The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated to launch later this year, boasting features such as satellite connectivity, 5G cellular support, and high blood pressure monitoring. However, what might sway my decision isn’t just the new hardware—it’s a feature that isn’t exactly novel.
Exclusive Watch Faces Are a Major Appeal
Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted with a display that rivals the Ultra’s size but comes at a significantly lower price point.
Since purchasing the Series 10, I’ve enjoyed wearing it every day.
Nevertheless, a significant drawback has left me wanting: the absence of watch faces designed to fully utilize its expansive display.
The Apple Watch Ultra provides two distinctive faces:
Of particular interest is the Modular Ultra face.
This design allows for seven complications and six custom options for displaying the time, plus an additional space around the perimeter for even more data.
It’s the face I desire for my Series 10, yet it’s unavailable.
This face might just compel me to switch to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year.
Before making that leap, let me explain the reasoning behind my initial purchase of the Series 10.
The Apple Watch Series 10 Generated Excitement
When Apple introduced its updated Watch lineup in September, the absence of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 raised eyebrows.
Rather than launching a new Ultra model, Apple merely introduced a black color variant of the existing Ultra 2.
While the black Ultra 2 is stunning, I was looking for a new Watch and didn’t want to invest in last year’s model.
If the Apple Watch Series 10 had been a minor update, I might have been tempted by the Ultra 2. However, the Series 10 offered:
- a sleeker profile
- larger screens
- S10 chip
- quicker charging
- more frequent always-on display updates
- and wide-angle OLED technology
So, what did the Apple Watch Ultra receive?
A new color option.
It’s easy to understand why I opted for the Series 10.
Transitioning to Apple Watch Ultra 3 for a (Familiar) Feature
While I have truly appreciated my Apple Watch Series 10, the absence of watch faces optimized for the larger screen remains a nagging concern.
This has pushed me to contemplate a switch to the Ultra 3 this year.
The upcoming Ultra 3 seems promising. I anticipate further revelations in the months leading up to its September debut, with expectations of a new chip and possibly improved battery life.
However, the primary appeal of the Ultra 3 for me will undoubtedly be the Modular Ultra watch face.
Watch faces hold significant importance within the watchOS ecosystem. The watch face is arguably more crucial than your iPhone’s Home Screen.
Most interactions with the Watch revolve around its face—checking the time, viewing widgets, launching apps—all of these actions originate from the watch face.
Thus, securing the best possible face that leverages a larger display is essential—for me, at least.
It would be fantastic to hear that Apple plans to introduce new watch faces for watchOS 12 that enhance the Series 10 model. If that becomes reality, I may very well continue with my current Watch.
But if no changes occur, the allure of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and its exclusive watch faces will be hard to resist when September arrives.
What influences your decisions when purchasing an Apple Watch? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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