Band Designed for Black Apple Watch Ultra Surfaces Online

Images of an Alpine Loop prototype designed for a black Apple Watch Ultra model today surfaced online, supporting rumors that Apple had plans to release a darker version of the device last year.

black apple watch ultra band
Prior to the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, multiple rumors suggested that Apple had plans to release a new darker color option that was originally tested for the previous model but ultimately canceled. When the device was announced in September 2023, it continued to only be available in the same natural titanium color as the first-generation model.

Now, further indication has emerged that Apple had plans to release a darker color option. The latest images, shared by "DongleBookPro" on X, show a blue Alpine Loop prototype with an anodized black titanium hook and lugs. The released version of the Alpine Loop has natural titanium trim to match the Apple Watch Ultra's casing.


Apple released the blue version of the Alpine Loop alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2, supporting previous indications that the company had concrete plans to release the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a black color option. In November, documents filed with the United States Federal Communications Commission revealed a black Apple Watch Ultra with a matching dark ceramic back, cementing the validity of earlier rumors.

apple watch ultra prototype fcc
The reason for Apple's decision to cancel the new colorway is unknown, but there is a chance that the company deemed the finish insufficiently durable for a device focused on withstanding extreme challenges. There have not yet been any rumors to suggest that Apple plans to revive the black colorway for the third-generation version of the device, but it could still be a possibility given how far developed the darker finish was for the current model prior to its release.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

techno-Zen Avatar
23 months ago
I originally posted these pics on your own forum in the Apple Watch board over a week ago. Nice job on the scoop lol
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Born Again Avatar
23 months ago
once you go black apple watch you never go back.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CharlesShaw Avatar
23 months ago
Having only one body choice made it a pleasure to buy the Ultra.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iSayuSay Avatar
23 months ago
I thought the main point of having a raw Titanium color is so that it ages beautifully, means one fewer thing to worry about the coating getting peeled or scratched off.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iBluetooth Avatar
23 months ago
I would have preferred this color.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
throAU Avatar
23 months ago

Often times I’d say products I don’t think look good from Apple grow on me..this one has not.

The ultra is arguably their ugliest product.
I think the ultra is more interesting and attractive than the boring slab of glass with a crown that is the regular Apple Watch at this point.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)