Apple's latest Watch Ultra 3 just hit Amazon with a surprising $100 discount, bringing the premium outdoor smartwatch down to $700. This marks one of the first significant price drops for Apple's newest wearable since its release, making the 42-hour battery life and satellite messaging features more accessible to adventure seekers.
Apple enthusiasts rarely see the company's latest watches go on sale, which makes today's Amazon discount on the Watch Ultra 3 particularly noteworthy. The premium outdoor smartwatch has dropped to $700 across multiple configurations, marking its first significant price cut since launch.
The discount applies to three specific variants: the Black Titanium Case with Black Alpine Loop, Natural Titanium Case with Blue/Bright Trail Loop, and Natural Titanium Case with Light Blue Alpine Loop. Other configurations remain at the full $799 retail price, making this a targeted promotion rather than a blanket markdown.
WIRED's Adrienne So tested the Ultra 3 and came away impressed with the upgraded 42-hour battery life. During a weekend camping trip, she used the watch for navigation, activity tracking, and satellite messaging without needing to charge - a significant improvement over previous generations that typically required daily charging.
The satellite messaging feature represents the Ultra 3's biggest differentiator from standard Apple Watches. The capability allows users to send text messages and SOS signals when outside cellular coverage areas, directly competing with dedicated outdoor communication devices from Garmin and others.
Beyond the adventure-focused features, the Ultra 3 includes all the health and fitness tracking Apple users expect. The upgraded heart rate sensor can monitor for high blood pressure indicators, while the enhanced display offers improved clarity and durability through a strengthened protective layer.
The timing of this discount is particularly interesting given Apple's typical pricing strategy. The company rarely discounts new products within months of launch, suggesting either strong inventory levels or Amazon's aggressive push to capture holiday shoppers ahead of Black Friday.
Competitively, the $700 price point puts the Ultra 3 closer to premium offerings from Samsung and Garmin, though neither competitor offers Apple's ecosystem integration or satellite messaging at this price range. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra retails for $649 but lacks satellite features, while Garmin's comparable models with satellite messaging typically start above $800.
