While the Apple Watch Series 10 or X has leaked extensively recently, details about the Watch Ultra 3 are relatively sparse. Fortunately, a new rumor has shed light on Apple’s rugged and more premium smartwatch, which points to minor upgrades from the Watch Ultra 2 (review).
The last rumor about the Watch Ultra 3 rolled out late last year when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasted the Apple Watch model could be delayed until 2025. Kuo was looking at a few reasons for the delay. One of them was how Apple has been facing production issues with its adoption of microLED display in the smartwatch.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 launch date and features
Fast-forward to today, Kuo has now backtracked due to an earlier report which seemingly pushed the idea of the smartwatch being released alongside the revamped Watch Series 10 and Watch SE 3 (2024) later this fall.
In a message to MacRumors, the consultant and leaker did not expect to see any meaningful changes coming to the Watch Ultra 3. Rather, it seems the smartwatch will be a refresh from its predecessor, carrying over the same exterior and OLED touch display as the Watch Ultra 2.
Most of the improvements will likely be internal. With that, the Watch Ultra 3 could possibly feature a new SiP (system-in-package) with a more powerful and efficient processor. The chip might also enable a handful of generative AI features which will also arrive on the new iPad Pro and the iPhone 16 series.
Besides the new chip, the Watch Ultra 3 and Watch Series 10 are said to debut with blood pressure monitoring with alerts and sleep apnea detection features as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman last year.
Apple is also expected to launch the 3rd gen Watch SE. However, it’s unlikely it will receive the above-mentioned blood pressure monitoring feature. Similar to the Watch SE 2, it could drop some other premium features as well.
Apple’s next-generation smartwatches should debut alongside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro this fall. If the company doesn’t change its timeline, we’re looking at a September launch.
Do you think the Watch Series 10 is shaping up as a more exciting entry than the Watch Ultra 3? Let us hear your opinion in the comments.
