According to a Bloomberg report, Apple plans to add texting via satellite and a blood pressure monitor to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.<\/b>
\nAccording to Bloomberg\u2019s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to bring satellite connections to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as well as a blood pressure monitoring feature.
The report claims that Apple will add satellite connectivity to its next Apple Watch Ultra model in 2025, giving users the ability to send text messages with Globalstar Inc.\u2019s fleet of satellites even when they don\u2019t have a cell signal or Wi-Fi connection.
Apple first introduced satellite texting for the iPhone 14 in 2022, and then enhanced the feature in 2023 by letting iPhone owners contact roadside assistance providers. In 2024, Apple updated the feature again by letting users send texts via satellite to anyone with iMessage.
While texting via satellite appears to be exclusive to the Ultra 3, the blood pressure monitor is seemingly in the works for every Apple Watch model. Sources say that it could be ready in time for the Apple Watch Series 11, but the feature was initially set to launch in 2023. There\u2019s always a chance Apple could push it back again before next fall.
Regarding this feature, the report suggests that it \u201cis designed to work in a similar way to Apple\u2019s sleep apnea detector. It won\u2019t give users specific readings \u2014 such as diastolic or systolic levels \u2014 but it will inform them that they may be in a state of hypertension.\u201d
Finally, Gurman reports that some Apple Watch models will ditch Intel\u2019s cellular modem and use a component built by MediaTek. This would follow Apple\u2019s trend of slashing its reliance on Intel in recent years, as the company also ditched Intel chips in Mac computers.
\u201cApple is looking to reinvigorate smartwatch sales with the new features after a slow stretch,\u201d Gurman says in regards to the new features. \u201cRevenue from the company\u2019s Wearables, Home and Accessories business, which includes watches, has declined the past two years \u2014 partly because customers have had less reason to upgrade.\u201d<\/p>\n