The Moto Watch Ultra might rejuvenate Motorola's aspirations in the premium smartwatch market.

      Motorola is potentially on the verge of entering the premium smartwatch market. Exclusive images acquired by The Mac Observer showcase an unannounced device known internally as the Moto Watch Ultra, which features a more ambitious design compared to the Moto Watch introduced earlier this year.

      The visuals depict a circular display framed by a numbered bezel, a substantial rotating crown, and an extra side button. The smartwatch is likely enclosed in a 46mm stainless steel case, providing a more premium appearance than the aluminum casing of the current Moto Watch. The leaked model includes a black leather-like strap with red stitching and a coordinating red interior. The watch face indicates steps, activity information, calories burned, as well as the time and date.

      The Mac Observer highlights additional insights from the renders.

      Text on the back indicates the inclusion of built-in GPS, LTE capabilities, IP68 dust and water resistance, and the ability to withstand water depths of up to 50 meters. An extensive optical sensor system is also visible underneath for tracking health and fitness metrics.

      The LTE feature is particularly noteworthy, as it implies the smartwatch may operate more autonomously from a linked smartphone. However, the report does not specify which operating system Motorola intends to implement.

      Currently, Motorola's latest Moto Watch operates on an RTOS-based platform rather than Wear OS. RTOS software generally emphasizes fitness tracking, basic notifications, and extended battery life, while Wear OS provides a wider range of applications, mobile payment options, and enhanced Android integration. Consequently, the current Moto Watch resembles a highly advanced fitness tracker rather than a comprehensive smartwatch.

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

      Historically, Motorola was a leading name in Android smartwatches. The original Moto 360 was instrumental in popularizing circular displays in 2014, succeeded by a second-generation model in 2015. However, Motorola withdrew from the smartwatch market in 2016. Although the Moto 360 name was revived in 2019, that version was produced by eBuyNow under a license rather than by Motorola itself. It remains the last Wear OS smartwatch to carry the Moto branding.

      The Moto Watch Ultra could potentially represent Motorola's re-entry into the premium smartwatch market, positioning it alongside the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Nevertheless, it is premature to arrive at any definitive conclusions. The renders have not been independently verified, and Motorola has yet to acknowledge or suggest the existence of such a watch, so it’s advisable to approach the report with caution for the time being.