Images of an Apple Watch Ultra band designed for a darker version of the smartwatch have appeared online, supporting rumors that the company planned to release a second case color last year.
When the Cupertino company unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September, it did so just in the original titanium color that was available for the first-gen watch.
However, a black case was strongly tipped by those close to Apple's plans in the build-up - similar to the recently leaked prototype tested before the original Apple Watch Ultra launch. It never happened, but this latest indicator suggests that the information was perhaps correct.
Images shared on X by @DongleBookPro, shown below, show a blue Alpine Loop band for the Ultra that comes with black titanium hooks and lugs.
Space Black Apple Watch Ultra Confirmed? pic.twitter.com/aLjkJGCsg7
— Dongle (@DongleBookPro) January 9, 2024
It appears identical to the eventually released version that arrived for the Ultra 2 - available here from Apple - except for those metal components, again supporting the idea that a darker was again shelved at the last minute.
Naturally, the reason for any potential canning of the darker Apple Watch Ultra 2 case is still unknown - though it is likely, if we're speculating, that it was a durability issue.
So far, there's been nothing to suggest that the idea will be revived for the Ultra 3 or beyond, though we're still in the relatively early stages of the current generation's life cycle.
Expect to hear more towards September regarding design elements. It may just be the year we get an additional Ultra color to weigh up.
How we test
Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.