In 2022, Apple introduced the Watch Ultra, a new watchOS connected watch for adventurers and athletes. In 2023, the American brand will return with a second version of its very high quality watch to accompany the ninth generation of the classic Apple Watch. What’s new in the Apple Watch Ultra 2? What will be the price and release date? Here you will find all the answers to your questions.
The Apple Watch is undoubtedly the best-selling connected watch in the world. In the first half of 2023, Apple represented 26% of the global smartwatch market in the first quarter of 2023, well ahead of Samsung with 9%. Each year, more than three out of ten connected watches sold worldwide are Apple Watches. For this reason, the Cupertino company presents new models and new bracelets every year.
Also read – Apple Watch X: A comprehensive overhaul of the connected watch is planned for its 10th anniversary
Last year, however, she saw much bigger things than usual. The Watch Series 8 with an aluminum and stainless steel case. The 2nd generation Watch SE we tested. And the Watch Ultra, a new ultra-premium model whose design is very different from the classic Apple Watch. Its differences: only one size, a larger and brighter screen, dual GPS, a special bracelet system, improved waterproofing, a titanium case, an additional button, etc. The Apple Watch Ultra despite a retail price approaches 1000 eurosis a commercial success.
Photo credit: Apple
Photo credit: AppleAnd not just for athletes, adventurers and hikers. The more massive and square design appealed to consumers who found the original Apple Watch too small. Even the 45mm version. Fashion object. Sports measuring device. The Apple Watch Ultra will be renewed in 2023, keeping the basics and improving the range of functions with new sensors and new applications. In this file you will find all the information about this connected watch: design, sensor, function, price and release date.
📅 When is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be launched at the same time as the Apple Watch Series 9. The official presentation of the watches will take place at the same time as that of the iPhone 15, during a keynote broadcast on the Internet on September 12, 2023.
The Apple Watch Ultra will go on sale before the end of September. Two hypotheses are possible. Either it will be marketed at the same time as the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Series 9 September 22, 2023, after a week of pre-ordering. Either it will be marketed a week later September 29, 2023.
Keep in mind that the Apple Watch could not be marketed at the same time as the Watch Series 8. This was available at September 16, 2022like the iPhone 14, while the Watch Ultra was only available on the shelves of September 23, 2022. This is not the first time an Apple product has experienced a delay. The original Apple Watch and iPhone X are two examples.
💶 How much does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 cost?
The price of the Watch Ultra 2 is likely to remain very high. The watch is positioned in the ultra-premium segment and competes with traditional watch brands. The first Watch Ultra, which only comes in one configuration, is sold at 999 euros with a bracelet (Alpine, Trail or Ocean, of your choice).
American journalist Mark Gurman reiterated in July 2023 that Apple will sell its Apple Watch Ultra 2 more expensively than the previous version. So understand that the watch is sold above the 1000 euro mark.
This price increase has several reasons. First, the use of higher quality titanium, similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. We will talk about this in the design part of this file. Then the inflation on the costs of raw materials, components and energy.
⌚️ What is the design of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The design of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will largely follow that of the previous model. A 49mm rectangular case, more angular and massive than that of the classic Apple Watch. The special fastening system for bracelets. The 1.92-inch flat screen (the largest in the Apple Watch range) with protection around the edges.
Credits: Apple
The box retains all the resistance to the elements of the previous model. IPX6 sealing against water penetration. MIL-SDT-810H certification against vibration, pressure changes, radiation, temperature changes. WR100 diving certification (equivalent to 10 ATM, up to 100 meters deep). And EN13319 certification for the pressure probe (up to 40 meters deep).
The ergonomics of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 therefore follow those of the previous model, but with one subtle difference: the material used for the housing is different. Rumor has it that the titanium used here is another lighter and stronger alloy, which is one of the main reasons for the price increase. Also note that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is set to get a new color: dark gray.
Otherwise no change. The screen is still protected by the same material: synthetic sapphire. The same glass is located under the case, at the level of the biometric sensors.
⚙️ What are the new hardware features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 closely resembles the American company’s first outdoor watch. A few details separate them. We noticed some differences in materials and colors. There is also one inside: the SoC. Apple would use a new processor here to power its watch: the Apple S9. The same component can be found in the Apple Watch Series 9.
Photo credit: Apple
And it is thanks to him that the American brand’s connected watches are becoming more intelligent. In fact, the S9 is a processor that integrates an artificial intelligence and machine learning part. This component would be a derivative of the Apple A15 Bionic, the heart that powers the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 and 14 Plus.
The rest of the technical sheet should not change. Especially on the screen. This is a Retina LTPO screen with a maximum brightness of 2000 nits and a resolution of 338 pixels per inch, like the first Watch Ultra. Apple is still working on microLED technology without finding a good compromise.
You will find all the biometric and environmental sensors of the previous Apple Watch Ultra: heart rate monitor, thermometer, oximeter and ECG for the biometric part; Barometer, altimeter, pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer for the environment. There is also NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, ultra wideband sensor and eSIM. Finally, you’ll find the dual speaker, 542mAh battery, as well as 32GB of internal storage for storing Apple Music playlists.
For several years there have been rumors about the introduction of a blood glucose sensor in the Apple Watch. But it won’t be ready for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 yet. Current leaks explain that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 won’t get it. According to Mark Gurman, Apple still needs to perfect the algorithms and reduce the technology to integrate this functionality into the smartwatch body and still deliver reliable results.
This sensor could have provided real everyday convenience to diabetics who would have been able to measure their sugar levels more easily than with current, intrusive methods. Likewise, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not have a blood pressure monitor, a tool that would have perfectly complemented the heart rate monitor and ECG. A blood pressure monitor is used to measure blood pressure.
📱 What are the new software features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 works directly with the latest update of watchOS, the American brand’s operating system for connected watches. This is called watchOS 10. And it brings many new ergonomic and functional features. It is considered the first major evolution of watchOS since the launch of the original Apple Watch.
In addition to the introduction of new watch faces (particularly the one from Snoopy), watchOS 10 updates the interface of all system applications, whether weather, calling or even maps. It is now possible to adjust the interface colorimetry using a palette.
watchOS also inherits widgets from iOS. This allows you to access the usual functions more quickly than opening a special application. And with the digital crown you can navigate from one widget to another.
Another new feature related to the ergonomics of the information displayed: SmartStack. These are stacks of virtual cards that offer you actions to take and information to look up, depending on the context and your habits. Smart Stark will benefit the most from machine learning powered by the Apple S9 processor.
Also Read – watchOS 10: Here is the list of Apple Watches compatible with the next update
watchOS 10 introduces several health features: Time in daylight which calculates the time spent outdoors and Mindfulness to improve their well-being and mental state. On the sporty side Bicycle support has been significantly improved. Topographic maps also come on the Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. Group FaceTime calls are now available on the watch. Finally, watchOS 10 supports Namedrop, the virtual business card exchange system built into iOS 17.