According to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's next-generation Apple Watch Ultra may come equipped with satellite texting capabilities, allowing users to send text messages without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This feature, which was introduced on iPhones earlier this year, would enable users to stay connected even in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

In addition to satellite messaging, Gurman also reports that the Apple Watch Ultra may finally get the long-rumored blood pressure monitoring feature. Although the feature has been delayed in the past, it's expected to arrive as soon as 2025. The blood pressure monitoring feature would not provide specific measurements but would instead alert users if they appear to be experiencing hypertension, similar to other health features on the Apple Watch, such as sleep apnea detection.

Another significant update rumored for the Apple Watch is the inclusion of 5G RedCap support on at least some models. RedCap is a 5G service designed for wearables and IoT devices, which sacrifices maximum bandwidth for reduced cost and extended battery life. To achieve this, Apple is reportedly swapping out Intel modems in the Apple Watch for a component from MediaTek. However, it's worth noting that Apple has no plans to use its upcoming in-house modems for the wearables just yet.

The addition of satellite messaging could help Apple attract users who currently rely on Garmin inReach devices, which offer similar capabilities. Although the Apple Watch's battery life may not match the hundreds of hours offered by the inReach, the convenience of having a single device that can perform multiple functions may be appealing to some users. It's likely that Apple will partner with Globalstar, its satellite partner for the iPhone, to provide satellite service for the Apple Watch.

The rumored updates to the Apple Watch Ultra suggest that Apple is committed to enhancing the capabilities of its wearables, particularly in the areas of health and connectivity. As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple's competitors respond to these updates and whether they can keep pace with the tech giant's innovations.

In conclusion, the potential addition of satellite texting, blood pressure monitoring, and 5G RedCap support to the Apple Watch Ultra marks a significant step forward for Apple's wearables. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with its devices, users can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities in the future.