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Apple Watch Ultra 3 may sport satellite connectivity, new 5G cellular modem

RumorsWatchDennis SellersMarch 24, 2025
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Apple continues to work on plans for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring on the Apple Watch, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. And the tech giant has shifted oversight of the project from platform architecture chief Tim Millet to Zongjian Chen, the senior engineering leader overseeing the Advanced Technologies Group and hardware like modems, he added “Some view the transition as a sign the work may finally be progressing to a point where Chen, known as someone who delivers, can ramp up development of the technology into an eventual consumer-grade offering," Gurman said. “A potential breakthrough could come from Apple’s long-running noninvasive glucose monitoring project,” he adds. “First conceived during the Steve Jobs era, the effort aims to develop sensors capable of detecting elevated blood sugar levels without requiring finger pricks or blood draws. Non-invasive glucose monitoring for the Apple Watch has been rumored for years. For example, in May 2017, BGR claimed that plans to introduce a “game-changing” glucose monitoring feature in an upcoming smartwatch. And in January 2021, ETNews predicted that the Apple Watch Series 7, would sport blood glucose monitoring via an optical sensor. Obviously, we’re still waiting. But better that Apple take its time and get it right than release something too soon and too buggy. I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.  Also, check out my daughter-in-law’s “Scattered Words” website if you’re interested in unique, handcrafted jewelry made out of an array of vintage dictionaries, books, and even a few antiques.

The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature satellite connectivity and a new 5G cellular modem from MediaTek, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest “Power On” newsletter.

Support for satellite messaging on the Apple Watch Ultra — which is expected to arrive in September — would allow users to send texts when out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks, similar to how it works on iPhone. 

Apple first introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14. Since then, the feature has been added in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but not to any Apple Watches. All iPhones come with two years of connectivity for free.

In addition to satellite connectivity and a 5G modem, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may also sport a blood-pressure tool. 

This info from Gurman is from the free edition of “Power On”. If you like it, consider subscribing to Bloomberg.com—you’ll receive the newsletter earlier and get exclusive access to a Q&A section.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.
All posts byDennis Sellers

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