December 11, 2024 – According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the next generation of Apple Watch Ultra is poised to offer satellite connectivity, a feature that Apple first introduced in its iPhone 14 series in 2022. Initially designed for sending emergency text messages in areas without network coverage, this functionality has since been extended to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lines, but has yet to make its way into any Apple Watch model.
Gurman reports that the Apple Watch Ultra, slated for release in 2025, will gain the ability to connect to satellite networks similar to the iPhone. This will enable users to send off-grid text messages via Globalstar Inc.’s satellite constellation, even when there’s no cellular network or Wi-Fi available. While satellite connectivity was initially limited to sending emergency texts, Apple expanded its capabilities in iOS 18, allowing users to message anyone.
Apple anticipates that this new feature will encourage current Apple Watch users to upgrade to the new Apple Watch Ultra model. The third-generation Apple Watch Ultra is expected to hit the market in September 2025. Furthermore, the addition of satellite connectivity will strengthen Apple’s competitiveness against companies like Garmin.
The Apple Watch Ultra caters to outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, divers, and explorers. The satellite connection provides an extra layer of safety for those engaging in activities away from cell towers.
Currently, Apple offers a complimentary two-year satellite connection service for all iPhones, and it is speculated that the Apple Watch Ultra might follow the same model.
In other related news, Apple plans to transition from using Intel’s cellular modulators to MediaTek’s technology in future Apple Watch models. MediaTek’s modulators support 5G Recap, a 5G service designed for connected devices and wearables that don’t require standard 5G speeds. Currently, existing cellular Apple Watches still use 4G LTE technology, even though Apple has been utilizing 5G in its iPhones for several years.
