An affordable Apple Watch Ultra variant could be in the works as new FCC renders reveal a new design. Notably, Apple launched the Watch Ultra back in September 2022, followed by the Watch Ultra 2 earlier this year. Unlike the regular number series and SE Apple Watches, the Watch Ultra series is meant for extreme outdoor users and commands a premium price. However, there are many Apple Watch users who pick up the Watch Ultra for its exemplary battery life and rugged build. It seems that Apple might be working on an affordable Apple Watch Ultra, which might offer the same look and battery life but with some corners cut. Let’s take a look at the new details about the affordable Apple Watch Ultra.
FCC Renders Reveal an Affordable Apple Watch Ultra
The new Apple Watch Ultra renders from FCC have been posted by X user @ParrotSWD on the microblogging platform. We can see the same rugged exterior, which is the signature design of Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the usual placement of the digital crown, Action button, speaker grilles, mics, etc. However, upon closer inspection, there are a few differences that stand out and make us believe that this could be an affordable Apple Watch Ultra.
For context, both Watch Ultra and Watch Ultra 2 feature tough aerospace-grade Titanium case with a metal Action button and a colour-matched ceramic and sapphire crystal back panel. However, the FCC renders show the new Watch Ultra with a black ceramic back panel similar to the Apple Watch Series 9 and older. Additionally, the Action button seems to be redesigned and made from plastic, which is a far cry from the metal button on the Watch Ultra 2.
Now, these new changes hint that Apple might be working on an affordable Apple Watch Ultra variant. Or it could be working on bringing down the price of the Apple Watch Ultra series so that more users can pick it up. It will still be positioned above the number series Apple Watch Ultra but might not come with a price tag as hefty as it is now.
However, we suggest taking this news with a pinch of salt, since Apple is required to send various prototypes to the FCC ahead of the official launch. And considering the next Apple Watch Ultra launch is quite far down the lane, this could be a very early prototype and the final version might not be the same.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Specifications
To recollect, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a large 49mm dial with sapphire front crystal and 3,000 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the new S9 processor and is rated to offer up to 36 hours of backup on a single charge. It comes with a heart rate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, and tracks temperature changes. Other key features include a water resistance rating, on-device Siri, ECG, crash detection, and more.
