More innovations coming soon

Exciting new releases believed to be just around the corner

- BY ALEX SUMMERSBY

RELIABLE SOURCES REPORT that Apple has exciting new products nearing release or going into production soon.

> Apple Watch Ultra 3. Closest to release is a third-gen Apple Watch Ultra, which could arrive as soon as September. The current model Ultra 2 dates from 2023, and the only update last year was a new black titanium case option.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the Ultra 3 is on track to launch this year, with “significant” new features, including satellite connectivity, enabling you to send text messages when out of range of both WiFi and cellular networks, and even without an iPhone. Similar off-grid satellite connectivity is offered for free on supported iPhones for two years, and is a natural fit for a new Ultra aimed at adventurers, hikers, and divers.

Gurman reports that the Ultra 3 will also have 5G cellular connectivity - a step up from the 4G LTE on current Apple Watch models. (Although iPhones have had 5G support since the iPhone 12 in 2020, wearables require a lower-power 5G chip, and the Ultra 3 will reportedly use a new modem chip from MediaTek rather than Intel.)

Rumors suggest the Ultra 3 could have new health sensors, including high blood pressure detection. It is also expected to include the new features introduced in the Apple Watch Series 10 in 2024: an Apple S10 chip or newer, faster charging, and a wide-angle OLED display that is brighter when viewed from the side.

> Foldables. iPhone Fold has finally entered preproduction testing, DigiTimes reports. There is no known timescale, but experience suggests that it could launch in the second half of 2026, assuming no problems.

Specs are unconfirmed, but iPhone Fold is said to have a screen size between 7.5 and 8 inches unfolded, with a dual-lens rear camera and an under-display front camera, but no Face ID. Battery life has reportedly been a priority in the design.