. Specifically, the Apple Watch will use 5G RedCap, a streamlined version of 5G designed for wearables and devices that don’t need ultra-fast speeds.
Gurman notes, “The move to MediaTek will also include support for 5G Redcap, a lower-tier 5G service aimed at internet-connected devices and wearables that typically don’t require fast data connections.”
This marks a significant leap from the current 4G LTE connectivity that has been standard since the Apple Watch Series 3 debuted in 2017.
He added, “Current Apple Watches use 4G LTE and never moved to the 5G standard, despite Apple switching over the iPhone in 2020.”
Meanwhile, Apple continues to work on advanced health features for future Apple Watches. These include a blood-pressure monitoring tool to detect signs of hypertension and noninvasive blood-glucose tracking.
If these features come to fruition, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be one of the most advanced wearables yet with health, safety and connectivity features like never seen before.
FAQs
Q1. What new connectivity feature might the Apple Watch Ultra 3 include?
Answer. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could support satellite messaging allowing users to send text messages via satellite when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are unavailable.
Q2. What modem change is Apple planning for the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Answer. Apple plans to switch from Intel modems to MediaTek modems, introducing 5G RedCap, a lower-tier 5G service designed for wearables and devices that don’t need ultra-fast speeds.
Q3. What advanced health features is Apple working on for future Apple Watches?
Answer. Apple is working on advanced health features like blood pressure monitoring to detect signs of hypertension and noninvasive blood-glucose tracking.
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