The speculation around Apple’s next-generation Apple Watch Ultra continues to fluctuate. A recent leak suggests that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 might be unveiled later this year.
According to a report from MacRumors, Ming-Chi Kuo, a supply chain analyst, predicts that Apple is likely to release a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2024. This is a significant shift from earlier reports indicating that Apple might not introduce a new watch this year.
Since 2021, Apple has been entangled in a legal battle with Masimo, resulting in a ban on selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the United States. The ban came into effect in January of this year.
Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging infringement of a medical technology patent related to blood oxygen sensor technology, first seen in the Apple Watch Series 6 with its SpO2 reader.
The US International Trade Commission initially imposed a ban in October 2023. Although Apple appealed the decision, the US Federal Court of Appeals denied the motion to pause the ban.
Subsequently, Apple removed the Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from the shelves and disabled the disputed features in watches that had already been sold.
The ban does not impact the Apple Watch SE (2022), which does not include the blood oxygen sensor. The SE remains a worthwhile purchase option for those in the market for a new Apple Watch. There’s also speculation that an Apple Watch SE 3 might be released this year.
If Kuo’s assessment holds true, we shouldn’t expect significant upgrades to the potential Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year. Previous reports suggested that the Ultra 3 was not on Apple’s development schedule.
Apple is likely focusing on addressing the technology involved in the current ban. Rumors also suggest that the Ultra 3 might feature a microLED screen.
Additionally, leaks indicate that the potential Apple Watch Series X (or 10) could include blood pressure sensing and sleep apnea detection features, which might also be incorporated into the Ultra 3. These are anticipated upgrades that consumers are looking forward to.
As we approach the Apple Watch’s 10th anniversary, which could be this year or next depending on interpretation, there’s speculation that Apple might celebrate with a special edition watch in 2025, especially if the fallout from the US watch ban persists.
