Apple Watch Ultra 3 development has yet to begin, and it may not be available next year: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple is preparing for its 'Scary Fast' event at the end of the month, where new MacBook Pro and iMac models are scheduled to be unveiled. The Cupertino, California-based corporation is also apparently working on a redesign of its iPad and AirPods portfolio for next year. However, it may be some time before we see the next generation Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may not be available in 2024, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its 'Wonderlust' event in September, with the current iPhone 15 series. While Apple's top-tier smartwatch is already in its second generation, work on Apple Watch Ultra 3 has yet to begin, according to TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said in his Medium blog that Apple has yet to formally begin work on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — an uncommon approach given the company's product development cycle.

According to Kuo, if Apple does not begin work on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 by December, it would almost certainly mean that the company's next Ultra wearable will not be available in 2024. "I think Apple hasn't officially kicked off Apple Watch Ultra 3 project because it needs more time to develop innovative health management features, ensure the manufacturability of new features, and address issues related to Micro LED production," Kuo said in a blog post.

The analyst also forecasted sales for the Apple Watch Ultra if a new model is not released next year. Shipments of the high-end watch are anticipated to dip by 20-30% year on year in 2024, while total Apple Watch shipments might fall by 10% to about 35 million devices, according to Kuo.

While a new Ultra edition for the Apple Watch may not arrive until 2024, Apple has a conveyor belt of items set to reach the stores next year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stated earlier this week in his Power On newsletter that Apple intends to release new iPad models around March 2024. According to reports, the business is working on updates for the iPad Air, the entry-level iPad, and the iPad mini. Furthermore, while the iPhone manufacturer will most certainly debut a revamped 24-inch iMac at its forthcoming presentation this month, a bigger Pro version of the iMac with a 32-inch display will emerge in late 2024 or 2025.

The company is also apparently contemplating a complete overhaul of its hugely popular AirPods portfolio. According to Gurman, Apple is preparing two new fourth-generation AirPods as well as a new version of the top-of-the-line $549 (Rs. 59,900 in India) AirPods Max headphones for release next year. The whole AirPods family will also receive USB Type-C charging, a new design, and considerable audio quality improvements.

Apple also released watchOS 10.1 on Wednesday, introducing the new double tap capability to its newest smartwatches. Users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 may now take a call, reply to a message, and do a variety of other operations by tapping their index finger and thumb together twice.

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