Apple is planning big updates for its smartwatch, aiming to make it more useful for outdoor adventurers and health-conscious users.
By 2025, the Apple Watch is expected to have satellite messaging and a new blood-pressure monitoring feature, according to insiders speaking to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
But there’s a catch. The satellite connection feature is only set to appear in the high-end Apple Watch Ultra next year, say sources. This will allow users to send text messages even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals by using satellites from Globalstar.
Previously, satellite messaging was limited to iPhones starting with the iPhone 14, mainly for emergencies and roadside assistance. Now, it’s expanding to the Apple Watch, making it the first mainstream smartwatch with this capability. Dedicated satellite devices like Garmin’s inReach won’t be necessary if Apple Watch Ultra gets messaging in remote areas.
Apple is also developing a blood-pressure feature that may arrive by 2025, says Gurman. While it won’t provide exact readings, it will alert users if their blood pressure is unusually high, similar to how the watch tracks sleep apnea.
Apple Watches will also see hardware improvements. Future models are expected to use cellular modems from MediaTek instead of Intel, marking Apple’s first major partnership with the former. These modems will support a type of 5G called RedCap, which is designed for wearables and other small devices that don’t need high-speed internet. Currently, Apple Watches rely on 4G LTE and have yet to support 5G.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the company’s premium watch–starting at $1,099– and by slapping on the newest features first, it seems Apple is giving customers real reasons to open their wallets. Besides extreme hikers and explorers, Apple Watch Ultra has become a subtle flex for urbanites as it offers the longest battery life and looks more rugged than regular versions.