Apple introduced its latest wearable, the Apple Watch Series 10, at the highly anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9. However, the company made no mention of a follow-up to last year’s Apple Watch Ultra 2, nor did it announce an update to the popular Apple Watch SE. These decisions align with projections made by TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who, in October 2023, predicted that Apple would not be releasing a new Apple Watch Ultra model in 2024.
Kuo recently shared insights on X (formerly Twitter), forecasting that Apple plans to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025. According to the analyst, the Apple Watch SE will also see an update three years after its current iteration, with both models likely to debut in the third quarter of 2025. Historically, Apple introduces new smartwatches and iPhones during this period, suggesting that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the third-generation Apple Watch SE could arrive alongside the expected iPhone 17 lineup.
In a previous statement, Kuo estimated that Apple could see a 30% year-over-year reduction in Apple Watch Ultra shipments if no updated model were released in 2024, alongside a potential 10% decrease in total Apple Watch sales. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman supported these predictions, revising his forecast shortly before the launch event to suggest that Apple would only release a new color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rather than an updated model.
Looking forward, the Apple Watch Series 10 stands as Apple’s sole significant smartwatch update for 2024, with additional Apple product launches expected soon. The company is also anticipated to reveal new Mac models this October, including updates to the Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro, all expected to feature the new M4 chip lineup.