Why Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Software Could Be Its Most Compelling Feature

Why Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Software Could Be Its Most Compelling Feature

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Written By Eric Sandler

In the world of tech upgrades, hardware often steals the spotlight. But for the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3, it’s a software feature—specifically, an existing watch face—that might drive the most compelling reason to upgrade. Let’s explore why this seemingly small detail could make a big difference for users.

The Power of Watch Faces

For smartwatch users, the watch face isn’t just aesthetic—it’s the command center of daily interaction. Unlike a smartphone’s home screen, which we might visit occasionally, watch faces are our constant companion, handling everything from time checks to app launches and widget glances. This makes the choice of watch face arguably the most crucial aspect of the smartwatch experience.

The Series 10 Dilemma

When Apple released the Series 10 last fall, it brought impressive hardware improvements:

  • A sleeker, thinner design
  • Expanded screen real estate
  • Enhanced S10 chip performance
  • Improved charging capabilities
  • More responsive always-on display
  • Advanced wide-angle OLED technology

Meanwhile, the Ultra 2 received just a new black color option. This made the Series 10, at nearly half the price of the Ultra, seem like the obvious choice for many users.

The Missing Piece: Optimized Watch Faces

Despite the Series 10’s larger display matching the Ultra’s size, it lacks access to two crucial watch faces:

  • Modular Ultra
  • Wayfinder

The Modular Ultra face, in particular, stands out for its functionality. It offers:

  • Seven customizable complications
  • Six time display options
  • Additional data display around the edges

This optimization for larger screens makes these faces particularly valuable for users who want to maximize their device’s capabilities.

Looking Ahead to Ultra 3

The rumored features for the Ultra 3 sound promising:

  • Satellite connectivity for enhanced safety
  • 5G cellular capabilities
  • High blood pressure detection
  • Potential processor upgrades
  • Possible battery life improvements

However, it’s the existing Modular Ultra watch face that could be the deciding factor for many users, especially those with larger-screen models seeking to maximize their display’s potential.

The Value Proposition

While spending $799+ primarily for access to exclusive watch faces might seem excessive to some, it highlights a crucial aspect of wearable technology: the importance of daily user interaction. The watch face you see hundreds of times per day needs to serve your needs efficiently and effectively.

The Path Forward

Two potential scenarios emerge with regards to the way forward with Apple Watches.

1 – Apple could introduce new optimized watch faces in watchOS 12 for the Series 10, addressing this limitation

2 – The exclusive faces remain Ultra-only, potentially driving users toward the premium model

Looking to September

As we approach the likely September release window, the decision for many users won’t just be about hardware specifications. The software experience, particularly these exclusive watch faces, could be the feature that tips the scales toward an Ultra 3 purchase.

For users who prioritize an optimized interface and максимum screen utilization, the Ultra 3’s exclusive watch faces might justify the premium price tag, even if the hardware updates prove modest. It’s a reminder that in the world of wearable tech, sometimes the most important features aren’t the ones that make the headlines.

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Eric Sandler

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