With the release of the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, Apple raised the bar for its line of smartwatches. But what’s next? Rumors are circulating about a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and we’re eager to know what upgrades and features we can expect. From improved health tracking to advanced connectivity options, here’s what we know so far about the potential Apple Watch Ultra 2 and when we might see it hit the market.
It’s highly likely that Apple will release an Apple Watch Ultra 2, given the success of the first-generation Ultra and Apple’s commitment to its product categories. Despite the disappointment of the first-gen full-size HomePod, Apple is still taking another shot with a second-gen model. Although rumors can sometimes be inaccurate and Apple can change its plans, we believe that the rumors about a new Ultra are credible and should not be ignored.
What might the name of the next Apple Watch Ultra be?
Apple may not name its next smartwatch the “Apple Watch Ultra 2” since the company tends to avoid straightforward naming schemes for most of its products. In the past, Apple has labeled most of its smartwatches under the “Series” name, starting with the second-generation core model, which was called the Series 2. The original Apple Watch, the Ultra, and the SE are the only exceptions. Apple may decide to follow in the footsteps of the SE’s naming convention, or it may create a new name entirely, especially since the Ultra’s competition is high-end fitness and adventure watches from companies like Garmin.
When is the release date of the Apple Watch Ultra?
The likely candidate is September 2023, since Apple has rarely stepped outside of a September update window for Watches. It could miss that month, but even if it does, we wouldn’t expect a launch any later than October.
What are the anticipated specifications and features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Given that there are no significant issues with the current-generation model, it’s expected that Apple will focus on refining the design of the Watch Ultra 2 rather than completely overhauling it. With resources being diverted to the mixed reality headset project, it’s uncertain what other upgrades the new Watch might have.
However, the Watch Ultra 2 will likely feature a faster processor, as Apple has introduced new processors every year since the first-generation model, and the Ultra lineup represents the company’s cutting edge. Additionally, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested that Apple is working on a first-party MicroLED display to replace the current OLED screen, which could result in even better brightness, colors, and viewing angles, although this technology won’t be available until 2024.
Apple has already packed the Apple Watch Ultra with a range of impressive fitness and health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, compass, altimeter, depth, blood oxygen, and dual-band GPS. The Series 8 also added temperature sensors, further enhancing its capabilities. While rumors have hinted at Apple’s interest in integrating blood glucose and pressure sensors, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that such features won’t be introduced until at least 2024. Additionally, since these technologies are medical in nature, they’ll need regulatory approval in various regions, including the US, Canada, and Europe. Overall, Apple is likely to focus on refining the Ultra’s existing fitness and health-tracking features rather than introducing major new ones in the next iteration.
What is the expected price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The pricing for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently a mystery, leaving many consumers wondering if it will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor with a similar price tag. The original Apple Watch Ultra was priced at ₹89900 in India, which may seem like a high price for a smartwatch but helped it to undercut some of its competitors. However, Apple has been facing challenges with supply chain issues and inflation, as well as its tendency to add features that increase manufacturing costs. These factors could potentially lead to a price increase for the upcoming model, but at this point, it’s all speculation.
What are our expectations for the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts put a lot of emphasis on recovery tracking, as it is crucial to build muscles after a workout, not during one. Platforms such as Garmin, Polar, and WHOOP already have robust recovery tracking features in place, and if Apple wants to cater to these audiences with the Ultra 2, it needs to include recovery tracking. Fortunately, Apple has a wealth of existing data, including sleep quality, blood oxygen, and training/activity load, that it can synthesize to achieve this. With a large number of health researchers working for the company, it’s highly likely that recovery tracking will be a feature on the watchOS 10, which should launch just ahead of the Ultra 2.
