Get ready for the release of Apple's next supercharged smartwatch
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the most anticipated smartwatches of 2024 – but there’s still plenty we don’t know about the upcoming release.
That’s where this guide comes in. Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors are hotting up ahead of the expected announcement next week, and you can get up to speed with this hub – we’ve been tracking everything you need to know for months.
Below, we’ll tell you when the Ultra 3 is likely to be announced by Apple, detail the most concrete rumors and price information, and even sneak in the new features we want to see most.
When will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 be announced?
We’re only two generations into the Apple Watch Ultra line, so predicting the company’s plans is trickier than with the also-upcoming Apple Watch Series 10.
However, given that the line has thus far followed the same yearly update pattern as its sibling, it’s safe to assume the Ultra 3 will be part of the annual refresh.
Apple has now also confirmed its annual fall event will occur on 9 September, and you can tune in from 10 am PT / 1 pm ET / 6 pm BST / 7 pm CEST.
This is when we typically see pre-orders open for the latest Apple Watch models, with shipping then commending the following week on Friday.
This year, that would mean a 20 September 2024 launch date for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors
Despite being very close to announcement time, rumors are still pretty scarce regarding the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Below we’ll summarize all the information that has trickled out throughout 2024.
Design – a new chip is very likely, but not much else
The key design rumor relating to the next generation of Apple Watch relates to microLED displays – but, at present, there’s very little else.
Rumor mill merchants and supply chain stalkers have remained transfixed on the idea of a microLED Apple Watch for years (or even a MiniLED Apple Watch). Yet, it’s a development that’s consistently swung between ‘nailed-on’ and ‘delayed’ or ‘canceled’.
The latest reports suggest the plan to bring the improved display type – which would deliver increased brightness, contrast, and improved battery efficiency – to the Ultra 3 has been postponed indefinitely, with a rumored key supplier seemingly being dropped by Apple.
We would be stunned if this latest twist is the last we heard on this one – but, as ever when it comes to a potential microLED Apple Watch, don’t get your hopes up.
No other major hardware changes have been rumored or are expected; a new chip to help things run smoother is about as exciting as things could get.
Features – blood pressure tracking and sleep apnea detection may debut
Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested in October 2023 that there wouldn’t be any significant upgrades brought to the 2024 Series models – and, though the Ultra 3 wasn’t explicitly mentioned, it’s fair to assume this also translates to the pricier model.
Apple’s take on blood pressure monitoring or sleep apnea is the most likely health feature to be added, yet Gurman suggested in July that the team has run into reliability issues during testing and is now more likely to arrive in a future model.
“There have been particular concerns about the blood-pressure feature working properly with the new Series 10 design,” Gurman noted, which means it could still make the Ultra 3.
Apple’s take on AI has also been strongly rumored to be a key focus alongside the latest watchOS 11 features. However, whether the new hardware performs better than older models will remain unknown until we begin testing.
Price – expected to remain in line with previous generations
Price leaks are relatively uncommon when it comes to any smartwatch, not least the Apple Watch.
For what it’s worth, though, we very much expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to cost the same as the first two generations: $799 / £799.
The only thing that could influence this, we think, is the changing nature of the Series 10 pricing. If that jumps up considerably, as is likely, Apple could keep things aligned by bumping the Ultra 3.
Apple Ultra 3 features we want to see
We won’t know any of the major Apple Watch Ultra 3 features until the company officially confirms the smartwatch, but there are a few things on our wish list after extensively testing the first two generations.
1. A smaller (and maybe larger) case size
A large part of the Ultra line’s appeal is in the in-your-face 49mm case – but it’s also prohibitively large for those with smaller wrists. And a bigger case also means it’s heavier, too, which won’t be to everyone’s taste.
We think it’s time to see Apple mimic what Garmin provides with its options in the Fenix 8 range, with a smaller version of the Ultra 3. And for those who find the current 49mm size insufficient, perhaps even a 51mm ‘Max’ version could be rolled out.
2. Improved durability
The Ultra range provides a step-up on the Series models in terms of durability, largely thanks to the sapphire crystal display and raised edges, but it’s still not up for being battered in the outdoors.
We still see plenty of cracked displays and scratched cases from Ultra users on Reddit, and we’d love to see Apple up the durability for the Ultra 3 (or at least reduce the price of repairs).
3. Multiple case colors
We thought it was virtually guaranteed that Apple would release an additional case color with the Ultra 2, but the titanium finish remains the only option.
Dark prototypes of the Apple Watch Ultra 1 have leaked online over the last few months, so here’s hoping Apple revisits the idea of more colors for the Ultra 3.
4. Improved battery life
We find it difficult to return to the Apple Watch Series 9 after a spell with the Ultra 2 – and the extra day or so of battery life is the biggest reason.
We’re not expecting the Ultra 3 to arrive with staying power on par with something like the excellent Garmin Fenix 8 or Enduro 3, but squeezing an extra day out from somewhere (perhaps a larger edition, as we mentioned earlier) would be most welcome.
5. Optimized sensors
This is a bit of a sneaky one, as it’s more software-related than a wish specifically related to the Ultra 3, but we’re really hoping for some deeper insights from the next-gen model.
Apple is expected to leverage AI for the next Apple Watch models, as we’ve already mentioned, and we’d love to see the wide range of sensors already in the device optimized to introduce exclusive training and health insights coming in watchOS 11 – or coaching programs, potentially.
