We already know that Apple has plans to upgrade its smartwatch lineup with cutting-edge features and other upgrades. According to Mark Gurman , Apple is planning to add a ‘texts via satellite’ feature to the next-generation Ultra smartwatch. Also, the giant is ramping up its work on blood pressure monitoring. These features are expected to arrive with the top-of-the-line Apple Watch Ultra 3, slated to arrive in 2025.
Satellite Connectivity on Apple Watch Ultra 3
With the Satellite Connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, users would be able to send text messages via Globalstar’s satellite network when there’s no Cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This would make Apple Watch Ultra 3 , the first Apple smartwatch with satellite technology. In 2022, this satellite feature was first introduced with the iPhone 14 , allowing users to contact emergency services if they were off the grid. With iOS 18 , Apple expanded iPhone 14’s satellite technology to allow sending texts to anyone, even in remote locations.
Image Credits: Apple
Currently, satellite connectivity is free for iPhones for two years. It’s unclear if Apple will charge for satellite connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra.
Blood Pressure Monitoring Coming to Apple Watch Ultra 3
In addition to satellite connectivity, Apple is gearing up to introduce blood pressure monitoring in future Apple Watch models, possibly in 2025. This feature would track blood pressure trends and alert users in case of hypertension. The measurements might not be precise, but early detection can help prevent heart strokes and related diseases.
Image Credits: Beebom
Blood pressure monitoring was previously set for a 2023 release, but we might finally get to see it in 2025. The addition is expected to arrive on the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3 and might make its way to regular models as well. With these additions, Apple aims to attract hikers and health-conscious users to upgrade to Apple Watch.
Other Changes to Future Apple Watch Models
Besides these two impressive additions, Apple is making an important change regarding the Apple Watch’s internal components. Gurman mentions that Apple will move from Intel’s cellular modems to MediaTek modems in some models. This will mark the first step in the adoption of MediaTek technology in Apple devices. We also know that Apple is developing in-house modems for the iPhone, but it remains unclear if they will be used in the smartwatch lineup as well.
These new features might help Apple to boost its sales in the wearables business. Gurman states that these innovations might generate more interest in the Apple Watch, giving users some solid reasons to upgrade.
Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.
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- Apple and Google have officially confirmed their team-up for the next-gen Siri AI.
- The Cupertino Giant will be using Google’s Gemini for a more personalized Siri model as well as Apple Intelligence features.
- We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April.
Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini’s capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line.
The Next-Gen Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC . Here’s what it stated, “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”
Image Credit: X/@NewsFromGoogle
Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple’s attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update . It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years.
The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices .
Something else worth noting is how Google’s statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools , Image Playground , and Message summaries, too.
Elon Musk Not Happy With Apple and Google Tie Up
xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google’s announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, “This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome.” Though we don’t expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses.
It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco , and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
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