If Hayden Wilde crushing it with an Apple Watch, so can you.
Apple’s newest performance lineup is here: the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 and the AirPods Pro 3. Together, they create an ecosystem that supports endurance athletes from training to recovery and every transition in between.
After a month of training with the Ultra 3 and AirPods Pro 3, I can confidently say that Apple has leveled up its game for triathletes. These are not just lifestyle gadgets; they are training tools that rival some of the most advanced multisport wearables on the market.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s toughest and most advanced sports watch to date. With a 49mm titanium case, 3000-nit LTPO3 display, and 42-hour battery life (or up to 14 plus hours of continuous GPS tracking), it is built to go the distance. Whether you are training for a full distance triathlon or tackling a high-altitude trail run, this watch keeps pace.
Its multiband dual-frequency GPS delivers precision tracking for open-water swims and technical bike routes, while the depth gauge rated to 40 m and water resistance up to 100 m make it a true companion for ocean swims.
The new Precision Start mode and Action Button are major wins for multisport athletes. Precision Start lets you skip the three-second countdown, ideal for race starts that feel more like a cannon blast than a countdown. The Action Button allows instant transitions between swim, bike, and run legs or quick segment marking during interval training.
Cyclists will appreciate the automatic pairing with Bluetooth power meters and cadence sensors, while runners can take advantage of stride length, power, and track detection.
Swimmers get stroke recognition, lap counting, SWOLF scores, and live water temperature readings.
The Ultra 3 comes with built-in cellular across all models, meaning you can take calls, send messages, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby. It is the ultimate freedom watch for athletes who want to leave the phone at home.
Simply put, the Ultra 3 can guide you through your next training session or race and then help you find your way back to your car with Backtrack navigation and Offline Maps.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails for $1,099 CAD.
Training Smarter with Workout Buddy
Both the Ultra 3 and the Series 11 run on watchOS 26, which introduces Workout Buddy, an AI-driven feature that gives real-time feedback, pacing advice, and motivational audio cues throughout your sessions.
Workout Buddy integrates seamlessly with platforms like TrainingPeaks and TriDot, so athletes can sync structured workouts, interval sessions, and race simulations directly to the watch. With up to seven customizable data fields on the Ultra 3, you can choose exactly which metrics matter most – for example, heart rate zones, elevation, power, or pace.
Health and Recovery Meet Intelligence
For endurance athletes, recovery is as vital as training. Apple takes this seriously with new health features available on both the Ultra 3 and Series 11, including Sleep Score and Hypertension Detection.
The Sleep Score provides an easy-to-understand 0 to 100 rating, helping you track recovery quality.
The new hypertension feature analyzes your optical heart rate trends over 30 days to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure, an incredible advancement in wearable health monitoring.
Apple Watch Series 11
For those who prefer a lighter or more minimalist design, the Apple Watch Series 11 offers much of the same software power in a more compact form. Available in 42mm and 46mm aluminum or titanium cases, the Series 11 brings a new S10 chip, 5G connectivity, and 24-hour all-day battery life.
Its wide-angle OLED LTPO3 display reaches up to 2000 nits for easy readability under direct sun, perfect for long rides. The eight-hour GPS battery life makes it ideal for Olympic and middle-distance training.
You still get the full suite of sensors: heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep apnea detection, wrist temperature, and water temperature. The new hypertension alerts, Workout Buddy, and Sleep Score make it a legitimate upgrade for any athlete wanting a versatile smartwatch without the rugged bulk of the Ultra 3.
Series 11 pricing starts at $549 CAD for the 42mm aluminum model and goes up to $1,069 CAD for the 46mm titanium cellular edition.
AirPods Pro 3: The Soundtrack to Every Session
Training with the new AirPods Pro 3 completes the setup. The third-generation Pro features a redesigned fit with a longer, curvier stem and a new XXS ear tip, ideal for smaller ears or high-impact workouts.
The Active Noise Cancellation is noticeably stronger, making long flights or treadmill sessions more peaceful. The audio is rich and balanced, whether you are listening to a pre-race playlist or a post-ride podcast.
What stands out most for athletes is the new heart rate sensing capability, which lets you check your pulse directly through the earbuds when paired with your iPhone.
The real-time translation feature is a futuristic bonus for athletes racing or training abroad.
After weeks of testing, the fit held firm and the connection never faltered. At $329 CAD, these are easily the best AirPods Apple has ever made.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s latest lineup is more than an upgrade; it is a statement. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 cements Apple’s place among elite endurance tools, while the Series 11 gives athletes a lighter, more affordable option without losing key features. Paired with the AirPods Pro 3, the ecosystem feels designed for triathletes who want to train hard, recover smart, and live connected.
Whether you are chasing a personal best at your next race or grinding through winter base miles, Apple’s new lineup has the tools to support your entire journey from the swim start to the finish line.
Check out all the features of the new watch lineup and AirPods Pro 3 here.
The post If Hayden Wilde Can Crush It With An Apple Watch, So Can You appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.