Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that if they hadn’t begun work on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 by December, the device probably wouldn’t be ready for 2024.
Apple is preparing to hold its ‘Scary Fast’ event at the end of the month. During this event, they plan to reveal new MacBook Pro and iMac models. Additionally, the Cupertino-based company is said to be working on updating its iPad and AirPods lineup for next year. However, it could be a while before we witness the arrival of the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it’s possible that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 won’t make its debut in 2024.
Apple Hasn’t Started Developing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Ming-Chi Kuo
During its ‘Wonderlust’ event in September, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, in addition to its latest iPhone 15 series. Although the second generation of Apple’s premium smartwatch is already available, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in his Medium blog that Apple has not yet initiated the development of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This approach is unusual given the company’s typical product development schedule.
Kuo mentioned that if Apple doesn’t start working on Apple Watch Ultra 3 by December, it’s almost certain that the next Ultra smartwatch from the company won’t be coming in 2024. In his post, Kuo reasoned that Apple hasn’t officially begun the Apple Watch Ultra 3 project because they require additional time to develop innovative health management features, ensure the manufacturability of new features, and resolve issues related to Micro LED production.
Apple’s Future Product Lineup and Analyst Forecasts
The analyst also gave sales forecasts for the Apple Watch Ultra in case a new model doesn’t debut next year. Kuo estimated that shipments of the premium watch could decrease by 20-30 percent year-on-year in 2024, and he predicted that total Apple Watch shipments might drop by 10 percent to around 35 million units.
Although a new Ultra model for the Apple Watch might not make its debut in 2024, Apple has a busy schedule with a lineup of products set to be released next year. Recently, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned in his Power On newsletter that Apple intends to introduce new iPad models around March 2024. The company is said to be working on updates for the iPad Air, the entry-level iPad, and the iPad mini. Furthermore, while the iPhone maker is likely to unveil a refreshed 24-inch iMac at its upcoming event this month, a larger Pro version of the iMac with a 32-inch display is expected to arrive in late 2024 or 2025.
The company is also said to be preparing a comprehensive overhaul of its highly popular AirPods lineup. According to Gurman, Apple is getting ready to release two new fourth-generation AirPods and a new version of the top-tier $549 (Rs. 59,900 in India) AirPods Max headphones for the coming year. The entire AirPods lineup will also receive USB Type-C charging, a fresh design, and substantial improvements in audio quality.
Last Wednesday, Apple released watchOS 10.1, introducing the new double-tap feature to its newest smartwatches. Following the update, users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now double-tap their index finger and thumb to answer calls, respond to messages, and carry out various other actions.
