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New Ultra now or Wait?
- Thread starter JOHNGAETANO
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BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
Question: Do you own an Apple Watch now? If so what version/model?
My $.02. An Apple Watch will continue to operate long past its unsupported OS time - I know many people with unsupported Apple Watches and it works just fine with their iPhones on the latest iOS.
I've owned the AWU1, AWU2 (for 2 years), then the AWU3 as of September last year. The AWU3 has noticeably longer battery life - the 1hz screen is nice if you do AOD with seconds. Knowing my watch can connect to Satellite in an emergency is nice but I rarely run more than 5 miles. Fast charging is nice.
I had similar battery life on my AWU2 that I do on my AWU3. It was a noticeable leap from the AWU1.
AWU3 has the S10 chip. It should be fairly future proofed and will work just fine long past OS support.
That said... September is not far away. Maybe if you get a $100+ off deal on the AWU3 from BestBuy or something? Life is short. It took Apple 2 years to go from the AWU2 to the AWU3. Based on the lack of Apple Watch news in WWDC - I wouldn't be surprised if next year is AWU5?
Hope this helps.
GMShadow
macrumors 68030
Might as well wait to see if there's an Ultra 4 this fall. As has been said, the 1st gen isn't going to explode in September.
TSE
macrumors 601
Don't ever get the Ultra! Apple is going to nickel and dime you and not give you the updates that are rightfully yours!!! I lost the ability to update after only 3-4 years!!!!
The value is TERRIBLE!!!!
The value is TERRIBLE!!!!
jz0309
macrumors P6
I don't have an Apple Watch now. Ultra is the one I want. Ultimately, I don't want to miss out on the latest and greatest, but such is tech. And life is short... Waiting is just more time without it.
If you've waited this long, what's another 3 months?
I would have given you a different answer 2 days ago, but since Apple dropped OS updates for U1 and S5/7/8 yesterday, the current watch model U2/3 and S9/10/11 have basically the same 3 year old architecture/process so I for one would not buy any of those anymore as who knows how long those get OS updates, but that's just me.
If your that desperate, wait for a deal of at least $100 or more off.
I had the Ultra since they first came out and upgraded to the U2 when it got released, I've had S0/3/4/7 before and the Ultra is by far the best value of all AWs, for me that is of course.
If you've waited this long, what's another 3 months?
I would have given you a different answer 2 days ago, but since Apple dropped OS updates for U1 and S5/7/8 yesterday, the current watch model U2/3 and S9/10/11 have basically the same 3 year old architecture/process so I for one would not buy any of those anymore as who knows how long those get OS updates, but that's just me.
If your that desperate, wait for a deal of at least $100 or more off.
I had the Ultra since they first came out and upgraded to the U2 when it got released, I've had S0/3/4/7 before and the Ultra is by far the best value of all AWs, for me that is of course.
JPack
macrumors P6
100% wait. Ultra 2/3 have the same chip. Ultra 4 finally gets a new one along with a significant redesign.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
What do you think the chances are of them doing the Ultra 3 for 2 years like they did the Ultra 2?
I wonder if Ultra 4 is coming this fall? I mean shouldn't we already have seen dummy unit photos like we see with the iPhone Ultra, if such is actually coming? Since there is none, this makes me wonder if Ultra 4 will be just the same chassis as Ultra 3, or the worst case we just get the Ultra 3 with some new strap options (similar to what happened with Ultra 2 where they offered new chassis color only). And in case Ultra 4 is in the same chassis as Ultra 3, will it even get a brand new SiP, or again just new name for old SiP used since AW9/Ultra 2.
I'm pondering if it is worth to wait for Ultra 4 this fall...?
JPack
macrumors P6
Pretty low because we've already seen references to "Watch8" and the new CPU "T8320" back in August 2025.
jz0309
macrumors P6
I would agree that there will be a processor/SiP upgrade, whether or not the case will be redesigned, that is to be seen
JPack
macrumors P6
Still too early because mass production hasn't started.
Keep in mind information is money. The dimensions and shape may be fun for us to chat about, but for leakers and accessory makers, this information is worth real money because it provides a head start on manufacturing. There's a balance between selling the information publicly (for clicks and views) and selling it within the accessory maker circle.
Howard2k
macrumors 604
Is there a significant processor change in the offing and not just process optimization? I rather suspect there is, and it would be worth holding out for. Apple did major revisions to watch CPU microarchitecture in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023 -- so I'd say they're due.
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
LionTeeth
macrumors 6502
Not even sure you should get one at all. They'll just drop support for it in like a year now. And believe me when I say this is the test run. This new short lifespan will make its way to all of their products. No I'm not saying Apple is doomed. I'm just saying there's been an adjustment. Expect it everywhere
I wouldn't change the chassis at all, unless they've a shot at making it a touch thinner. The back of the watch is fine. The straps are fine, and their interchangeability should be maintained. It's the most comfortable watch I've had. They are clearly due for a substantial processor change though; these have cycled at least once every three years and the three year anniversary of this one is September.
Howard2k
macrumors 604
The difference between the U1 and U2 was the neural engine that was used for on-device Siri. It seems that there WAS a genuine technical limitation there.
jz0309
macrumors P6
Howard2k
macrumors 604
this gives you some detail, not everything though ...
Apple silicon - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Thanks, that's a great link.
Madonepro
macrumors 68000
I feel your anguish. Tech changes so quickly, that if you want the latest and greatest, it is but a fleeting visit.
Apple Watch gets an update each year, and since its initial release in 2022, the Apple Watch Ultra has 3 updates to hardware, and a year in which they simply added another colour. So what 2026 brings is unknown. Probability with the AWU, is a thinner case, and bezels, and due to the 'battery efficiencies'. suggest in watchOS 27, will likely have the same battery life.
I personally would wait, as it's approx 12 weeks away, and you could also check out if friends, Facebook marketplace or such like, have a cheap Apple Watch they are trying to sell, to inform your future decision better. There is a chance you might dislike the Apple Watch too.
Madonepro
macrumors 68000
Apple will be targeting the AWU 1 and2 users, but in particular the original AWU as it won't support full Siri. Depending on the hardware changes, it is something that will interest me, as a AWU 3.I’m expecting to see Apple present the AWU4 this September based on leaks coming out. There are several YouTube videos talking about new changes coming out . . .
If the AWU4 does come out in September, I will be upgrading from my current AWU2 to the new watch
Macdctr
Suspended
I’m an AWU2 user so looking to see if what does come out as AWU4 is worth upgrading. I’m still happy with my AWU2 so I will have to see when it comes out to decide for myself if it’s time for me to upgrade . . .
1rottenapple
macrumors 603
They haven’t posted any leaks of new designs and it’s 3 months away. I highly high highly doubt a redesign is happening. I think it’ll just be a chip upgrade or stay the course and no upgrades this year. Typically 6 to 8 months before a new device or redesign there’s leaks already.
With that being said ultra 1 here and perfectly happy with mine.