With all eyes on Apple’s latest revelations during the recent iPhone 16 launch event, many fans were left wondering why the anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 were absent from the announcements. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accuracy with Apple's supply chain predictions, had hinted earlier about this very scenario, pointing out the absence of new models was anticipated.
Kuo discussed his insights on X (formerly Twitter), confirming, "Apple Watch Ultra 3 was absent from this year's media event, which is in line with my prediction from about a year ago." His comments, reflecting back on last year’s predictions, sparked conversations around what consumers can expect to see from Apple’s smartwatch lineup as we move forward.
According to Kuo, the new Apple Watch models, including the Ultra 3 and the revised Apple Watch SE, are slated for release in 2025. Historical trends suggest these models could be revealed during the traditional September releases, likely coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 series. This means fans might need to wait nearly another year before seeing any updates to these popular devices.
While no new models were unveiled at this year’s event, Apple did highlight updates to existing products. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 received attention with the introduction of new cosmetic finishes, including the much-talked-about satin black variant. This finish is appealing, yet it leaves enthusiasts wanting more substantial upgrades, especially considering the limitations and lack of new features discussed during the event.
The Watch SE series, which hadn’t seen significant updates since its second generation launched back in 2022, is also due for refreshment. Kuo’s comment on the Apple Watch SE 3 indicates it will materialize alongside the Ultra 3. The demand for affordable, fitness-focused smartwatches continues to grow, and it’s likely Apple aims to capture this market with the new SE model, especially appealing to users who may find the Ultra’s features too extravagant.
Not surprisingly, speculation is already flying about what features the upcoming models might carry. Fans expect the new generation of watches to embrace some of the groundbreaking technologies introduced with the recent Apple Watch Series 10. Expectations are high for advanced features, including enhanced displays and new health functionalities.
The Series 10 recently introduced Wide Angle OLED screens, boasting up to 40% brighter viewing angles, which allows for easier readability at different angles, combined with more efficient power management. This could very well set the standard for the upcoming Ultra 3 and SE 3, especially with consumers increasingly prioritizing display quality.
One of the latest health trends dominating discussions around smartwatch features revolves around the incorporation of Sleep Apnea detection. While it's confirmed for the Apple Watch Series 10, whether it will make its way to the SE 3 remains open to speculation. Apple often reserves advanced health monitoring features for their flagship Ultra models, which may price the SE 3 out of such perks.
If you tuned in for the Apple Watch updates last week, the lack of new announcements was likely disappointing. The Apple community has been bubbling with anticipation for enhanced functionalities and designs, but it looks like the wait will go on for the Ultra and SE series. While such delays create frustration among tech enthusiasts, Kuo's insights suggest the anticipation may just mean Apple is preparing something spectacular to deliver when the time is right.
Looking forward, industry watchers suggest there’s still plenty to speculate as Apple gears up for its next set of releases. The overall reception to the Apple Watch Series 10 may influence the final feature sets seen on Ultra 3 and SE 3 models. The intersection of user feedback and company strategy rolling out innovations will be key as we inch closer to 2025.
All said and done, it seems the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 and SE 3 could potentially deliver on the high expectations set by their predecessors. For now, Apple fans interested in high-performance smartwatches will have to remain patient and keep their hopes high for the future promises of these upcoming devices. Meanwhile, those seeking immediate upgrades could explore alternatives among the current offerings, including existing Apple Watches, until the long-awaited refresh activates the market anew.
