Apple is gearing up for some fresh moves in the wearable tech world. Word on the street is two of their popular smartwatches are getting big updates this year. One of these, the high-end model, could finally get a feature many have been hoping for: connecting directly to satellites.
Sources close to the matter, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggest both the premium Apple Watch Ultra and the more affordable Apple Watch SE are due for these refreshes. It seems Apple is ready to give these devices the attention they need.
The biggest news might be for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Gurman reported late last year that this next version could let users send short messages using satellites. This means you could reach out even when your phone has no service or Wi-Fi. Think about being on a remote trail or out at sea. This feature could be a real lifeline.
Making the Ultra able to connect via satellite would be a huge step. It would make the device much more independent from your iPhone. This is especially good news for hikers, athletes, or anyone who spends time off the grid. So far, the Apple Watch Ultra hasn’t seen many big changes since it launched in 2022. It got a new chip in 2023, and a black titanium color option also became available last year. A major addition like satellite connectivity would give current Ultra owners a real reason to upgrade. It also gives Apple something fresh to show off this fall.
But what about the Apple Watch SE? Well, it’s also set for an update, according to Gurman. The SE is Apple’s entry-level smartwatch. It’s perfect for people who want key smartwatch features without breaking the bank or needing every advanced option. The current SE hasn’t been updated since 2022, so a refresh is definitely overdue. We don’t have many details yet, but we can expect things like a faster chip, better battery life, or even some small design tweaks. It will be like getting a fresh coat of paint for the foundation model.
These new updates come as Apple’s wearable business has shown signs of slowing down. The division that includes wearables, home products, and accessories saw a 7% drop in income last fiscal year. The Apple Watch itself fell more than 14% and could see another drop this year. This makes the upcoming updates even more important.
If satellite messaging does arrive, Apple would be one of the first to offer it on a regular consumer smartwatch. Sure, Garmin has emergency satellite features on some of its outdoor gear. But it’s not a common thing on everyday smartwatches. This could give Apple a big edge, especially for people who love adventure and fitness. They will value reliable communication even when far away from cell towers.
It’s encouraging to see Apple potentially focusing more on its smartwatches. For a few years, changes have been pretty small. A more capable Ultra with satellite links could open up entirely new ways to use the device. An updated SE could also bring in many first-time smartwatch buyers. If Apple gets these updates right, they could help the company regain some of its lost energy in the wearable market. The real test will be if these new features truly benefit everyday users. Apple needs to balance innovation with the reliable quality its customers expect.
