Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Which new smartwatch should you buy?

New Apple Watches are on the way. Apple’s big launch is less than a week away September 9th product launchAll signs point to getting a new one. Apple Watch 10 And Apple Watch Ultra3It is less clear whether one is Apple Watch SE3 is also on the agenda.

What will these new devices offer compared to the versions in 2023? And which will be the more impressive model? I have been following all the leaks and rumors since the day after the launch. Apple Watch Series 9 And Apple Watch Ultra 2 It launched last September. And while many details are still up in the air, we now have a good idea of what to expect on Monday in terms of wearables.

Based on everything I’ve learned so far, here’s how Apple’s upcoming smartwatches compare in terms of potential price, design, features, and battery life. Plus, keep reading to find out which one I recommend you buy (at least until you get some time with whatever Apple announces).

Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

I expect Apple to keep the prices of the latest Apple Watches consistent with last year’s models. That means the Watch 10 will likely start at $399 for the smaller model without cellular, while the Ultra 3 will likely cost around $799, the same as the Ultra 2 (which only comes with cellular).

As we mentioned above, Apple has a launch event on Monday, September 9th, and we expect to see the introduction of new devices at that event. The devices are expected to be released towards the end of this month.

Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: Design

It’s unlikely we’ll see any major design changes to either the Ultra or standard version Apple Watch this time stripes. However, larger screens may appear for both models.

Reports suggest that the display on Ultra 3 approximately 10% size jumpFrom a 1.93-inch panel to a 2.12-inch display.

The Apple Watch 9 is available in 41mm and 45mm, but some industry experts suggest that Apple is planning to ditch the smaller model in favor of the Apple Watch 10. new 49mm optionwhich is approximately Same size as Ultra 2.

(Image source: @concept_central)

The Apple Watch 10 is also likely to have thinner bezels, with the 45mm model featuring a larger display than last year’s version and a thinner overall design than its predecessor.

Rumors also suggest that the display on the Watch 10 will be straight edgeInstead of a rounded edge like on the Ultra series, it’s like on all other non-Ultra Apple Watches.

Unfortunately, it turns out that the Ultra’s customizable feature isn’t quite as good. Action Button It will be incorporated into the design of the Apple Watch 10.

Finally, the Apple Watch 10 could get a new magnetic strap attachment mechanism that takes up less valuable space on the underside of the watch case. Of course, that probably means the new Apple Watch won’t be compatible current generation belts. Ugh.

Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: Features and specifications

Expect Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 3 to launch running Apple’s latest watchOS 11 Software that includes new features like the ability to pause your Activity Rings and organize your Smart Stack more intuitively.

The updated software also brings the brand’s excellence Check In security feature It’s coming to Apple Watch for the first time and it’s a new Vital information app for monitoring key health indicators. Apple’s Translate app is also available as: watchOS 11, right now public betaIt supports 20 languages.

(Image credit: Future)

These are the features we know for sure, while the others are based on hearsay.

For example, adding Detection of sleep apnea and hypertension Both the Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 3 have been rumored for a long time. However, Apple’s ongoing Legal dispute with rival Masimo Given who’s copying whose blood oxygen measurement technology, these upgrades may not be included in 2024 models.

We still expect to see some new health-based features, though. For example, Training Load, a metric introduced with watchOS 11, measures workout intensity and calculates how it affects your overall workout progress.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Apple offered some sort of daily metric that reflected a user’s overall well-being, similar to Google/Fitbit’s. Preparation Score and Samsung’s Energy Points.

Finally, I think both new smartwatches will benefit from an upgraded processor, likely the latest S10 chip, which could make them more responsive and less power hungry. However, given Apple’s focus on the iPhone, I don’t expect many/any Apple Intelligence features to be included in the latest Apple Watches. iPad and Mac, with its new AI-powered tools.

Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: Battery life

(Image source: @concept_central)

One good reason why the Apple Watch Ultra series is twice the price of the standard Apple Watch series is its superior battery life. The Apple Watch 9 gets about 18 hours of use per charge, compared to 36 hours for the Ultra 2. Low power mode brings those numbers closer to 36 hours for the Series 9 and 72 hours for the Ultra 2.

Will we see longevity improvements in the final versions? Possible! According to someone Apple insiderThe company could use low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology in the displays of the new devices, potentially significantly improve power consumption without compromising on maximum brightness.

Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Which should you buy?

To me, the Apple Watch 10 seems like it would be the more noticeable upgrade between the two devices, especially if it launches in a new, larger 49mm size option.

Significant battery life improvements across Apple’s core smartwatch lineup would also make the Apple Watch 10 an obvious upgrade. While the Ultra series has long boasted best-in-class longevity, the Apple Watch 9 offers the same 18-hour battery as the Apple Watch 8 — in other words, it’s time for some improvements.

Of course, there’s still a big question mark over what health-tracking features these new smartwatches will or won’t have.

In the end, when Tim Cook steps off the stage and the lights come up in the auditorium, I’m sure the smartwatch people will be most excited about will be the Apple Watch 10, especially if it can be released for less than $400.