In a recent discourse, there has been considerable deliberation surrounding the frequency of hardware updates for the Apple Watch Ultra, particularly in comparison to its counterparts in the wearable technology sphere.
While some assert that the Apple Watch Ultra will follow a yearly refresh pattern akin to its sibling wearables, others argue that it may undergo updates at more elongated intervals, similar to the AirPods.
Despite conjectures proposing release dates as far off as 2024 or even 2025 for the next iteration of the flagship smartwatch, renowned Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman has made a bold prediction, asserting that we will witness the advent of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 this year.
Notably, Gurman’s assertion has now found support from the reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
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Kuo recently took to Medium to expound upon the new wearable, christening it the “2H23” model, indicating its anticipated arrival in the second half of 2023.
Although this timeframe encompasses a broad range, it is reasonable to assume that the wearable will be unveiled in conjunction with the highly anticipated iPhone 15 during the month of September.
While Kuo’s mention of the release date is rather cursory, his primary focus lies in shedding light on Apple’s manufacturing process.
According to Kuo, the company is poised to embrace the utilization of 3D printing technology for crafting certain mechanical components of the watch, thereby streamlining production time and reducing costs.
Although specifics regarding these mechanical parts remain undisclosed, the existing Apple Watch Ultra comprises the digital crown, side button, and action button.
However, it is plausible that the second-generation device may introduce additional mechanical parts that remain veiled in secrecy.
Nonetheless, it appears improbable that the upcoming iteration will deviate drastically from its current counterpart, retailing at $799.
Apple has historically pursued incremental enhancements when releasing successive generations within a 12-month timeframe.
It is reasonable to expect that the forthcoming model will feature a swifter chipset and incorporate any supplementary health sensors introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9, ensuring it retains a competitive edge in terms of functionality against more budget-friendly alternatives.
A circulating rumor suggests that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will boast an enlarged screen, expanding from its already commanding 1.92-inch display to a colossal 2.1-inch panel.
While this may potentially accommodate a more capacious battery, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for such a development, apprehensive about the resulting bulkiness of the device.
However, it is worth noting that the speculation surrounding the 2.1-inch screen is explicitly linked to the advent of a Micro-LED panel projected for 2024.
Thus, it remains plausible that the forthcoming iteration launching alongside the iPhone 15 may retain a familiar aesthetic. If Kuo and Gurman’s predictions hold true, we shall gain certitude regarding these details in a mere two months’ time.
