Apple Watch Ultra 3 Finally Coming After Two-Year Hiatus

[TheBobMiles]

Who are all the others doing it?
Where would that solar be Physically located?

Garmin and other sports watch brands use solar around the display to improve the watch endurance. Since the ultra is at least somewhat targeted to people in the sports and outdoor section this would make sense. But i really hope they figure out a way to put the panels under the screen, everything else would not look good imo.
This is the only reason I can think of why they would pit this weird solar button scene into the intro. It feels misplaced.

 

[cocky jeremy]

"Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested the Ultra 3 could gain satellite connectivity and 5G capabilities, features that would arguably help justify the extended development cycle."

I don't see any need to justify it at all, is it necessary we need a new Watch every year adding very marginal changes? I'd prefer it if they left it until they have something meaningful to add.

To be honest I expect them to leave the Series 10 this year with the focus being on the Ultra 3. Maybe we'll see an updated SE at some point over the year and then have the Series 11 next year.

At this point, I think the tiny updates every year on the Apple Watch are to get people that were on the edge of ordering the previous model but didn't. I don't think Apple expects yearly purchases on these, like many of us do on phones.

 

[hieranonymous]

I hope there’s a new pulse oximeter that sidesteps Masimo’s patents, since Apple doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to settle with them.

It’s absolutely wild that Apple’s smartwatches have been shipping with a disabled sensor inside the United States for over eighteen months now. This is an elementary feature that even the cheapest no-name fitness trackers offer.

 

[jz0309]

Garmin and other sports watch brands use solar around the display to improve the watch endurance. Since the ultra is at least somewhat targeted to people in the sports and outdoor section this would make sense. But i really hope they figure out a way to put the panels under the screen, everything else would not look good imo.
This is the only reason I can think of why they would pit this weird solar button scene into the intro. It feels misplaced.

Not an expert in solar, but panels under the display - efficiency would be low so the benefit might not be there.
And around the display? Ultra is rated for 100m depth, that has to be embedded into the solar design, so again, not sure the benefit is there

 

[jz0309]

I hope there’s a new pulse oximeter that sidesteps Masimo’s patents, since Apple doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to settle with them.

It’s absolutely wild that Apple’s smartwatches have been shipping with a disabled sensor inside the United States for over eighteen months now. This is an elementary feature that even the cheapest no-name fitness trackers offer.

Agree, it’s a must have for me to upgrade.
There are folks out here that don’t seem to care but for others it’s important.

 

[NickTheo]

Considering the new home platform will be overly reliant on Siri, shouldn't they wait until the Apple Intelligence Siri is released to put out what could turn out to be a badly implemented and DOA product? Airpods Pro 3 feels like an automatic win for a company that really *really* needs a win right now. Sometimes you just gotta play the hits Tim.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wouldn't get super excited.

I'm sure the update will be an identical watch with a spec bump, just like AWU to AWU2 was.

Maybe some new bands.

 

[wagszilla]

I like my Ultra S2 but I plan on switching to Garmin in 2027.

I don't need crazy advanced tech, just the basics:

1. Better battery life
2. Better social network features ala Fitbit
3. Better fitness features, stats, exportable data ala Garmin

It just doesn't fill any void. It's not a casual fitness device, not a hobbyist fitness device, or for serious athletes.

And app switching and management leaves something to be desired.

 

[hieranonymous]

Given Apple’s hardware development lead times, I totally understand why they shipped the Series 10 with the existing O2 sensor disabled, but hopefully the Series 11/UW3 will debut some new tech, especially if the blood pressure monitoring rumors pan out.

 

[jz0309]

I wouldn't get super excited.

I'm sure the update will be an identical watch with a spec bump, just like AWU to AWU2 was.

Maybe some new bands.

Well, given that Pu and this article say basically nothing about features, just that there will be a U3, you are correct that there is not really anything (in this article) to get excited about.
As usual, let’s see what Apple actually announces and then make decisions

 

[ELman]

It’s a different model number.
There are threads in the AW subforum where folks have gotten an AW from Canada and it apparently works fine incl SpO2 in the US.
But, do some research

Excellent, thank you for the information.

 

[roland.g]

Ultra 3 or Ultra 26?

 

[twolf2919]

Sales are falling off a cliff and THIS is what they expect to bring in new buyers? 🤣 Wait, wait, I almost forgot.. it will also feature fastest watch CPU ever!! And maybe some more Neural cores!!!

Where do you get the information that "sales are falling off a cliff" - or is that just your personal opinion?

 

[gh0stpr0t0c0lburner]

I like the Samsung approach in this regards, they ask you to calibrate your watch with the certified equipment every 28 days or so, this way both businesses are intact and you also get the convenience.

It's convenient to find some provider of medical equipment to calibrate this MONTHLY?

 

[tridley68]

Think I will be hanging on to my ultra 2 for a bit longer.

 

[TechWhisperer]

We probably get 30 minutes longer battery life, a new SiP and a couple of new bands. The only reason for me to upgrade my AWU2 would be next gen. sensors.

 

[tsa1]

I would like to see them double battery life. This would require the watch to be even bigger. If they do add that teased solar feature a 5 day battery would be amazing and perhaps 7 day in low power mode. Satellite calling would also be very useful for outdoors people.

 

[Pezimak]

I have my fingers crossed it will have the blood pressure monitoring in it, I will be interested then.

 

[twolf2919]

Buying the LL/A Ultra 2 was probably the best Apple purchase ever for me considering how long it remained the latest model and now that it is rare since it has SpO2 in the US. I got a discount too when Best Buy was getting rid of inventory.

I was under the impression only the Ultra 1 that I have has the blood oxygen feature - at least that was the reason I didn't get the Ultra 2.

My philosophy on Apple Watch upgrades, ever since the original one, has been and continues to be that I will get a new watch when there's at least one new sensor on offer. And, no, re-introducing one doesn't count - unless accompanied with a bunch of other new hardware features.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Ahem … Apple Watch Ultra 26.

 

[Will Tung]

I would love for them to bring back the white ceramic option for the AWU3 so I can finally replace my AW5 Ceramic.

 

[Adam-Jobs]

7 day battery life, pretty please.

 

[Robert.Walter]

I was under the impression only the Ultra 1 that I have has the blood oxygen feature - at least that was the reason I didn't get the Ultra 2.

My philosophy on Apple Watch upgrades, ever since the original one, has been and continues to be that I will get a new watch when there's at least one new sensor on offer. And, no, re-introducing one doesn't count - unless accompanied with a bunch of other new hardware features.

Same Philly here. Perfectly happy with my AW6 even with degrading battery life. I’ll happily hold out for a new sensor like BP or Sugar.

 

[xDKP]

Definitely expecting to see the next model this year. It will surely have an update display that supports the seconds hand just like the Series 10. Think it will have the same price as the current model.

Might do what the Ultra 2 got last year, and get some fresh colours and give the spot light to the ultra 3

Smaller bezel and better battery would be a dream

 

[TracerAnalog]

Sales are falling off a cliff and THIS is what they expect to bring in new buyers? 🤣 Wait, wait, I almost forgot.. it will also feature fastest watch CPU ever!! And maybe some more Neural cores!!!

Is there anybody left in Apple’s employment who understands what people who don’t autobuy Apple products just because they carry the logo actually want?

I'll bite... what do people want AND is technically feasible in 2025?