The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 may only debut in September 2023, but time is already running out for the release of their successors. We round up all the news and rumors that give us some clues about what we might find in the Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 3 and if there will be a new Apple Watch SE in 2024.
Updated 04/09/24: The next Apple Watch could use a new screen that would save battery life.
Will Apple update the Apple Watch in 2024?
Apple will likely update the Apple Watch in 2024, as it does every year. We expect to see a new Apple Watch Series 10, a new Apple Watch Ultra 3, and a third-generation Apple Watch SE.
Apple has a fairly set release schedule when it comes to the Apple Watch line. Usually, new devices are announced during September events (alongside new iPhones). The new watch models then go on sale shortly after. The only divergence from this trend occurred in 2021, when the Apple Watch Series 7 didn’t arrive until October.
Here’s when the latest generations of Apple Watch were announced:
- Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 – September 12, 2023
- Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra 1 & Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) – September 7, 2022
- Apple Watch Series 7 – October 18, 2021
- Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation) – September 15, 2020
Apple Watch Series 10 release date
Based on the dates above, we’d say it’s very likely that the Apple Watch Series 10 will debut sometime in early to mid-September 2024.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date
Apple is also likely to update the Apple Watch Ultra at the same time as Series 10. Expect an update in September 2024.
Apple Watch SE 3 release date
Apple doesn’t update the Apple Watch SE every year. This model was introduced in 2020 and updated in 2022. Based on a biennial update cycle, we expect to see a new Apple Watch SE in September 2024.
How much will the Apple Watch 2024 cost?
Again, we need to look at past price action. Apple offers its Watch models in a variety of configurations, but here’s how the base models lined up at launch:
| Year | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series (41 or 40mm) | Apple Watch Series (44 or 45mm) | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – | Series 9: $399 / £399 | Series 9: $429 / £429 | Ultra 2: $799 / £799 |
| 2022 | $249 / £219 (was £259 at launch) | Series 8: $399 / £419 | Series 8: $429 / £449 | $799 / £849 |
| 2021 | – | Series 7: $399 / £369 | Series 7: $429 / £399 | – |
| 2020 | $279 / £249 | Series 6: $399 / £379 | Series 6: $429 / £409 | – |
As you can see, prices for all Apple Watch variants have remained stable in the US, with some fluctuations in the UK. There’s a good chance we’ll see similar pricing for the Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 3, and SE 3.
We’re expecting starting prices of $249/£219 for the Apple Watch SE 3, the Series 10 starting at $399/£399, and the Ultra 3 starting at $799/£799.
Apple Watch 2024: New features
While the 2024 Apple Watch launch is still a ways off, there haven’t been many solid rumors so far, but here’s what we’ve heard.
Analyst and leading rumor monger Ming-Chi Kuo published a list of expectations for the Apple Watch via his Medium page in October 2023, including the Debbie-Downer prophecy that: “The new Apple Watch 2024 n will probably not have significant innovative experiences.
Display
In this Medium article, Kuo indicated that we won’t see Micro LED panels in the new version, quashing a rumor that has been circulating for some time. He goes on to state that the display technology might not even make it to the 2025 model, but rather be introduced with the 12 series in 2026.
Extraordinary Bloomberg leaker Mark Gurman also discussed rumors of a new microLED display (although others say he might be referring to the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 model and not the Series 10. He also mentions
In April 2024, The Elec reported that Apple could use a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED display. This could make the screen more power efficient, thereby preserving battery life.
Apple Watch 2024: health features
Jim Martin / Foundry
Jim Martin / Foundry
Jim Martin / Foundry
Over the years, Apple has introduced sometimes life-saving health features with the Apple Watch, including heart rate and oxygen monitoring. What is happening in 2024?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in November 2023 that in 2024, Apple would add new health features to attract new customers and entice owners of older watches to upgrade.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
We know that Apple has been working on blood sugar monitoring for a long time. However, it seems that this feature still needs time to develop and may not be ready for a while, according to reports.
Kuo believes blood sugar monitoring will not be available. This will be bad news for those who manage various blood conditions and were hoping the Apple Watch would take some of the pressure off.
Blood pressure monitoring
Gurman wrote in early November 2023 that the next Apple Watch could have the ability to see when its wearer’s blood pressure is high. Although the watch does not provide systolic and diastolic measurements, it will record details in a blood pressure log and alert the user if they need to see their doctor.
Sleep apnea monitoring
The 2024 Apple Watch could gain the ability to check for sleep apnea by monitoring the user’s breathing and sleep patterns, according to Gurman.
Does Apple have plans for the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch?
In an August Power On newsletter, Gurman wrote that Apple was planning a redesign to celebrate the watch’s 10th anniversary, with a new Watch X bringing a thinner case and new magnetic attachments for the bands. This is all somewhat confused by the release date. The Apple Watch first launched in April 2015, so 2025 would be the 10th anniversary (in the messy way humans think), even though 2024 is when the Series 10 is expected to release. Uh, numbers.
Aside from these reports, we’ve learned very little so far about how Apple will approach the 10th generation of its blockbuster watch. Obviously, we won’t stay on this, as we will continue to scour the internet for more news and rumors, then update this article as we find them. While you wait for the next release, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Apple Watch deals currently available.
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