As the Apple Watch Ultra 3 approaches its expected release later this year, rumors are circulating about its new features, including satellite connectivity, 5G support, and high blood pressure detection. However, for me, the primary reason to upgrade may not be the hardware at all—it’s a software feature that has me seriously considering the switch.
Exclusive Watch Faces: The Main Draw
When the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted last fall, it boasted a larger display comparable to the Ultra model—but at nearly half the price. I jumped at the chance to buy it, and I’ve been happily wearing it daily. However, one aspect of the Series 10 has been particularly frustrating: the lack of watch faces designed to take full advantage of its expansive screen.
In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra offers two watch faces optimized for its large display: Modular Ultra and Wayfinder. The former, in particular, has caught my attention. The Modular Ultra face allows for seven complications, six options for displaying the time, and a special edge area to show additional data. It’s a feature I’ve long wanted on my Series 10, but sadly, it’s not available.
The Modular Ultra watch face could very well be the tipping point that prompts me to upgrade to the Ultra 3 this year.
Why I Chose the Series 10 Over the Ultra 2
When Apple unveiled its new Watch lineup in September, the absence of an Ultra 3 model was notable. Instead, Apple simply introduced a black color option for the existing Ultra 2. While the black version of the Ultra 2 is visually appealing, I was in the market for something new. Opting for a year-old model wasn’t the right choice for me.
If the Series 10 had been a minor update, I might have been tempted to buy the Ultra 2. But the Series 10 offered much more, including:
- A thinner design
- Larger screens
- A new S10 chip
- Faster charging
- More frequent always-on refreshes
- A wide-angle OLED display
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra received only a new color option. The decision to go with the Series 10 was an easy one.
Why the Ultra 3 Might Win Me Over
While I’ve enjoyed my Apple Watch Series 10, the lack of watch faces optimized for its large screen continues to bug me. This has led me to seriously consider upgrading to the Ultra 3 when it launches. With the new Ultra model potentially featuring a new chip and possibly improved battery life, there are plenty of hardware upgrades to look forward to. But the main attraction for me will be that Modular Ultra watch face.
Watch faces are a central part of the Apple Watch experience. Unlike the iPhone, where the Home Screen can be customized to a great extent, the watch face is where most interactions with the device happen. Whether it’s checking the time, glancing at widgets, or launching apps, everything starts with the watch face. Therefore, having a face that optimizes the large display is especially important to me.
Looking Ahead
If Apple announces new, large-display-optimized watch faces for watchOS 12, I might reconsider my decision and stick with my Series 10. However, if no such updates come to fruition, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and its exclusive watch faces will likely have me upgrading come September.