The Apple Watch Ultra 2 could be in the works, bringing upgrades to last year's Apple Watch Ultra. Now that the company offers a smartwatch suited for runners and outdoor sports enthusiasts, we’re eager to see how the second-generation model will improve.
As an alternative to the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2022), the Apple Watch Ultra has the most premium features of any Apple smartwatch. The large screen, double the battery life, added action button and built-in siren are some of the reasons the Apple Watch Ultra is a powerful device. We found it’s even capable of replacing an iPhone, depending on your needs.
While we haven’t heard many rumors about the Apple Watch Series 9, predictions about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are starting to surface now that we know the next Apple event is taking place on September 12. Here’s what to expect from the next Ultra-branded smartwatch, from a possible release date and price to new features and upgrades we think could make it one of the best smartwatches yet.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date rumors
The Apple Watch Ultra debuted in 2022 alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2022). Some rumors suggest the Apple Watch Ultra won’t receive annual refreshes, but will instead be updated in 2024.
Based on a 2024 release date estimate, that would see the Apple Watch Ultra follow the same refresh cadence as the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE. The original Apple Watch SE came out in 2020, while the second-gen version launched in 2022, as we noted.
However, according to Mark Gurman, Apple does plan to reveal the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the fall of 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 line-up. Writing in his Power Up newsletter, Gurman claims the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (codenamed N210) will make an appearance at Apple's September event this year. Which means we might not have long to wait for our look at Apple's second-gen rugged wearable.
A second analyst, the reliable Ming-Chi Kuo, also said in a report in July that the Apple Watch 2 should arrive this fall.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 possible price
Price is one of the key differences between the Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra costs a flat price of $799, with only one LTE-capable configuration currently offered. That’s double the starting price of the Apple Watch Series 8, and the same starting price as the entry-level iPhone 14.
Though Apple doesn’t often introduce price changes between generations of the same product line, there could be a price hike for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. According to a report from DSCC, the next Apple Watch Ultra could feature a Micro LED display that costs five times more to develop compared to the current OLED screen. Pricier materials might mean a higher price tag.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 design
With a flat, 49mm display, the Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t look like any other Apple Watch ever sold. The second-generation version would likely continue the rugged look with a design and materials suited for outdoor sports.
There are a few things that are rumored to change, though. For one, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may feature a Micro LED display, that's once again according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. We’ve seen several years of speculation about a Micro LED display for the Apple Watch, and it could finally materialize in the Ultra series.
Why make a move to Micro LED? Apparently, people who have seen prototypes of the new smartwatch displays say that they “make content appear like it’s painted on top of the glass.” Brighter colors and off-angle viewing are benefits of Micro LED technology on TV-size panels, so we could see similar benefits on an Apple Watch screen.
A different design rumor says Micro LED isn’t the only change coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s display. Digitimes reports that the Apple Watch Ultra’s screen will grow from 1.9-inches (the equivalent of 49mm) up to a 2.1-inch display, pushing the display size over 50mm. That might be too large for some wrists, but a better size for others. Perhaps two configurations will be offered to give customers options.
Some of the Apple Watch Ultra 2's titanium parts could also be 3D printed, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. “Although currently the mechanical parts made by 3D printing still have to go through the CNC process for back-end processes, it can still improve the production time and reduce the production cost,” he wrote in a post on Medium.
We may also see Apple offer a new type of strap with this year's fresh Apple Watches, featuring a fabric band and a magnetic buckle-style strap. This sounds like it may be a smarter-looking strap than the rugged and sporty options Apple will currently sell you.
Apple Watch 9 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2
With the Apple event taking place on September 12, it’s not long until we see how the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 stack up.
If you’re going to be in the market for a new smartwatch soon, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will likely be strong options. That said, it’s possible not much will change compared to the Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra, meaning our advice holds steady.
Unless there are major changes Apple is keeping under wraps, we're guessing the Apple Watch 9 will be the better smartwatch for most people. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, is better for those who would benefit from the outdoor sports features, or who can justify spending $400 more for the premium design
Apple Watch Ultra 2 what we want to see
Longer battery life: Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra has double the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 8, but we’d like to last longer than 36 hours with normal use. It would need to last closer to a week to keep up with comparable Garmin watches such as the Garmin Fenix 7 or Garmin Epix 2. The new Apple Watch low power mode feature does extend the Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life to 60 hours by limiting functionality, but that would certainly make a stronger baseline estimate.
More band options: Reviews of the specialized Apple Watch Ultra bands are subjective. While plenty of other Apple Watch bands are compatible with the Ultra model, it would be nice to see a larger selection of straps made specifically for the premium Apple Watch. Whether it’s more colors of the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Loop, or straps made of different materials, added models would introduce greater customization options.
More action button options: The action button is one of the best features of the Apple Watch Ultra, giving users a convenient way to launch certain functions and emergency features from the side of the device. That said, the collection of action button commands is limited compared to all the things the Apple Watch can do. If the action button was compatible with third-party Apple Watch apps or even hidden Apple Watch features, it could help the device better cater to the individual needs of a given user.
Added health sensor: One downside of the Apple Watch Ultra compared to the flagship Apple Watch is that it doesn’t offer an additional health sensor. It has a skin temperature reader, SpO2 reader, ECG sensor, and heart rate monitor, which can all be found on the more affordable Series 8. If the Apple Watch Ultra 2 gets a blood glucose reader, blood pressure monitor, or other health sensor, it could help justify its higher price tag.
Same (or lower) price: Speaking of price, we hope the Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn’t more expensive than the original. At $799, it’s already one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market. If it becomes more expensive than an iPhone, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might be a harder sell.
