Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date estimate, predicted price & specs rumors
Could we soon see the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launch?
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Apple are all geared up to bring in a new wave of some of their most popular hardware. You may be thinking about new iPhones, but what about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date? Well, we’re closing in a on a year since the launch of the original Apple Watch Ultra – a high-end variant of their Watch line-up which boasts the very best specs Apple has to offer. That means it’s about time to be asking questions about the successor.
Along with the upcoming watchOS 10 release date, we expect to see the Ultra 2 arrive pretty soon. Considering Apple are throwing their latest event on September 12 to announce some fresh arrivals, we eagerly look forward to the launch of the new flagship alongside the Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 release window prediction
Quickly moving on to our current prediction for the release window. Until news officially arrives during the Apple event, we can predict that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will release some time in mid-late September. From what we’ve seen in the past (see below), Apple’s range of smartwatches have followed a strict September release schedule for the most part. Last year, the Ultra model released just a week after the Series 8 & SE gen 2, so we could see something similar this year.
It’s also worth noting that Apple have been releasing their smartwatches on a Friday, which opens up a possible release date of September 15, 22, or 29, the first two of which are similar to last year. Our current bet is on the 22nd, with pre orders arriving ahead of that date.
Apple Watch release date history
The release date reveals a clear pattern ever since the release of the Series 1 & 2 models way back in 2016. Since then, Apple have been releasing new watches every year in mid-late September, with the exception of the delayed Series 7.
- 1st generation Apple Watch: April 24, 2015
- Apple Watch Series 1 & Series 2: September 16, 2016
- Apple Watch Series 3: September 22, 2017
- Apple Watch Series 4: September 21, 2018
- Apple Watch Series 5: September 20, 2019
- Apple Watch Series 6 & SE (1st generation): September 18, 2020
- Apple Watch Series 7: October 15, 2021
- Apple Watch Series 8 & SE (2nd generation): September 16, 2022
- Apple Watch Ultra: September 23, 2022
It is important to note that the main series of watches are on a yearly basis, whereas the budget SE model is currently every two years. Since the Apple Watch Ultra released last year was the first of its kind, it isn’t yet known for sure whether it will too get a yearly launch schedule – but it is highly expected to.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 price speculation
When it comes to price, you can expect to pay some serious cash for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Upon release, it will be the flagship of the series after all. The current Watch Ultra is priced at $799, so we expect to see something similar to the follow-up.
Nothing has been made official just yet, but anywhere upwards of that $799 price tag is a good estimation, though we don’t suspect it will hit 4 figures. The Ultra still remains as the most expensive Apple Watch available, so Ultra 2 is likely going to come along and claim its spot.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 specs rumors
There has been plenty of speculation around the upcoming launch of new Apple Watches. That’s to be expected, given the fact that Apple always keep their lips sealed prior to events. T3 previously reported on leaks that the Ultra 2 will return in a sleek black color, but there are a few more substantial rumors out there.
Some upgrades to both the Series 9 and second-generation Ultra are said to include the improved sensors for speed and accuracy. The stand-out mention here is a new version of the optical heart rate sensor which is of course a popular feature for fitness lovers using Apple smartwatches. This information comes from an ever-reliable source: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He goes on to mention in his report that the new devices will feature a new U2 chip, an upgrade of the U1 which initially arrived back in 2019 which will improve location tracking.
A prior report from MacRumors reveals that Apple have been trying out 3D printed parts to speed up the process and save resources, again quoting Gurman – but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo too. Alongside the 3D printing, it looks like Apple may be using more recycled materials in general, though we’ll have to wait and see if this applies to the premium Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date FAQs
What operating system will Apple Watch Ultra 2 use?
It is all but confirmed that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be running on watchOS 10, Apple’s latest version of the operating system.
watchOS 10 is due to release alongside the latest Apple Watch line-up and already has a long list of features announced.
Is there an Apple Watch Ultra every year?
The first Apple Watch Ultra released back in 2022, so we await this year’s launch to see if the Ultra will be a yearly occurrence.
Based on current speculation, we highly expect to see Apple announce the Ultra 2 in due time.
