Allegedly arriving in 2023: Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2, but no SE3
Apple is set to unveil a trio of new watches in September according to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On Newsletter. The company plans to reveal the second generation of the Apple Watch Ultra (codenamed N210) and the Apple Watch Series 9 (codenamed N207 and N208), alongside a few other devices.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 – a bigger screen?
The Apple Watch Ultra made a significant splash, despite its high price tag, when it debuted last year. It launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 as something for the adventurer type.
This year, Apple is poised to upgrade it with a second generation device. While specific details about the upcoming watch’s features are not yet available, we can anticipate new health and activity tracking features based on Apple’s established trajectory of innovation.
Essential reading: Best fitness trackers and health gadgets
Some of this will come as part of watchOS 10. To remind, the next version of the operating system will bring new ways to navigate, a redesign of existing apps, cycling and hiking improvements, mental and vision health features and more.
Previous rumours indicate the Ultra will get a larger 2.13 inch display which should improve the viewing experience. However, it’s likely that we won’t see the transition from LTPS OLED to Micro LED just yet.
Two iterations of Series 9 but no Watch SE3
Alongside this we will get two more watches. We expect that these will manifest as two differently sized iterations of Series 9 – most likely a 41mm and 45mm. Apple has, in the past, demonstrated a penchant for diversity in watch sizes to suit a wider cohort of the population.
Which means no Watch SE followup in 2023. The Apple Watch SE was first introduced in 2020 as a more budget-friendly option. In the following year, 2021, Apple refreshed the SE range.
Earlier rumours actually predict the SE3’s arrival in 2024, offered in two case size options. More exciting than that, 2024 is also anticipated to see the launch of Series X, marking the ten-year anniversary of Apple’s flagship wearable
A busy few months ahead
The company’s upcoming lineup will not stop at wearables. Gurman shared that an M3-based 13-inch MacBook Pro is slated to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. Also expected are M3 Pro and M3 Max-based 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, M3-based MacBook Air models, and 24-inch iMac models. All of these will likely arrive in early 2024. Beyond that there is talk of the third-generation AirPods Pro and an upgraded Apple TV set-top box.
Reflecting on the history of Apple Watch, it’s clear that the company has consistently evolved and refined its offerings. The original Apple Watch, dubbed the Series 0, launched in 2015 with a rounded square OLED display, a digital crown, and a variety of swappable bands. The design has largely persisted to this day, with subsequent series bringing upgrades in terms of on-device performance and features. From the introduction of GPS in the Series 2 to the addition of an optional Cellular model in Series 3, each iteration of Apple Watch has moved closer to a comprehensive fitness tracking and wellness device.
Now all we need is for the company to do something about the dismal battery life. Unfortunately no word or rumours on any significant improvements on this count.
Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!
