Apple is releasing watchOS 26 with four new watch faces featuring the Liquid Glass design, including Exactograph, Flow, Waypoint (exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra), and Hermès Faubourg Party, along with updates to the Photos face and new features like AI Workout Buddy and Live Translation, available from September 15 for compatible devices.
Prime Day has ended, but many deals on Apple products remain, including $120 off the Apple Watch Series 10, up to $170 off the M4 MacBook Air, and discounts on accessories like USB-C cables and AirTags. The Apple Watch Ultra 1 is also available refurbished at a significant discount, and other accessories are on sale, making it a good time to buy Apple gear at reduced prices.
Apple plans to launch over 15 new products in fall 2025, including the iPhone 17 lineup with new models like the Air and potential Ultra, M5 Macs and iPads, major updates to Apple Watch and AirPods, new HomeKit devices, and revisions to existing products like AirTags and Studio Display, making it an exciting year for Apple hardware.
Apple's WWDC 2025 event is expected to showcase major updates including iOS 26 with a new design based on visionOS, deeper iPadOS and macOS integration, a gaming-focused macOS, potential enhancements for Apple Watch, tvOS redesign, and possible teasers for the iPhone 17 Air, amidst ongoing AI development efforts.
The next Apple Watch Ultra may feature satellite texting, similar to the iPhone's non-emergency messaging, and could include blood-pressure monitoring by 2025. Apple plans to replace Intel modems with MediaTek components, potentially supporting RedCap 5G for wearables. This move could attract Garmin inReach users seeking fewer devices, with Globalstar likely providing satellite service. However, the blood-pressure feature may not offer specific measurements, only alerts for potential hypertension.
Samsung is rumored to be developing the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, an Android competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra, featuring enhanced durability, a programmable Action Button, and improved water resistance. Expected to be unveiled at the next Unpacked event, the watch may also come in a "fan edition" and could be named the Galaxy Watch X.
A leak suggests Samsung's upcoming high-end smartwatch may be named Galaxy Watch X, featuring water resistance up to 100 meters and up to 100 hours of battery life, potentially surpassing the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The watch is expected to have a robust design, possibly using durable materials like titanium and sapphire glass, and may include advanced features such as a larger display, micro-LED panel, blood sugar monitoring, and sleep apnea support. The official announcement is anticipated at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10.
The release of Apple's highly anticipated Watch Ultra with microLED display is reportedly delayed until 2027 or later, as supply chain analysts believe that Apple won't be able to secure enough microLED displays at a reasonable price before then, with the current display reportedly costing $40 for Apple to assemble, while the microLED screens will likely cost around $150, posing a significant cost challenge for the company.
Apple has delayed the release of the microLED version of the Apple Watch Ultra due to supply chain constraints, impacting the company's revenue. The cost of producing a 2.12-inch microLED display is reported to be $150, compared to $38 for the current OLED panel, making it four times higher. This delay could affect the planned launch of the microLED Apple Watch Ultra, which was previously rumored to arrive in 2026, and may also impact the future incorporation of microLED displays in other Apple products.
Apple is not expected to release several anticipated products in 2024, including the iPhone SE 4, AirTag 2, a microLED Apple Watch Ultra, an iMac Pro, and any foldable iPhones or iPads. These products are now rumored to launch in 2025 or later, with the iPhone SE 4 featuring an iPhone 14 design and Apple's custom 5G modem, and the AirTag 2 integrating into a new spatial computing ecosystem. The microLED Apple Watch Ultra and the iMac Pro with a mini-LED display are also in the works for future release. Meanwhile, foldable device technology from Apple remains in development with no confirmed release date.
The author expresses satisfaction with their original Apple Watch Ultra, highlighting its outstanding battery life and powerful S8 chip. They find the new features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as the S9 chip and Double Tap gesture, to be nice but not necessary. The author particularly appreciates the Action button, which they use daily for launching the Workout app. Overall, they believe the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra is still an excellent smartwatch and see no need to upgrade to the Ultra 2.
Apple is reportedly working on a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra with a 10% larger micro-LED display, expected to launch in 2026. The switch to micro-LED technology will offer benefits such as higher brightness, enhanced color reproduction, better viewing angles, and improved battery life. The display size increase and technology switch are part of Apple's plans to revamp the Apple Watch Ultra, which currently features a 1.93-inch OLED display. The micro-LED panels are expected to cost two to three times more than the current OLED panels.
As Cyber Monday comes to a close, there are still great deals on smartwatches, including the Garmin Fenix 7 and Apple Watch Ultra. Choosing between the two can be challenging, but the Garmin Fenix 7 is recommended for sports enthusiasts with its superior running metrics display, on-device navigation, and longer battery life. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra is more suitable for everyday use, especially for iPhone users, with its seamless integration into daily life, Apple Pay, and better design quality. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences and needs.
The Apple Watch Ultra is currently available at its lowest ever price for Black Friday, with deals on both new and refurbished units. Despite being superseded by the Watch Ultra 2, the Watch Ultra still offers impressive features, integration with daily life, and sport tracking capabilities. The design and finish of the Watch Ultra are considered superior to similarly-priced Garmin watches. However, potential drawbacks include shorter battery life compared to Garmin models, limited integration with third-party sensors, and the availability of other Garmin smartwatch deals. Additionally, the high price may lead some to consider lower-tier Apple Watch models or the latest model, the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
A new auto-catching device for Pokemon Go called the Go-tcha Stealth has been launched, and it bears a striking resemblance to the Apple Watch Ultra. The device, which is limited to 50,000 preorders, features an aluminum body and a dial and quick button that closely resemble the Apple Watch Ultra. It is compatible with various watch bands, giving it a high-quality feel. Despite its similarities, Apple has not yet responded to the device.