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Apple Watch Ultra 3, new Apple Watch SE reportedly coming next year

RumorsDennis SellersSeptember 10, 2024
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Apple continues to work on plans for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring on the Apple Watch, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. And the tech giant has shifted oversight of the project from platform architecture chief Tim Millet to Zongjian Chen, the senior engineering leader overseeing the Advanced Technologies Group and hardware like modems, he added “Some view the transition as a sign the work may finally be progressing to a point where Chen, known as someone who delivers, can ramp up development of the technology into an eventual consumer-grade offering," Gurman said. “A potential breakthrough could come from Apple’s long-running noninvasive glucose monitoring project,” he adds. “First conceived during the Steve Jobs era, the effort aims to develop sensors capable of detecting elevated blood sugar levels without requiring finger pricks or blood draws. Non-invasive glucose monitoring for the Apple Watch has been rumored for years. For example, in May 2017, BGR claimed that plans to introduce a “game-changing” glucose monitoring feature in an upcoming smartwatch. And in January 2021, ETNews predicted that the Apple Watch Series 7, would sport blood glucose monitoring via an optical sensor. Obviously, we’re still waiting. But better that Apple take its time and get it right than release something too soon and too buggy. I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.  Also, check out my daughter-in-law’s “Scattered Words” website if you’re interested in unique, handcrafted jewelry made out of an array of vintage dictionaries, books, and even a few antiques.

We didn’t get an Apple Watch Ultra 3 or an updated Apple Watch SE at Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says they’re coming next year.

The only change to the Ultra line-up was the introduction of a black titanium model (pictured). It can be ordered today with availability beginning Friday, September 20.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, says the new black titanium finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is achieved with a custom blasting process, and the diamond-like carbon physical vapor deposition coating over the grade 5 titanium makes it scratch-resistant and durable. The back crystal is made from a matching dark zirconia.

To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95% recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.

The new Titanium Milanese Loop is the first metal band for Apple Watch Ultra. It will be available in both natural and black titanium.

No word on what changes might be seen in an Apple Watch Ultra 3 or updated Apple Watch SE. At one point the former was rumored to be unveiled Monday with minor internal improvements, but no exterior changes. Months-aog rumors projected a microLED display in the Apple Watch Ultra in 2025, but those plans may have been canceled.

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. All our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.
All posts byDennis Sellers

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