The Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in September 2023, enhances the rugged design and features of the original Ultra. It further solidifies its place as the top smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
With improvements in performance, display, and new environmental tracking features, the Ultra 2 excels in extreme conditions. It offers unmatched functionality and durability for adventurous users.
In this review, we will discuss the design, performance, health and fitness features, battery life, and pricing of the Ultra 2. This comprehensive overview will highlight how the device elevates the smartwatch experience.
Table of Contents
Release Date and Price
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 was officially released on September 22, 2023, marking its debut as the latest high-performance model in Apple’s smartwatch lineup. With a starting price of $799, the Ultra 2 is positioned as a premium option for outdoor fans and adventurers.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Specifications
See Full Specifications for: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retains the durable design of its predecessor, with key improvements enhancing functionality. The watch continues to feature aerospace-grade titanium, which provides durability while maintaining a lightweight feel of 61.4 grams.
The Ultra 2 boasts a 49mm Retina LTPO OLED display, which now offers an impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This upgrade makes the display much more visible under bright sunlight, surpassing the original Ultra’s 2,000 nits brightness.
The Ultra 2 retains the rugged, outdoor-focused design with a sapphire crystal front, ensuring exceptional scratch resistance. The customizable Action button on the side is back, allowing users to quickly access specific functions like workouts or navigation tools.
The Ultra 2 is also water-resistant up to 100 meters and certified to the EN13319 standard, making it suitable for recreational diving and other water-based activities.
Performance and Processor
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the new S9 SiP, which features a dual-core processor. This processor is 60% more powerful than the S8 chip found in the first Ultra model. The new chip enhances performance, making app launches faster and offering smoother overall operation. It also improves power efficiency, allowing the Ultra 2 to perform better for longer periods.
The Ultra 2 includes a second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for improved location tracking and precision. This chip enhances the Find My feature, providing better integration with other Apple devices.
Whether you’re tracking your outdoor adventures or simply managing daily tasks, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers top-notch performance.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has been a central focus for the Ultra series, and the Ultra 2 continues this trend. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers up to 36 hours of battery life with regular use, ensuring reliability. In Low Power Mode, it extends up to 72 hours, offering unmatched longevity for outdoor adventures. This impressive battery capacity makes it ideal for long hikes, camping trips, or situations without easy access to charging options.
Charging is quick and efficient with the Ultra 2’s included USB-C magnetic fast charger. The watch can go from 0% to 80% in just under an hour, ensuring you spend less time charging and more time on your adventures.
Health and Fitness Features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is packed with advanced health and fitness features, making it a powerful tool for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
In addition to standard features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen measurements, the Ultra 2 introduces a new altitude tracker that can measure changes in elevation with greater precision. This is particularly useful for mountaineers and trail runners.
The Ultra 2 also includes dual-frequency GPS, which provides more accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments like dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings. This makes it an ideal companion for anyone who needs reliable navigation in the great outdoors.
For divers, the Ultra 2 continues to support the Oceanic+ app, turning the watch into a full-fledged dive computer. The Ultra 2’s depth gauge and water temperature sensor are also back, providing essential information for underwater activities.
Software and Ecosystem Integration
Running on watchOS 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 benefits from all the latest software upgrades Apple has to offer. The new Smart Stack feature allows for quick access to your most-used apps and widgets, while the updated Compass app offers enhanced navigation tools like map reading and waypoint marking.
As part of the Apple ecosystem, the Ultra 2 integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. It supports Apple Pay, Apple Music, and Siri, as well as a wide range of third-party apps. The new ultra-wideband chip enhances the Precision Finding feature, making it easier to locate your iPhone or other Apple devices nearby.
Connectivity: Reliable in Any Environment
The Ultra 2 excels in connectivity, ensuring users remain connected even in the most remote locations.
- Bluetooth: 3
- Wi-Fi: 11b/g/n, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- GPS: Dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
- Cellular: Built-in for phone-free usage
- NFC: Apple Pay support
The dual-frequency GPS in the Ultra 2 offers enhanced accuracy, making it ideal for navigating complex environments like dense forests or urban canyons. The built-in cellular connectivity allows users to stay in touch without needing their iPhone nearby, and the watch supports Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi for fast and reliable connections.
NFC for Apple Pay ensures that users can make contactless payments easily, even when they’re far from civilization.
Comparison: Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Series 10
Here’s a professional, simple, and SEO-optimized comparison of the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Series 10 in a tabular format, highlighting the key features, specifications, and price range.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | LTPO OLED Always-on Retina (Up to 2000 nits) | LTPO2 OLED Always-on Retina (Up to 3000 nits) | LTPO3 OLED Always-on Retina (Up to 2000 nits) |
| Case Size | 41mm / 45mm (Aluminum, Stainless Steel) | 49mm (Titanium) | 42mm / 46mm (Aluminum, Titanium) |
| Water Resistance | 50m (Swimproof) | 100m (Recreational scuba up to 40m) | 50m (Swimproof) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 36 hours, 72 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 36 hours, 72 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Chip | S9 SiP (64-bit dual-core processor) | S9 SiP (64-bit dual-core processor) | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core processor) |
| Sensors | ECG, Optical Heart Sensor, Temperature Sensing | ECG, Optical Heart Sensor, Depth Gauge, Temperature Sensing | ECG, Optical Heart Sensor, Temperature Sensing |
| Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Black, Natural Titanium | Jet Black, Rose Gold Aluminum, Slate, Gold Titanium |
| Connectivity | GPS, GPS + Cellular options | GPS, GPS + Cellular options | GPS, GPS + Cellular options |
| Price (GPS + Cellular) | From $799 | From $499 | From $399 |
| Chipset | S9 SiP, Apple wireless chip, Dual-core processor | S9 SiP, Apple wireless chip, Dual-core processor | S10 SiP, Apple wireless chip, Dual-core processor |
| Health Features | ECG, Sleep Tracking, Vitals App, Cycle Tracking | ECG, Sleep Tracking, Vitals App, Sleep Apnea Detection | ECG, Sleep Tracking, Vitals App, Cycle Tracking |
| Emergency Features | Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling | Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling | Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling |
| Fitness Features | Training Load, GymKit, Noise Monitoring | High-speed Water Sports, Depth Gauge, Training Load | Training Load, GymKit, Noise Monitoring |
| Charging Time | Fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) | Fast charging (0-80% in 1 hour) | Fast charging (0-80% in 30 minutes) |
| Finish Options | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, (PRODUCT)RED | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium | Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, Slate, Gold Titanium |
| Durability | Certified IP6X dust resistant | Certified IP6X dust resistant | Certified IP6X dust resistant |
| Special Features | Precision Finding, Fast on-device Siri | Precision Finding, Siren, Depth App | Precision Finding, Fast on-device Siri |
The Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Series 10 each offer a unique set of features tailored to different user needs. The Series 9, available in aluminum and stainless steel, focuses on everyday health and fitness tracking with an impressive 45mm or 41mm display, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a range of stylish finishes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, designed for extreme athletes and adventurers, boasts a larger 49mm titanium case, enhanced durability with water resistance up to 100 meters, and up to 36 hours of battery life, plus additional features like a depth gauge and specialized dive modes.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 10, which introduces a new 46mm or 42mm aluminum and titanium case, offers performance upgrades, an improved 36-hour battery life, and a range of high-end finishes, making it ideal for users seeking advanced health tracking with added customization. All models provide health essentials like ECG, sleep tracking, and fall detection, but they differ significantly in terms of design, durability, battery life, and advanced features.
Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Smartwatch Technology
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation in the wearable technology space. With its rugged design, powerful S9 chip, advanced health and environmental tracking features, and extended battery life, the Ultra 2 is the ideal smartwatch for those who push the limits of adventure.
Whether you’re scaling mountains, diving deep into the ocean, or simply seeking the most advanced smartwatch on the market, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers an unparalleled experience. Its premium price is justified by the features it offers, making it a must-have for serious adventurers and outdoor fans.
FAQs: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: The Next-Level Smartwatch
Will Apple release Ultra Watch 2?
Yes, Apple has released the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is the second generation of their premium, rugged smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports lovers. The Ultra 2 builds upon the original Apple Watch Ultra with improvements in durability, battery life, and performance, making it a top choice for adventurers.
How big is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a 2-inch display with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels, making it the largest screen size among all Apple Watch models. The display is an always-on Retina display, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility in bright sunlight, perfect for outdoor use and fitness tracking.
Does the Ultra 2 have a camera?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not come with a built-in camera. While it offers a range of advanced features like fitness tracking, GPS, and water resistance, Apple has yet to include a camera in the Ultra 2 series. Users seeking a camera feature might need to look into other Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 waterproof?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is waterproof and water-resistant up to 100 meters. It meets the ISO standard 22810:2010 for water resistance and is also suitable for high-pressure water activities like diving, swimming, and snorkeling. This makes it an ideal choice for swimmers and divers who need a durable, reliable smartwatch during aquatic adventures.
What's the slimmest Apple Watch?
The slimmest Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Series 8, with a thickness of 10.7mm. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for durability and extreme use, the Series 8 is a more compact and lightweight model, offering a sleek design with the same advanced health and fitness features. For those who prioritize comfort and style, the Series 8 remains the best option for a slim profile.
