I tested the Apple Watch Ultra 3's satellite connectivity off-grid, and it's even better than Garmin's

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• The Apple Watch Ultra 3 satellite service is free for at least two years.
  
• No extra apps or services are needed for family and friends, and you can send messages and location links.
  
• The watch guides you to successful connectivit,y and it even works with some light clouds and breaks in the forest.
  

When I got my first Apple Watch Ultra three years ago, I took it through the rigors of a Tough Mudder competition where it withstood everything I threw at it, quickly becoming my favorite smartwatch. I just spent some time with the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 trail running off the grid, and I'm happy to say that it continues in the same vein as its predecessor. 

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