Apple Watch Ultra 2: Everything we know and what we want to see
Following longstanding rumors, Apple released a "pro" smartwatch in 2022 in the form of the Apple Watch Ultra. The product offers various enhancements over other Apple Watch models, such as superior battery life, extra durability, a brighter screen, and a dedicated action button. Can we expect an Apple Ultra 2nd generation? What upgrades might it have, and when could it ship? We've pieced together all the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors and the upgrades we'd like to see.
Will there be an Apple Watch Ultra 2?
There will almost certainly be an Apple Watch Ultra 2. While Apple never shares actual unit sales, the Ultra was well-reviewed by Android Authority and many other outlets. Apple also rarely launches a new product category without making a serious commitment.
There have also been rumors about a new Ultra, which we cover below. Those rumors could all turn out to be wrong, or Apple could spontaneously change its mind, but we doubt it.
Will it be called the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
"Apple Watch Ultra 2" won't likely be the official name of the watch. Apple avoids blunt naming schemes for most of its products, the obvious exception being the iPhone.
Most Apple Watches have been labeled under a "Series" umbrella, beginning with the 2nd gen core model, which debuted as the Series 2. The only exceptions have been the original, the Ultra, and the SE, and the SE's 2022 update is only sometimes marked "2nd generation" by Apple.
Our prediction is that the next Ultra will follow in the SE's footsteps, or become the Ultra Series 2 — we're just calling it the "Ultra 2" for the sake of convenience. Apple could try something different, especially since the Ultra's competition isn't regular smartwatches but high-end fitness/adventure watches from Garmin.
When is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date?
Original (Series 0): April 2015
Series 1 and 2: September 2016
Series 3: September 2017
Series 4: September 2018
Series 5: September 2019
Series 6 and SE (1st gen): September 2020
Series 7: October 2021
Series 8, Ultra, and SE (2nd gen): September 2022
The likely candidate for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launch is September 2023 since Apple has rarely stepped outside its September update window. It could miss that month, but even if it does, we wouldn't expect a launch any later than October. Apple insider Mark Gurman claims that an updated version of the Apple Watch Ultra should appear alongside the iPhone 15 this fall. However, reports have claimed that the watch may have been delayed due to the production costs of new display technology expected to appear in the device. That said, Apple could also skip a year as the company did between the Apple Watch SE and SE 2022.
What specs and features will the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have?
We have plenty of rumors related to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We've rounded up the best ones below.
Design
Apple will probably refine the Watch Ultra 2's design rather than attempt an overhaul. There aren't any conspicuous problems with the current-gen model, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple is diverting resources from other product lines to get the Apple Vision Pro to shelves. The Watch team hasn't been mentioned in that respect, but if true, the claim suggests where Apple's priorities lie. The Vision Pro was showcased at WWDC and is expected to land in early 2024.
Anything else is mostly speculation at this point. Gurman says that Apple is working on a first-party MicroLED display for the Ultra lineup, meant to replace the current OLED screen, and predicts it will arrive in 2024. In theory, that technology could enable even better brightness, colors, and viewing angles. However, display analyst Ross Young later claimed there was a delay, and the new screen wouldn't arrive until the second half of 2025. Korean outlet The Elec claims that the deadline has been pushed once again to 2026. This means either this technology likely won't make it into the Ultra 2, or the watch could be delayed.
If there are any changes to the design, it could be in the form of the display's size. According to a rumor from Digitimes, the size of the screen could increase from 1.9 inches to 2.1 inches. A larger display could pair especially well with the UI overhaul users can now expect via WatchOS 10, which the company announced at WWDC. First and foremost, Apple is bringing back widgets for more information at a glance. Spinning the digital crown will now scroll through these tappable widgets for information about everything from the weather to timers to favorite apps. Apple also previewed two new watch faces, including one featuring the lovable characters Snoopy and Woodstock.
One likely upgrade is a faster processor. Apple has introduced new Watch processors every year since the first model, and the Ultra lineup represents the company's cutting edge.
Fitness, health, and adventure
Apple's hardware for fitness- and health-tracking will likely remain static, except perhaps for minor refinements it can come up with. The Ultra already has heart rate, ECG, compass, altimeter, depth, blood oxygen, and dual-band GPS functions, not to mention the temperature sensors added in parallel with the Series 8.
Rumors have long suggested Apple's interest in adding blood glucose and pressure sensors to Watches, but Gurman says that's not predicted to happen until at least 2024. Those technologies will also need government clearance in regions like the US, Canada, and Europe since they cross over into medical territory.
Thanks to watchOS 10, a potential Apple Watch Ultra 2 will feature more workout metrics for cyclists, plus the ability to display added stats via Bluetooth-enabled bike sensors. watchOS 10 will also add more features to the Ultra's Compass app, including typographic maps, dynamic elevation details, and useful markers for identifying the last location users had cell reception. These niche navigation tools should help the line further compete within the adventure market.
Other upcoming watchOS 10 improvements include updates to the Apple Watch Mindfulness app and a renewed focus on mental health. Finally, Apple announced the update will add the ability to leverage your device's ambient light sensor to measure time spent outdoors. This is important for maintaining eye health.
See the rest of the article here...
https://www.androidauthority.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-release-date-rumors-price-specs-3273020/
Following longstanding rumors, Apple released a "pro" smartwatch in 2022 in the form of the Apple Watch Ultra. The product offers various enhancements over other Apple Watch models, such as superior battery life, extra durability, a brighter screen, and a dedicated action button. Can we expect an Apple Ultra 2nd generation? What upgrades might it have, and when could it ship? We've pieced together all the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors and the upgrades we'd like to see.
Will there be an Apple Watch Ultra 2?
There will almost certainly be an Apple Watch Ultra 2. While Apple never shares actual unit sales, the Ultra was well-reviewed by Android Authority and many other outlets. Apple also rarely launches a new product category without making a serious commitment.
There have also been rumors about a new Ultra, which we cover below. Those rumors could all turn out to be wrong, or Apple could spontaneously change its mind, but we doubt it.
Will it be called the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
"Apple Watch Ultra 2" won't likely be the official name of the watch. Apple avoids blunt naming schemes for most of its products, the obvious exception being the iPhone.
Most Apple Watches have been labeled under a "Series" umbrella, beginning with the 2nd gen core model, which debuted as the Series 2. The only exceptions have been the original, the Ultra, and the SE, and the SE's 2022 update is only sometimes marked "2nd generation" by Apple.
Our prediction is that the next Ultra will follow in the SE's footsteps, or become the Ultra Series 2 — we're just calling it the "Ultra 2" for the sake of convenience. Apple could try something different, especially since the Ultra's competition isn't regular smartwatches but high-end fitness/adventure watches from Garmin.
When is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date?
Original (Series 0): April 2015
Series 1 and 2: September 2016
Series 3: September 2017
Series 4: September 2018
Series 5: September 2019
Series 6 and SE (1st gen): September 2020
Series 7: October 2021
Series 8, Ultra, and SE (2nd gen): September 2022
The likely candidate for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launch is September 2023 since Apple has rarely stepped outside its September update window. It could miss that month, but even if it does, we wouldn't expect a launch any later than October. Apple insider Mark Gurman claims that an updated version of the Apple Watch Ultra should appear alongside the iPhone 15 this fall. However, reports have claimed that the watch may have been delayed due to the production costs of new display technology expected to appear in the device. That said, Apple could also skip a year as the company did between the Apple Watch SE and SE 2022.
What specs and features will the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have?
We have plenty of rumors related to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We've rounded up the best ones below.
Design
Apple will probably refine the Watch Ultra 2's design rather than attempt an overhaul. There aren't any conspicuous problems with the current-gen model, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple is diverting resources from other product lines to get the Apple Vision Pro to shelves. The Watch team hasn't been mentioned in that respect, but if true, the claim suggests where Apple's priorities lie. The Vision Pro was showcased at WWDC and is expected to land in early 2024.
Anything else is mostly speculation at this point. Gurman says that Apple is working on a first-party MicroLED display for the Ultra lineup, meant to replace the current OLED screen, and predicts it will arrive in 2024. In theory, that technology could enable even better brightness, colors, and viewing angles. However, display analyst Ross Young later claimed there was a delay, and the new screen wouldn't arrive until the second half of 2025. Korean outlet The Elec claims that the deadline has been pushed once again to 2026. This means either this technology likely won't make it into the Ultra 2, or the watch could be delayed.
If there are any changes to the design, it could be in the form of the display's size. According to a rumor from Digitimes, the size of the screen could increase from 1.9 inches to 2.1 inches. A larger display could pair especially well with the UI overhaul users can now expect via WatchOS 10, which the company announced at WWDC. First and foremost, Apple is bringing back widgets for more information at a glance. Spinning the digital crown will now scroll through these tappable widgets for information about everything from the weather to timers to favorite apps. Apple also previewed two new watch faces, including one featuring the lovable characters Snoopy and Woodstock.
One likely upgrade is a faster processor. Apple has introduced new Watch processors every year since the first model, and the Ultra lineup represents the company's cutting edge.
Fitness, health, and adventure
Apple's hardware for fitness- and health-tracking will likely remain static, except perhaps for minor refinements it can come up with. The Ultra already has heart rate, ECG, compass, altimeter, depth, blood oxygen, and dual-band GPS functions, not to mention the temperature sensors added in parallel with the Series 8.
Rumors have long suggested Apple's interest in adding blood glucose and pressure sensors to Watches, but Gurman says that's not predicted to happen until at least 2024. Those technologies will also need government clearance in regions like the US, Canada, and Europe since they cross over into medical territory.
Thanks to watchOS 10, a potential Apple Watch Ultra 2 will feature more workout metrics for cyclists, plus the ability to display added stats via Bluetooth-enabled bike sensors. watchOS 10 will also add more features to the Ultra's Compass app, including typographic maps, dynamic elevation details, and useful markers for identifying the last location users had cell reception. These niche navigation tools should help the line further compete within the adventure market.
Other upcoming watchOS 10 improvements include updates to the Apple Watch Mindfulness app and a renewed focus on mental health. Finally, Apple announced the update will add the ability to leverage your device's ambient light sensor to measure time spent outdoors. This is important for maintaining eye health.
See the rest of the article here...
https://www.androidauthority.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-release-date-rumors-price-specs-3273020/
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