Apple Prepares to Revive the Ultra: Two-Year Wait Nears End
For dedicated Apple Watch Ultra enthusiasts, the two-year lull in major upgrades is poised to end. Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong, as cited via @jukanlosreve, indicates that Apple is set to release the Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside the expected Apple Watch Series 11 later this year. If Apple continues its historical pattern, both are likely to debut in the September event that customarily showcases new iPhones.
A Gap Not Seen Since Apple Watch Series 0
According to Pu’s product roadmap for investors, this upcoming Ultra launch will mark the first significant update to the rugged smartwatch line since the Ultra 2. In 2024, Apple skipped a generational refresh for the Ultra, opting only to expand the color options with a black titanium variant. Such a pause deviates from the company’s previous annual cadence for flagship hardware updates.
Comparatively, Apple’s decision echoes previous instances in its hardware portfolio where product cycles shifted to longer timelines. The MacBook Pro and iPad Pro lines, for example, have seen incremental launches as the company refines its silicon roadmaps.
Satellite Connectivity and 5G: In the Pipeline?
Prolonged development cycles often signal significant changes. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reported that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may introduce satellite connectivity and 5G support. While both features remain speculative, Gurman’s reporting has historically aligned with many of Apple’s confidential plans, lending credibility to the rumors.
If adopted, satellite connectivity would position the Ultra distinctly within the smartwatch landscape. Emergency SOS via satellite debuted on the iPhone 14, and expanding this to the Ultra could reinforce the watch’s positioning for extreme conditions and off-grid activities. Similarly, 5G adoption would further close the gap between the Watch and iPhone, particularly in data autonomy for outdoor athletes and professionals.
Ultra’s Role Amidst Expanding Lineups
The pause in updates also reflects Apple’s broader strategy to distinguish the Ultra from the mainstream Series line. During the hiatus, only aesthetic updates were introduced, contrasting with the regular feature updates seen with Series releases. The Apple Watch Ultra line’s rugged focus and premium pricing aim at a dedicated, professional segment—an approach previously seen in Apple’s segmentation strategy for devices like the MacBook Air versus MacBook Pro.
Industry Moves and Forward-Looking Timeline
Industry observers note that the Ultra’s awaited refresh comes in a year when other Apple devices also face shifting roadmaps. Pu’s investor note (as summarized by sources) suggests a HomePad tablet may arrive this year, while the next-generation AirPods Pro could be pushed to 2026, diverging from some other reports and highlighting strategic prioritization across Apple’s product teams.
As the September event approaches, attention will remain fixed on how Apple defines the next phase of the Ultra, whether through substantive hardware innovation or strategic feature additions. Enthusiasts and industry insiders alike continue to weigh the credibility of these reports, with consensus building around satellite and 5G integration as the potential keys to ending the hiatus.