Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Big Screen Reveal: What the iOS 26 Beta Leak Means for 2025

Ever glanced at your smartwatch mid-run, squinting to read a text or check your pace, wishing the screen was just a smidge bigger? That’s exactly why I’m losing my cool over the latest leak about the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which dropped a major hint about a larger display in iOS 26 beta 5 on August 5, 2025. As a tech geek who’s logged countless miles with my Apple Watch Ultra 2 strapped on, I’m pumped about what this means for workouts, notifications, and just plain usability. This leak, uncovered in an image buried in Apple’s beta software, confirms a new display resolution for the Ultra 3, pointing to a bigger, better screen. In this blog, I’m sticking to the verified details, spinning them into a story that’s as gripping as an Apple keynote. Let’s unpack what this leak reveals, why it’s a game-changer, and what we can expect when the Apple Watch Ultra 3 lands—grab a coffee and let’s dive in!

The Leak That Got Everyone Talking

On August 5, 2025, Apple released iOS 26 beta 5, and eagle-eyed developers spotted something juicy: an image showing a display resolution of 422 x 514 pixels, a clear upgrade from the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 410 x 502 pixels. No current Apple Watch model uses this resolution, making it a dead giveaway that the Ultra 3 is getting a larger screen. This leak, reported by trusted tech outlets, is our first solid clue about Apple’s next rugged smartwatch, expected to debut at the iPhone 17 event on September 9, 2025.

I’ve been hooked on Apple Watches since my Series 5, using them for everything from trail runs to late-night email checks. The Ultra 2’s big, bright display already makes it a champ for outdoor adventures, but a larger screen on the Ultra 3? That’s the kind of upgrade that gets my heart rate up, promising easier glances at maps or stats without pausing my stride.

What We Know: A Bigger, Bolder Display

The iOS 26 beta 5 image is the star of this show, confirming a 422 x 514-pixel resolution for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Let’s break down how it stacks up against the Ultra 2 and what it means:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: 410 x 502 pixels, 1.92-inch display, 335.83 pixels per inch (ppi).
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: 422 x 514 pixels, with two possible scenarios:
  • Same Size, Sharper Visuals: If Apple keeps the 1.92-inch display, the pixel density jumps to 344.58 ppi, making text, icons, and watch faces crisper—perfect for bright sunlight or detailed apps.
  • Larger Screen, Same Density: If Apple sticks to 335.83 ppi, the display grows to about 1.98 inches, a 3.1% size increase, giving you more room for notifications, maps, or fitness data.

I’m betting on the larger screen, as Apple’s been pushing bigger displays lately, like the Series 10’s screen bump in 2024. A 1.98-inch display would make apps like Fitness, Maps, or Messages feel more immersive, letting me see my running pace or a hiking route without zooming in like a detective.

How’s Apple Making the Screen Bigger?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is already Apple’s biggest watch at 49mm, so how do they squeeze in a larger display? Based on the leak, here are the likely plays:

• Thinner Bezels: Apple could slim down the screen’s borders, maximizing display space without bulking up the watch. This trick worked wonders on the Series 10, giving it a bigger screen in a similar-sized case.
• Slight Case Tweak: Apple might nudge the case size up a hair, maybe to 50mm, adding room for a bigger screen and possibly a larger battery to power it. My Ultra 2’s battery already lasts days, so a bit more juice would be icing on the cake.

No confirmed details pin down Apple’s approach, but thinner bezels seem the most likely, keeping the Ultra’s rugged, wrist-friendly design intact. I’ve worn my Ultra 2 on long hikes and sweaty gym sessions, and any change that keeps it comfy while boosting the screen is a win in my book.

Why a Bigger Screen Is a Big Deal

A larger display isn’t just a fancy spec—it’s a game-changer for how we use the Apple Watch Ultra. Here’s why I’m so excited:

• Easier Readability: More screen space means bigger text and icons, perfect for quick glances during a run, swim, or climb. I’ve struggled to read tiny notifications mid-workout, so this could be a lifesaver.
• Richer App Experiences: Apps like Maps, Fitness, or Messages could show more info at once, cutting down on scrolling. Imagine checking an entire hiking trail or workout summary without tapping around.
• Crisp Visuals: If Apple goes for higher pixel density, everything from watch faces to weather updates will look sharper, especially in harsh sunlight—a must for outdoor buffs like me.
• Ready for the Future: A bigger screen paves the way for watchOS 12’s new features, set to debut at WWDC 2025, or Apple Intelligence upgrades, like smarter Siri responses or richer widgets.

I upgraded to the Ultra 2 for its bright, readable display during trail runs, and a larger Ultra 3 screen could make it the ultimate companion for my adventures, from mountain trails to marathon training.

When’s the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming?

Apple’s September 9, 2025, event—likely centered on the iPhone 17—will almost certainly unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 3, following Apple’s tradition of fall watch launches. The iOS 26 beta leak fits this timeline perfectly, as Apple often plants clues in beta software before big reveals. I’ve been glued to these keynotes since my first Apple Watch, and the September event’s always a thrill, with polished demos and that classic “one more thing” vibe (even if it’s rare these days).

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

Sticking to confirmed info, the display resolution is our only solid lead. Other rumors—like satellite texting, blood pressure monitoring, or a new S10/S11 chip—aren’t verified, so I’m keeping them out. But the larger screen alone is enough to get me hyped, and I’m betting Apple’s got more up its sleeve for September 9.

How to Stay in the Know

Want to keep up with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 buzz? Here’s my plan:

• Catch the Keynote: Tune into Apple’s September 9 event at 10:00 a.m. PT on Apple’s website, YouTube, or Apple TV app. I’ll be watching with a giant coffee, scribbling notes for every “wow” moment.
• Snoop on Betas: iOS 26 betas might drop more hints. Developers can grab them from Apple’s developer site to dig for clues.
• Check Trusted Sources: Sites like MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and The Verge will have live keynote coverage, perfect if you can’t watch in real time.

Wrapping Up: Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Screen Upgrade Has Me Stoked

The iOS 26 beta 5 leak from August 5, 2025, has given us a thrilling peek at the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s larger display, confirmed by a new 422 x 514-pixel resolution. Whether Apple slims the bezels or tweaks the case size, this upgrade promises better readability, richer apps, and a future-ready design for watchOS 12 and beyond. As someone who relies on my Ultra 2 for everything from trail navigation to quick replies, I’m counting down to September 9 to see this screen in action. It’s shaping up to be the ultimate rugged smartwatch, perfect for fitness junkies, outdoor adventurers, and tech nerds like me.

Mark September 9 on your calendar, fire up the Apple TV app, and get ready for Apple’s next big thing. Got a dream use for the Ultra 3’s bigger screen? Share it in the comments—I’m all ears and ready to geek out!