Band Designed for Black Apple Watch Ultra Surfaces Online

[MacRumors]

Images of an Alpine Loop prototype designed for a black Apple Watch Ultra model today surfaced online, supporting rumors that Apple had plans to release a darker version of the device last year.

Prior to the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, multiple rumors suggested that Apple had plans to release a new darker color option that was originally tested for the previous model but ultimately canceled. When the device was announced in September 2023, it continued to only be available in the same natural titanium color as the first-generation model.

Now, further indication has emerged that Apple had plans to release a darker color option. The latest images, shared by "DongleBookPro" on X, show a blue Alpine Loop prototype with an anodized black titanium hook and lugs. The released version of the Alpine Loop has natural titanium trim to match the Apple Watch Ultra's casing.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1744716821553676298

Apple released the blue version of the Alpine Loop alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2, supporting previous indications that the company had concrete plans to release the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a black color option. In November, documents filed with the United States Federal Communications Commission revealed a black Apple Watch Ultra with a matching dark ceramic back, cementing the validity of earlier rumors.

The reason for Apple's decision to cancel the new colorway is unknown, but there is a chance that the company deemed the finish insufficiently durable for a device focused on withstanding extreme challenges. There have not yet been any rumors to suggest that Apple plans to revive the black colorway for the third-generation version of the device, but it could still be a possibility given how far developed the darker finish was for the current model prior to its release.

Article Link: Band Designed for Black Apple Watch Ultra Surfaces Online

 

[krspkbl]

who cares? it'll not work with this years model. new bands for everyone!

 

[CharlesShaw]

Having only one body choice made it a pleasure to buy the Ultra.

 

[iBluetooth]

I would have preferred this color.

 

[techno-Zen]

I originally posted these pics on your own forum in the Apple Watch board over a week ago. Nice job on the scoop lol

 

[jonnysods]

Wonder how that colour would hold up. I’m a rugged watch user for work/play and would love an Ultra.

 

[iSayuSay]

I thought the main point of having a raw Titanium color is so that it ages beautifully, means one fewer thing to worry about the coating getting peeled or scratched off.

 

[HeavenDynamic]

This is reminding me of the Gold iPhone X situation. Everyone thought it would come in gold and they were even gold iPhone X sent to the FCC for regulation tests but it didn't come to reality before the iPhone XS. I think we might see a similar situation with this black Ultra.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I thought the main point of having a raw Titanium color is so that it ages beautifully, means one fewer thing to worry about the coating getting peeled or scratched off.

My take was that it was simply utilitarian and it was that color because, yes, that’s just Titanium, and would probably get roughed up with use, so beauty was never part of the presentation, IMO.

 

[Supercyborgninja]

Often times I’d say products I don’t think look good from Apple grow on me..this one has not.

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.

 

[CharlesShaw]

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.

I agree, but it’s ugly in a practical way; not trying to be handsome and failing. I love using the flat screen so much and hope I never have to go back to rounded edges.

 

[throAU]

Often times I’d say products I don’t think look good from Apple grow on me..this one has not.

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.

I think the ultra is more interesting and attractive than the boring slab of glass with a crown that is the regular Apple Watch at this point.

 

[Born Again]

once you go black apple watch you never go back.

 

[Born Again]

I thought the main point of having a raw Titanium color is so that it ages beautifully, means one fewer thing to worry about the coating getting peeled or scratched off.

ages beautifully? Show me a photo Picasso

 

[RBJ1954]

Often times I’d say products I don’t think look good from Apple grow on me..this one has not.

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.

But it’s highly utilitarian.

 

[nburwell]

So looking at a potential March release then along new iPhone colors?

 

[Robert.Walter]

Could very well have been a batch to test finishes for some generations down the line. There are probably other colors tested too.

 

[Royksöpp]

My guess is it failed the durability tests. There is no way an anodized color like that could be durable enough for that kind of watch. The dark MacBooks can barely hold up to light impacts, imagine what a watch in that finish would look like?

 

[mimeArtist]

It needs to be ceramic if you're going for black like that

 

[YoItsTonyMorgan]

You're better off ordering the knockoffs on Amazon...they won't drain your wallet.

 

[jz0309]

Often times I’d say products I don’t think look good from Apple grow on me..this one has not.

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.

you don't need to get one, simple as that

 

[GrindedDown]

One very plausible reason for a last minute cancellation of the color was the current lawsuit that led to a temporary ban on the ultra 2 and series 9. If Apple had the knowledge a ban was possible prior to launch, they would certainly want to limit the number of impacted SKUs for such a product. The additional sku may have further driven sales and those extra sales would result in additional damages that need to be paid in the lawsuit or it would raise the settlement amount of the lawsuit.

I believe this is why we don’t currently have a space gray ultra 2.

 

[Supercyborgninja]

you don't need to get one, simple as that

I mean..I’m not obviously? But it’s very ugly still.

 

[Supercyborgninja]

I think the ultra is more interesting and attractive than the boring slab of glass with a crown that is the regular Apple Watch at this point.

If you want to argue it’s not ugly or not the ugliest, I think you’d be able to get me pretty good on that.

To argue it looks better than the regular Apple Watch? Yeah that’s like a Musk fan saying the Cybertruck is nicer looking than a plain Mercedes SUV.

It’s just not true by fact.

 

[jz0309]

I mean..I’m not obviously? But it’s very ugly still.

and you are also entitled to your opinion.
BTW, I love my Ultra