The Moto Watch Ultra has the potential to reignite Motorola's aspirations in the premium smartwatch market.

      Motorola is potentially developing a high-end smartwatch featuring LTE connectivity and water resistance up to 50 metres.

      Recent exclusive renders obtained by The Mac Observer suggest that Motorola is aiming to enter the premium smartwatch market. The device, referred to as the Moto Watch Ultra internally, appears to be significantly more advanced compared to the Moto Watch released earlier this year.

      The images depict a circular display encircled by a numbered bezel, a prominent rotating crown, and an extra side button. It seems that Motorola is opting for a 46mm stainless steel case, which would enhance the watch's upscale appearance compared to the aluminum frame of the current Moto Watch. The leaked images showcase a black leather-like strap adorned with red stitching and a coordinating red interior. The watch face provides information on steps, activity levels, calories, the time, and the date.

      What other details do the renders disclose?

      Text on the back of the device indicates the presence of built-in GPS, LTE connectivity, IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and the ability to withstand immersion in water up to 50 metres. Additionally, a significant optical sensor system is visible underneath, intended for health and fitness monitoring.

      The inclusion of LTE is particularly noteworthy, as it hints at the possibility of the watch functioning more autonomously from a connected smartphone. However, the report does not clarify which operating system Motorola plans to implement.

      Currently, the Moto Watch operates on a platform based on Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) rather than Wear OS. RTOS focuses mainly on fitness tracking, basic notifications, and extended battery life, while Wear OS provides a wider app ecosystem, mobile payment options, and more comprehensive Android integration. Consequently, the current Moto Watch feels more like an advanced fitness tracker than a true smartwatch.

      Could this signal Motorola’s return to the premium sector?

      Motorola was once a leading name in the Android smartwatch field. The original Moto 360 contributed to the popularity of circular displays in 2014, followed by a second iteration in 2015. However, Motorola exited the smartwatch market in 2016. The Moto 360 name resurfaced in 2019, but it was developed by eBuyNow under license, not by Motorola itself. It remains the last Wear OS smartwatch to feature the Moto brand.

      The Moto Watch Ultra could signify Motorola's resurgence in the premium smartwatch arena, positioning it alongside devices like the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Nevertheless, it is premature to make definitive conclusions. The authenticity of the renders hasn't been independently validated, and Motorola has not confirmed or suggested the existence of such a watch, so the information should be approached with a degree of skepticism for now.