What’s Coming For Each Apple Watch Series: Watch 10, Ultra 3, and SE 3

Olivia Garcia

a close up of a person wearing a watch

Apple fans are excited about the upcoming smartwatches from Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch 10 are expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 16 on September 9, 2024 and released later in the month (September 20, 2024). Tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the new features and upgrades that these watches will bring. These new models are poised to offer improved performance, enhanced health-tracking capabilities, and stylish designs.

While specific details are not yet available, rumors and speculation suggest that the new smartwatches will feature advancements such as durable designs, extended battery life, innovative health sensors, and larger displays. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to bring some exciting new features, possibly including improved health tracking and new workout modes.

The pricing for these new models is still uncertain, but experts predict that they will be priced similarly to the current versions. It’s estimated that the Apple Watch Series 10 might start at $399, while the Ultra 3 could be priced at $799, although these prices are subject to change.

Anticipated Advancements in the Apple Watch Lineup

Apple enthusiasts are always eager for the next generation of Apple Watches. Rumors and speculations about the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch 10 have been swirling around. While official announcements are still pending, here’s a roundup of what we might expect.

Apple Watch Series 10: Refining the Flagship

The Apple Watch Series 10 is poised to make waves in the smartwatch world, not necessarily through a radical redesign, but with a slew of under-the-hood improvements. A faster chip, potentially larger displays, and the long-awaited arrival of features like blood pressure monitoring and body temperature sensing could redefine what a smartwatch can do for your health and daily life. Stay tuned for Apple’s official unveiling, as the Series 10 might just surprise us with even more innovations.

  • Larger Displays: Rumors suggest a slight increase in display size for both the 41mm and 45mm models, offering more screen real estate for interactions and information.
  • Thinner Design: The Series 10 might feature a slimmer profile, making it even more comfortable to wear throughout the day and night.
  • MicroLED Display: A potential shift to MicroLED technology could bring significant improvements in brightness, contrast, and power efficiency to the display.
  • Advanced Health Sensors: Beyond the standard suite of health sensors, the Series 10 could introduce new capabilities, such as blood pressure monitoring or body temperature tracking.
  • New Band System: There’s speculation about a potential redesign of the band attachment mechanism, which could impact compatibility with existing bands.
  • Body Temperature Sensor: This long-rumored health sensor could finally debut in the Series 10, potentially offering insights into ovulation cycles and other health conditions.
  • S10 Chip: While expected, the inclusion of a new, faster S10 chip could deliver even more significant performance gains than previous iterations.
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring: Though less certain, rumors suggest Apple is actively exploring ways to incorporate blood pressure monitoring into the Series 10.
  • Price Increase: Some rumors suggest a potential price hike for the Series 10, especially if significant new features like MicroLED displays or advanced health sensors are included.
  • No Major Redesign: Contrary to earlier speculations, it seems increasingly likely that the Series 10 will maintain a similar overall design to its predecessors, focusing instead on internal improvements and enhanced functionality.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Pushing Boundaries

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is generating considerable buzz, fueled by anticipation of advancements that could solidify its position as the ultimate smartwatch for adventurers and athletes. Building upon the robust foundation of its predecessor, the Ultra 3 is rumored to push the boundaries of durability, battery life, and health tracking, making it even more indispensable for those who demand the best from their wearable technology.

  • Enhanced Durability: Building upon the ruggedness of its predecessor, the Ultra 3 is rumored to sport an even tougher build, potentially using a new titanium alloy for increased strength and scratch resistance.
  • Improved Battery Life: Battery life is always a point of contention for smartwatches. The Ultra 3 could introduce a larger battery or more efficient power management to extend its endurance.
  • New Sensors: Speculations include the addition of new health and fitness sensors, possibly for blood pressure monitoring or even non-invasive blood glucose tracking.
  • Upgraded Display: A brighter, more vibrant display with enhanced outdoor visibility is expected, along with potentially slimmer bezels for a more immersive viewing experience.
  • MicroLED Display: There’s speculation that Apple may introduce a MicroLED display in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This technology could offer significant improvements in brightness, contrast, and power efficiency, making the Ultra 3’s display even more impressive.
  • Black Titanium Finish: A potential new color option for the Ultra 3 is a black titanium finish. This would provide a stealthier, more sophisticated look for users who prefer a darker aesthetic.
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring: Although not confirmed, there are rumors that the Ultra 3 could include blood pressure monitoring capabilities, allowing users to track their blood pressure trends over time.
  • Sleep Apnea Detection: Another potential health feature is sleep apnea detection. This could help users identify potential sleep disorders and seek medical advice if needed.
  • watchOS 11: The Ultra 3 will likely run watchOS 11, which is rumored to bring new features like enhanced Smart Stack widgets, a Check In feature for Messages and workouts, a Vitals app, a Translate app, and improved workout features.
  • AI Enhancements: The new processor rumored for the Ultra 3 could potentially pave the way for future AI-powered features, enhancing the watch’s capabilities and user experience.

Apple Watch SE 3: Affordability and Features

One of the most intriguing rumors circulating about the Apple Watch SE 3 is the potential shift from an aluminum casing to a plastic one. This design change could make the device even more affordable, possibly dropping the price below $249. While this might raise concerns about the watch’s premium feel, it could make the SE 3 even more appealing to budget-conscious consumers and parents looking for a durable and affordable smartwatch for their children.

Additionally, there’s speculation that Apple might be aiming to enhance the SE 3’s appeal to younger users, potentially incorporating features or design elements that make it more kid-friendly.

  • Faster Processor: A speed boost is anticipated with the inclusion of a newer, more powerful chipset, enhancing overall performance and responsiveness.
  • Always-On Display: This highly sought-after feature might finally make its way to the SE lineup, offering convenient glanceability without raising your wrist.
  • Improved Health Tracking: While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the Ultra 3, the SE 3 is likely to receive some upgrades to its health-tracking capabilities, such as improved heart rate monitoring and SpO2 tracking.

Potential Upgrades Across the Lineup

  • watchOS 10: All new Apple Watch models will likely ship with the latest version of watchOS, which could bring new watch faces, improved app experiences, and enhanced health and fitness features.
  • Faster Charging: Improvements to charging speed would be a welcome addition across all models, reducing the time needed to top up your watch.

Table of Anticipated Apple Watch Upgrades

ModelPotential Upgrades
Apple Watch Ultra 3Enhanced durability, improved battery life, new sensors, upgraded display
Apple Watch SE 3Faster processor, always-on display, improved health tracking
Apple Watch Series 10Larger displays, thinner design, MicroLED display, advanced health sensors

Key Takeaways

Anticipated Features and Upgrades

The next Apple Watch models may bring exciting changes. New screens, better chips, and more health features could be on the way.

Design and Display Innovations

Apple might use microLED screens in the Ultra 3. These screens could be brighter and use less power than current ones. The Ultra 3 may keep its tough case but with a slimmer design.

The Series 10 and SE 3 may get OLED screens. These screens could have thinner edges and show colors better. The watches might look sleeker and more modern.

All models could get brighter screens. This would make them easier to read outside.

Performance and Battery Enhancements

A new S9 chip may power the watches. This chip could make them faster and smarter. It might help the watches do more tasks at once.

Battery life could get better too. The watches might last longer between charges. This would be great for people who use their watch a lot.

The Ultra 3 might get the biggest boost in battery life. It could last even longer on trips or during sports.

Health and Fitness Tracking

New health features may come to the watches. Blood pressure checking could be added. This would help people keep an eye on their heart health.

Sleep tracking might get better too. The watches could spot signs of sleep apnea. This would help users get better rest.

More fitness options may be added. The watches might track new types of workouts. They could give better tips for staying fit.

Heart rate sensors might improve. This could make the watches even better at spotting heart problems early.

Market Expectations and Analyst Insights

The new Apple Watch models are creating buzz in the tech world. Experts and fans are eager to learn about pricing, features, and release dates.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 might cost a bit more than the current Ultra, which starts at $799. This price bump could happen if Apple adds new tech like micro-LED screens or advanced health tools. The exact release date is still unknown, but it will likely come out in fall 2024. Apple usually follows a yearly update cycle for its watches. The Ultra 3 may launch with the Apple Watch Series 10 and a new Apple Watch SE.

Rumors suggest the Ultra 3 might not have many new features compared to the Ultra 2. This could affect how much people are willing to pay for it. Apple might need to keep the price the same to stay competitive.

Competitor Comparison and Positioning

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will face tough competition from other smartwatches. It needs to stand out against its own Apple Watch lineup and rival brands like Samsung. The Ultra 3’s high price and premium features put it in a unique spot in the market.

Apple might struggle to make the Ultra 3 seem worth buying if it doesn’t have many new features. Other brands are adding big upgrades to their watches. This could make the Ultra 3 less appealing to some buyers.

The Ultra 3 will likely keep its focus on outdoor and fitness features. This helps it compete with sports watches from brands like Garmin.

Expert Predictions and Rumored Leaks

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the Ultra 3 will have “almost no” new hardware upgrades. This hint suggests Apple might focus on software improvements instead. Other experts think Apple could add new health sensors or a better screen.

Leaks point to more energy-efficient OLED displays for the new Apple Watches. This could mean longer battery life, which is key for a high-end watch. Some rumors also mention AI features, but details are scarce.

The Apple Watch Series 10 might get more attention as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. This could affect how Apple markets the Ultra 3 alongside it.