The Internet is a wonderful world and where, in the end, almost everything comes to light. The latest images that are flooding the network are of the prototype of an Alpine Loop strap in navy blue with titanium hooks adapted for what would be an Apple Watch in black, giving strength to rumors about Apple's plans to have launched a dark version of this model in 2023.
After the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra in a single color (titanium) and prior to the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, There were many rumors that Apple would launch an Apple Watch Ultra in black (or, at least, darker than current titanium). With this image of the Alpine Loop strap, It seems to be confirmed that this was within Apple's plans but that it was finally canceled since in the September Keynote, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was only presented in a single color.
The version of the Alpine Loop in This navy blue color was launched with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 so it is very consistent with the rumor and what could have been a new model in this new color.
The reason why Apple has canceled this model is totally unknown, but the durability of the color has always been pointed out since any impact could remove the paint from the titanium and cause the real color (the current one) of the painted titanium to be seen, leaving many marks on a black Apple Watch Ultra that has been impacted. However, We do not rule out that in the future Apple will launch a dark version If you find a new way to paint titanium that is much more resistant, after all, He has already done it with the blue of the iPhone Pro Max this year.