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Apple Watch fans had been hoping to see something significant from Apple this year to mark the 10-year anniversary since it was introduced to the masses.
The tech giant’s first smartwatch was unveiled in 2014 before going on sale in 2015, so there is some anticipation that Apple is preparing to mark the occasion with something big.
Here’s what we know about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 so far…
Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors
Design
Let’s start with what’s likely to be the only major upgrade to the Watch Ultra 3.
It’s unlikely that Apple will steer away from its iconic smartwatch design for this model but, according to TrendForce, the Watch Ultra 3 is going to be bigger than the Watch Ultra 2, which already comes in at 1.93-inches.
TrendForce’s report at the back end of 2023 hinted that we could be treated to a 10% increase in size to 2.12 inches.
This has raised some eyebrows, with many pointing out the fact the Ultra Watch 2 is already pretty hefty for a smartwatch and can feel heavy on the wrist. So much so, it’s difficult to wear all of the time.
Specs and Features
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already warned Apple Watch fans that they should expect “almost no” hardware upgrades in the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
It had initially been rumored that sleep apnea and hypertension detection could be introduced to the next Apple Watch release, but a current legal battle with California-based health tech firm, Masimo, could postpone those plans.
That’s because Masimo has claimed that Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring feature, which debuted with the Apple Watch Series 6, relies on technology owned by them. That feature has remained present in every Apple Watch launch since, despite Masimo filing a lawsuit in 2021, claiming it violated their patents.
It led to Apple agreeing to disable blood monitoring features on their watches until further notice.
That legal battle is still rumbling on so, unless a workaround is found by Apple, any new features that rely on that same technology will likely not be present in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, or any other Apple Watch for that matter.
Elsewhere, the only real major upgrade to get excited about is the potential introduction of microLED technology in the Watch Ultra 3’s screen. That would be a significant, brighter and thinner upgrade than OLED. But there are also conflicting reports on this.
Tech industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed plans for this have been shelved “for the foreseeable future” due to Apple’s planned supplier delivering disappointing results.
One report by Koren tech new outlet The Elec suggests we might have to wait until 2026 for micro-LED.
Hardware
Despite Kuo’s “no hardware upgrades” claim, Gurman has said the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature a new processor to succeed the Watch Ultra 2’s S9 chip.
This could, via MacRumours, “lay the groundwork for some AI enhancements down the road.”
Colors
The Watch Ultra 2 came in the same titanium color as the first-generation Watch Ultra. There were rumors ahead of the Watch Ultra 2’s release that a darker color may also be introduced, but that wasn’t the case at the time.
Apple also designed a dark ceramic back for the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which was never released, so there is hope it might finally arrive for the Watch Ultra 3.
What is the expected Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date?
There were expectations we should expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to be launched in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16.
However, at Apple’s Glowtime event on September 9, the anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 was not unveiled. Instead the company introduced a new color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2: a satin black titanium finish.
New Apple Watch Ultra 2 finish – and yes, they've successfully re-named the colour black again (satin black this time) #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/ujq8gY2o2k
— Arun Maini (@Mrwhosetheboss) September 9, 2024
This variant features a deep black hue with a brushed texture. Additionally, there is now the option of a Milanese loop bracelet in the same satin black finish.
The lack of an Apple Watch Ultra 3 reveal at Glowtime means we have no confirmed release window for when we might see the next iteration of Apple Watch.
How much will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 cost?
Unless Apple has been successful in keeping any major upgrades under wraps until now, it’s difficult to see a scenario where they increase the price from $799, which was the cost of the first two generations of Apple Watch Ultra.
Given there are currently no significant changes being made, aside from a potentially larger design, the prediction throughout the industry is that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be priced the same. However, if Apple includes more advanced features like microLED display technology or new health sensors, a slight price bump could be possible.
Featured Image: Apple
