/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24933466/236790_Apple_watch_9_Ultra_2_AKrales_0978.jpg "The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is 0 off ahead of Apple’s next hardware event")
Apple’s next hardware event is officially set for September 9th at 1PM ET / 10AM PT. The forthcoming iPhone 16 is widely expected to be the star of the show, although if the rumors are to be believed, Apple will also likely use the showcase to introduce a new Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 3. That said, Apple’s third-gen smartwatch is unlikely to debut under $799, which makes the $100 discount we’re seeing at Amazon on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 that much sweeter.
Right now, all three Ultra 2 models — specifically the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band configurations — are down to $699, matching their Prime Day low. Although the rumored Ultra 3 will reportedly get a faster chip alongside the flagship Series 10, the S9 SiP processor found in the Ultra 2 is still plenty fast, allowing for onboard Siri processing and Apple’s handy double tap feature. The 49mm, LTE-enabled Ultra 2 offers a more rugged build than the Series 9, along with an assortment of premium, outdoor-centric features you won’t find on the Series models. This includes a bevy of sensors for measuring various dive metrics, as well as more robust water resistance, a bright 3,000-nit display, and a battery that can last days at a time.
The new Ultra will surely introduce a few iterative updates — some of which may be foundational for future AI-based enhancements courtesy of Apple Intelligence — but there’s plenty to love about the current model if you don’t need the latest and greatest from Apple.
