Apple Watch Ultra 3 Could Be An Underwhelming Upgrade Over Precursors

Apple is expected to launch the third iteration of the Watch Ultra. If the rumors are to be believed, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be launched alongside the new iPhones in September. However, the speculations hint towards an underwhelming upgrade.

Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable Apple analyst, has told MacRumors that the Watch Ultra 3 will have “almost no” hardware upgrades from the current Apple Watch Ultra 2. Sadly, the analyst did not share more details.

There is also no word on the software upgrades that Apple is planning to bring to the new watchOS 11. We also don’t know if the company is planning to tweak its hardware, like a new smaller version to the current model’s huge 49mm case. Only time will tell what Apple has in store for the users.

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Will Apple Watch Ultra 3 Be A Minor Upgrade Over Its Precursor

It’s also likely that the Watch Ultra 3 could pack an S10 chip, which would qualify as a minor upgrade. Overall, it seems the company’s next flagship smartwatch will not go heavy on the hardware changes.

Not a long time ago, it seemed like Apple wouldn’t launch a new Watch Ultra at all this year, with analyst Mich-Chi Kuo suggesting in October 2023 that the odds of a new Ultra variant are “decreasing.”

This was because of the new features like micro-LED display and "innovative health management features." Well, it seems the company will launch a new Watch Ultra this year but not with big upgrades. It seems to align with the company’s plan to launch a mildly updated version of the smartwatch.

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This Could Work In Apple’s Favor

The idea of providing a minor update could work in favor of the company. For people looking for a powerful smartwatch capable of handling most outdoor adventures, it could be a great alternative. 

But given the fact that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was itself a minor upgrade, it would be slightly disappointing to see the company repeat the trick this year. It seems that Apple has already hit the apex for smartwatch, when it comes to hardware, with the best smart rings making for ripples in the wearable segment.

Still, this hasn’t stopped Samsung from going all out with its "new premium models" in the smartwatch category. The smartwatch will be launched in the second half of 2024 and is even said to come with blood sugar monitoring.

Given that the company recently had to start shipping the Watch Series 9 in the US without the blood oxygen sensor due to a patent dispute, Apple’s wearables could face some heat this year for its rivals.