Could an Uncharacteristic Delay Await the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

umors surrounding upcoming Apple products are intensifying as the company prepares for its next Special Event, the date of which remains unconfirmed. At the center of much speculation is the Apple Watch Ultra 3, particularly due to a deviation from Apple’s typical product release cadence. Rather than an update in 2024, the technology giant introduced a new all-black version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, disrupting its established pattern of annual or bi-annual updates for its smartwatch line.

Industry observers anticipate both the Apple Watch Series 11 and a new Apple Watch SE model will be launched in 2025. The initial Apple Watch Ultra debuted in 2022, leading to expectations of a follow-up release two years later; however, the subsequent release of the Ultra 2 in 2023 represented an unexpected acceleration. While not a transformative upgrade, the second generation marked a notable iteration.

The possibility now exists that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be postponed beyond 2025. This potential shift echoes a similar strategy employed with Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, whose hardware has remained largely unchanged for three years despite the introduction of a USB-C variant and recent hearing aid functionality. The AirPods Max, released in 2020, similarly illustrates Apple’s tendency to avoid product refreshes unless deemed necessary – only recently receiving a USB-C update while retaining its original audio capabilities.

Despite the potential for delay, indications suggest a new Ultra model is likely forthcoming. Beta versions of watchOS 26 reveal code pointing towards an increased display resolution of 422 x 514 pixels, compared to the Ultra 2’s 410 x 502 and the Series 10’s 416 x 496, suggesting a larger screen. The incorporation of Apple’s latest S11 SiP chip is also widely expected.

Further anticipated features include off-grid messaging capabilities—previously available on iPhones since 2022—and high blood pressure detection. However, the latter feature faces potential regulatory scrutiny, particularly given recent FDA investigations into similar wellness applications like Whoop’s Blood Pressure Insights, highlighting the blurred lines between health and medical devices. The launch details of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, along with a full reveal of what is in store for this year’s Special Event, will likely be confirmed within the next month.