Technologies

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 Could See Its Biggest Upgrade Yet

Clues in the iOS 26 public beta point to a larger display, expanded emergency features, and a few more surprises for Apple’s rugged smartwatch.

With Apple’s September 9 event officially in the books and rumors about its fall lineup gaining traction, the biggest clue yet about the new Apple Watches comes straight from the source. The notoriously secretive company may have tipped its hand regarding a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 in the public beta of iOS 26 (first spotted by MacRumors), where imagery reveals new screen specs that don’t match any current Apple Watch model on the market.

While Apple has yet to confirm the existence of the watch (and likely won’t until the event), the Ultra 3’s absence at last year’s launch along with its two-year upgrade cadence, make 2025 a prime candidate for its debut. Here’s everything we’re expecting for the Ultra 3 at Apple’s September event based on the latest reports, leaks and usual upgrade patterns.

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 design and display

If the leaked iOS 26 imagery holds true, the Ultra 3 will feature a slightly larger screen with a 422×514-pixel resolution (up from the Ultra 2’s 410×502 pixels). In keeping with Apple’s tradition of maximizing screen real estate without adding bulk to the already giant Ultra, the upgraded screen size wouldn’t increase the actual footprint and could be achieved by reducing the bezel size.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 performance

The Ultra is due for a performance bump to at least keep up with the S10 chip on the current Series 10 (the Ultra 2 runs on the S9 chip). The more likely scenario is that both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 get a new S11 chip that would typically bring faster performance and greater efficiency. The bump up in processing power could support new features such as enhanced GPS tracking, satellite connectivity, more advanced health monitoring and potentially some additional Apple Intelligence integrations like Workout Buddy which Apple announced in WatchOS 26 (and which I’ve started to think might be a bigger deal that it first appeared).

Apple Watch Ultra 3 satellite connectivity

One of the more intriguing Ultra 3 rumors comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has reported that Apple is exploring satellite connectivity for the next Apple Watch Ultra model. This would enable emergency messaging and location sharing even in areas without cellular coverage.

If implemented, it could build on the Apple Watch’s existing lineup of potentially life-saving features like emergency SOS, fall detection and car crash detection to outdoor enthusiasts going off the grid or even people who live in remote areas.

Gurman’s report also suggests the Ultra may gain 5G connectivity, a step up from its current LTE-only support.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 health and fitness

Several rumored health upgrades for the Series 11 could also make their way to the Ultra 3, the most anticipated being blood pressure tracking. According to Gurman, Apple is already testing the feature, though accuracy challenges could delay a public release this year.

Blood glucose monitoring is another long-rumored addition, but it’s expected to be even further out than blood pressure tracking, making it highly unlikely for 2025.

In another Bloomberg report, Gurman says Apple is developing a broader AI health initiative, code-named «Project Mulberry,» aimed at bringing personalized health and fitness insights to the Apple Watch. This would build on Apple’s recently announced AI powered Workout Buddy which delivers personalized motivation for certain workouts with Watch OS 26. The Ultra’s durability and long battery life could make it an ideal platform for round-the-clock training guidance, though based on current rumors, the rollout may be better aligned with a 2026 release.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery life

The Ultra already boasts the longest battery life of any Apple device (save for the Airtag of course), with up to two full days or 72 hours in low-power mode. While there are no concrete leaks about changes in battery capacity, pairing an S11 chip with a more efficient display could result in significant gains — potentially approaching three days or up to four days in low-power mode. The faster charging Apple introduced with the Series 10 could also make its way to the Ultra line, reducing the amount of time the watch spends off your wrist.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 price and release date

Barring unexpected price hikes from tariffs or component costs, the Ultra 3 is expected to keep the same $799 starting price as the Ultra 2.

Apple typically unveils its new watches at the same event as the iPhone, which this year is expected in early September (date not yet announced). If the pattern holds, preorders should begin a few days after the keynote and arrive in stores (or at your doorstep) one to two weeks after that.

Technologies

Don’t Know What to Watch? Samsung TVs Add AI Assistant Copilot to Help

The friendly Copilot avatar is now available to help answer those burning entertainment questions.

What’s an uplifting rom-com to watch on a rainy day? What are the most popular new horror movies? Is there a Taylor Swift documentary yet? What’s the latest Marvel movie I can watch for free? Don’t strain yourself thinking. Just ask your TV.

Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot is now available on certain Samsung TVs and monitors, helping viewers select which shows or movies to watch, where to catch up on past episodes and even how to learn more about the actors.

Copilot will be integrated into the 2025 Samsung lineup in the US and select other markets and eventually expanded to more models and regions.

«Copilot on Samsung TVs and monitors brings AI out of your pocket and into the heart of your home,» said David Washington, Microsoft’s partner general manager of AI, in a press release. «It’s there when you and your family want to discover something to watch together, get answers to your questions, plan your weekend, or simply hang out.»

Here’s how it works. Find Copilot in the Samsung Daily-Plus apps menu and click on it. Then press the mic button on your Samsung remote control and ask a question. You can make a very specific query about what to watch, or ask non-TV-related inquiries such as, «What’s the weather going to be this weekend? Who are the (insert your favorite sports team) playing tonight? When does Daylight Saving Time start?»

The Copilot avatar, an anthropomorphic beige blob, will tell you its answer and show you an image to go with it.

Is it useful?

CNET TV expert Ty Pendlebury is taking a wait-and-see approach about the feature.

«Both LG and Samsung announced support for Microsoft Copilot at CES, but whether people actually find having the AI on their TV useful is the big question,» Pendlebury said.

In his review of the LG C5 OLED, Pendlebury did not find Copilot to be as useful as it could be.

«Like any assistant, it’s a little finicky; for example, a search for Severance took me to a 2007 horror movie, while saying ‘Play Severance’ brought up the Apple TV show first,» Pendleton wrote.

For now, Copilot will be integrated onto these 2025 Samsung TVs and monitors in the US and other select markets, at no cost:

Micro RGB
Neo QLED
OLED
The Frame Pro
The Frame
M7, M8, and M9 Smart Monitors

Technologies

Google Has a New Device Protection Program: Here’s What to Know About Pixel Care Plus

You might worry less about cracks and spills involving your Google Pixel and Android devices — but that peace of mind will cost you.

Thinking about getting the new Google Pixel 10? Google has a new way to protect your new device at a monthly rate with a newly renovated device protection program, Pixel Care Plus, that replaces Google Preferred Care.

Pixel Care Plus covers damage from accidents, such as water spills or screen cracks. It also offers unlimited free screen repairs and battery replacements. Additionally, the program covers loss and theft protection with a separate plan. But before you gear up to register your smartphone or smartwatch, or if you’re worried about what this means for your Google Preferred Care coverage, here’s what to know.

How does Pixel Care Plus work?

According to Google, if your screen is cracked, you must file a claim online first. Once approved, you can get it fixed in person at a Google store or repair center listed on UBreakIFix. Google says Pixel phones’ front and back glass can be replaced, but the inner screens on Google’s foldable phones can’t be replaced.

Battery replacement coverage is only available for batteries holding less than 80% of the device’s charge. The program only applies to new devices purchased within 60 days.

If you have Pixel Care Plus, your device can be fixed at a repair location with Google-authorized parts. Google also promises free next-day shipping after your repair or replacement claim is approved.

How much is Pixel Care Plus?

There’s a cost. Pixel Care Plus has two plans: Pixel Care Plus, starting at $5 a month for the Google Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Care Plus with Loss and Theft, starting at $6 a month for the same smartwatch. The monthly cost may vary depending on your device. You can pay for either plan monthly or buy two years of support. Both plans can be canceled at any time.

What’s the difference between Pixel Care Plus and Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft?

The difference is evident from the names of the plans. Both Pixel Care Plus and Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft cover unlimited screen and battery replacements. Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft also covers your device if it’s lost or stolen. Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft limits two loss or theft claims over one year. There’s no limit for claims due to mechanical issues.

What Google Preferred Care subscribers need to know

If you’re already enrolled in Google Preferred Care plan, you will automatically be moved into Google’s new device protection plan in the coming months.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 29 #544

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for Aug. 29, No. 544.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is a bit of a puzzler, with a lot of short answers to find. If you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: A long time in the making.

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: You see these in national parks.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

HARE, CORE, CHOP, CHAR, ROCK, BOCK, TOCK, MALL, FALL, TALL, ROLE, ROLES

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers: