We've never seen a better deal on Apple Watch Ultra. Photo: Apple
UPDATE:Sold out. Sorry!
In this one-day extended Apple Watch Ultra sale, you can take home Apple’s beefiest watch for as low as $509.99 $529.99. While up from the lowest price ever, it’s still one of the best prices we’ve ever seen on an Ultra, and a great deal for sure … although there are a few caveats.
Grab a recent-model Apple Watch while you can still get one. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple will temporarily halt sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 starting December 21. This is the result of a decision made by the International Trade Commission that the wearables infringe on patents held by two medical device-makers.
Apple argues that the companies are “patent trolls,” but it’s not that simple. And the question now is whether Apple will pay to license the patents, or if it will continue to fight in court.
Think Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a big screen? Well, it's probably going to get significantly larger. Photo: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra 2’s generously large display, expected to switch from OLED to microLED, will come out later than previously estimated, grow by 10% in size and cost more, according to a research company.
Other recent estimates pushed back the launch time frame to 2025, but now it may actually be 2026.
The best tablets in the world are about to get even better. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest Apple rumors point to a jumbo iPad Air and even-better (and pricier) iPad Pros landing in early 2024. Plus, Apple’s powerful M3 chip reportedly will come to more Macs.
We run down what it all means. Brace yourself for performance!
Also on The CultCast:
Cool new features coming to next-gen iPhones will make Apple’s world-beating smartphone even better. We’re especially excited about a turbocharged Action button.
Government spying on push notifications is definitely a thing.
Installment number one of our “best of 2023” picks. These fabulous things made us quiver with joy this year.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Bands built to be as strong as Apple Watch Ultra itself. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
You can give your new Apple Watch Ultra a quick and easy makeover by slapping on a brand-new band. There are plenty of awesome, rugged-looking options to choose from that go great with Apple’s most robust smartwatch.
We rounded up the best Apple Watch Ultra bands in this buying guide to make your shopping easier.
The Apple Watch Ultra has one standout feature that alone is worth the price of admission. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Although I go for almost daily bike rides for exercise, I used to always forget to record the rides on my Apple Watch. I’d always record the rides on my bike computer. But when it came to the watch, I’d never remember until halfway through the workout, if at all.
That’s until I got the Apple Watch Ultra, which boasts a bright orange Action button that I set to start an Outdoor Cycle workout.
Now, I remember every time, and it’s because of the button. It’s the strangest thing, and I have no explanation. But the act of hitting a physical button makes me remember.
The versatile Action button — which you can set to turn on the watch’s flashlight, start the stopwatch or run a shortcut, among other things — is reason enough to get the Apple Watch Ultra, which I’ve been wearing since its launch last year. But there’s another great reason. Actually, two.
Are we really going to see new MacBooks before the year ends? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest MacBook rumor sounds enticing, but will it come true? It’s time to speculate. Meanwhile, the real fire talk is all about that big, toasty iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple’s iOS 17 update fixes the overheating problem. (Frankly, “Thermalgate” seems about as overblown as “Printgate.”)
Also on The CultCast:
Did Apple screw up the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button? We debate our fearless leader Leander Kahney’s controversial stance on the subject.
Apple’s got a secret plan to own its microLED display chain.
If you don’t like macOS Sonoma’s brilliant one-click desktop reveal, we’ll tell you how to turn it off. (We’ll try not to think less of you if you do.)
On the 12th anniversary of Steve Jobs’ death, we ponder the state of Apple’s leadership and vision.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Hear our first hands-on impressions of iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Photo: Nicola Fioravanti/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After nearly a week with Apple’s new hardware, we’re serving up our first hands-on impressions. Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max too big — and/or too hot — to handle? Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the upgrade? What about Apple Watch Series 9?
And seriously, Apple … you call that pink?
Also on The CultCast:
Griffin runs us through some of the coolest new features in macOS Sonoma.
OMG we’ve already got iPhone 16 rumors.
And we wrap up with a couple of big fat bummers from our favorite source of Apple insider info and tech haikus.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Double-tapping index finger and thumb will open a surprising amount of watch functionality. Photo: Apple
The release of the watchOS 10.1 beta to developers on Wednesday brings the cool new “double tap” gesture that allows one-handed use of Apple Watch in certain cases (though it can’t be enabled yet).
In other words, it’s a way to operate the wearable without touching its screen. And once iOS 10.1 arrives in October, Apple Watch Series 9 and second-gen Apple Watch Ultra users can try it. However, even folks with older Apple Watches can try a version of it right now.
Skip the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and get the original Ultra instead. Photo: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not pack significant upgrades over the first-gen model. And that’s a good enough reason to check out the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals or consider buying the original Apple Watch Ultra at its lowest-ever price.
What we got right -- and wrong -- about Apple's big "Wonderlust" event. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We dissect all the biggest reveals from Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, which brought us new iPhones, Apple Watches and more. And we stare unafraid at the results of our Wonderlust predictions. We have a winner!
Also on The CultCast:
Yes, we got new iCloud+ storage plans. And Erfon’s still complaining?!?
The new iPhone colors are … 🤷
The iPhone’s USB-C enables some cool new stuff.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
With eight complications, the new Modular Ultra face can show a lot of info. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple is about to launch a cool new watch face for the Apple Watch Ultra called “Modular Ultra.” If you’re looking for more variety, check out the50 best Apple Watch faces to find the perfect look for your device. The new face does a lot: It allows up to eight complications, including the customizable bezel that can show water depth, elevation or seconds. I think it looks super-cool. And just wait until you see the night mode.
Is this band worth waiting five or six extra weeks for an Apple Watch Ultra 2? Photo: Apple
Those who want a new Apple Watch Ultra 2 as soon as possible need to think carefully about what band to get with it. With some bands, the wearable is available on launch day later this month. But with others the wait stretches out to November.
So do you really, really want that Trail Loop in Orange/Beige?
Apple included some features in its new products we weren't expecting. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Although tipsters worked overtime spoiling the new Apple products, revealing most of the details of the iPhone 15 series and the new Apple Watch models, Tim Cook and Co. still managed to surprise us here and there during Tuesday’s “Wonderlust” event.
Fortunately, most of the surprises were good ones.
Here are three ways Apple gave us more than we expected, but two where the tipsters steered us wrong.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 looks the same, but packs some big upgrades. Photo: Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here. And it builds on the original model in all the right ways.
Announced today during Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 packs a faster S9 chip, a newer Ultra Wideband chip and longer battery life.
We already know quite a bit about What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9. And Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch on Tuesday at its Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer: Many of the details have leaked out already.
Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the next Apple Watch SE.
There should be plenty to love at Apple's September 12 event. Image: Cult of Mac
Apple’s biggest event of the year is only a few days away. On September 12, Tim Cook and Co. will reveal at least six new Apple products and possibly more.
The event is titled “Wonderlust” — Apple clearly hopes the new iPhone 15 series and fresh Apple Watch models will fill us with an uncontrollable desire to buy.
Can’t wait to find out what’s coming? We don’t blame you. Here’s everything that leaks already revealed about the handsets and wearables on Tuesday’s agenda.
Will Apple's "Wonderlust" event be wonderful? Image: Apple
Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its annual September product launch event, which will happen September 12. The tagline is “Wonderlust,” so Apple is apparently hoping we’ll all be feeling both wonder and lust when it unveils the iPhone 15 series.
We’re also expecting to see the next generation of Apple Watch models.
The orange button alone suggests Apple Watch Ultra, even though it's not. Photo: Nomad
Nomad unveiled its new Rugged Case for Apple Watch Wednesday, and it might just satisfy a few folks who wish they had an Ultra rather than a standard model.
The new steel case and included Rugged Band fit Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. And the gear gives you a rugged look and plenty of protection for your wearable at a much lower price than Apple Watch Ultra, of course.
The Apple Watch Ultra drops to a lot more affordable price. Photo: Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra is the company’s best smartwatch yet, featuring a rugged build and excellent battery life. But it also comes with an equally ultra $800 price tag.
Amazon’s latest deal knocks $100 off the wearable, making its steep price tag a bit more affordable. Take advantage of the discount to get the Apple Watch Ultra for $700.
AirTags with new functionality and Apple Watches in new colors sound good to us. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Which gets you more excited, an AirTag with new AR capabilities, a pink Apple Watch or a black titanium Apple Watch Ultra? This week’s top Apple rumors fuel our imaginations …
Also on The CultCast:
Apple touts 1 billion paid subscribers, a gigantic number that pushed the company to record-high revenue for its services division last quarter.
Leander cooks up a cheap-and-dirty way to add CarPlay to any car, even an old beater. (Still can’t get him to come on the podcast, though, because … 👀.
Tim Cook finally plays the AI card as Apple tries to cash in on the latest tech buzzword.
Griffin proves he’s a total nerd the consummate tech collector by revealing what he uses an ancient Apple Newton for these days.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 may come with both plain and black titanium cases. Photo: @ShrimpApplePro
You can expect a new color for Apple Watch Series 9 — pink — and a new black titanium case for the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra, according to a reliable leaker.
If Apple remains true to its usual scheduling, we should see both new items in September at an event unveiling the iPhone 15 lineup.