Apple Watch Ultra 3: More of the Same?

The Apple Watch Ultra is getting an update in 2024, with the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 expected this September. But before you get too excited, there’s a catch: according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Ultra 3 will see “almost no” hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Ultra 2.

This lack of innovation might leave some feeling underwhelmed. While we don’t have specifics on the changes planned, it suggests the Ultra 3 will be more of a refinement than a revolution.

However, there is a silver lining. The Ultra 3 is likely to benefit from the upcoming watchOS 11 update, bringing new features and performance improvements. Additionally, rumors suggest the next-gen Apple Watch (possibly called the X or Series 10) could boast exciting health-tracking features like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. These features might feature on the Ultra 3 as well.

So, is the Ultra 3 a disappointment? It depends on your expectations. If you were hoping for a major design overhaul or groundbreaking new features, you might be out of luck. But if you’re happy with the Ultra 2‘s functionality and are looking for the latest software and potentially improved health tracking, the Ultra 3 could still be worth considering.

While the rumors of a next-generation Apple Watch (possibly Series X) hint at exciting upgrades like blood pressure monitoring, it seems those advancements won’t be making it to the Ultra 3 this time around. This begs the question: with such potential leaps on the horizon, is a yearly upgrade cycle truly necessary for the Ultra line?