Apple Watch Ultra 3 Set to Arrive This Year After Skipping 2024
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to finally debut later this year, bringing relief to enthusiasts who have been patiently waiting. According to analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities Hong Kong, both the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Ultra 3 are slated for release, likely coinciding with the unveiling of the new iPhone 17 lineup, a pattern consistent with Apple's previous launch events. This projection offers a beacon of hope for those who felt somewhat neglected by the tech giant's 2024 strategy.
Indeed, 2024 saw Apple abstain from updating the rugged smartwatch, opting instead to introduce a black titanium color variant for the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2. Consequently, by the time September arrives, it will mark nearly two years since any significant enhancements graced the Ultra series. Such a considerable hiatus can build anticipation, and expectations are naturally high for what Apple has in store.
This forecast aligns with other industry experts who foresee a refresh across the Apple Watch range during Apple's fall event. Notably, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has hinted that the Ultra 3 might incorporate satellite connectivity and 5G capabilities. These advanced features, if realized, would provide a compelling justification for the extended development period.
Looking ahead to 2025, the broader Apple roadmap sketched by the analyst suggests Apple will launch its speculated HomePad tablet this year, while delaying the AirPods Pro 3 until 2026. This proposed timeline, however, diverges from some other recent forecasts, underscoring the inherent uncertainty in predicting Apple's future moves.
For those Ultra users who are still relying on their first-generation models, the impending release of the Ultra 3 could prove to be a worthwhile reward for their patience. The extended two-year development cycle has the potential to yield more substantial upgrades than what is typically seen in an annual refresh. Whether Apple has truly used this time to innovate remains to be seen, but the prospect of significant improvements is certainly enticing.
Source: Mac Rumors