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?

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 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.

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.

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.

In this week’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band and an Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case, both from Lululook.

This prize package, worth $150, will protect your Apple Watch or Apple Watch Ultra to the max.

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.

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 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.

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.