THE BOTTOM LINE
The Apple Watch Ultra is the most rugged and capable smartwatch ever produced by Apple. With its robust titanium case, precision dual-frequency GPS, and impressive battery life of up to 36 hours, this smartwatch is designed to accompany adventurers and athletes of all kinds. In this review, we will explore the exceptional features, durability, and performance of the Apple Watch Ultra.
MSRP $799.00
The “RDCarTech” editors make independent choices and evaluate products on their own. If you make purchases through affiliate links, we may receive commissions that assist in funding our testing efforts.
PROS:
- Robust titanium case and water resistance up to 100 meters.
- Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 36 hours on normal use and up to 60 hours on low power settings.
- Bright and spacious Always-On Retina display for enhanced visibility.
- Precision dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking.
- Specialized bands tailored for different outdoor activities.
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features and partnership with Huish Outdoors for dive computer functionality.
- Powerful health features, including temperature sensing, sleep tracking, ECG, heart health notifications, and blood oxygen readings.
- Impressive durability and adherence to MIL-STD 810H standards.
- Built-in cellular connectivity for seamless communication and access to various services.
- Integration with Siri, Apple Pay, Maps, and the App Store for added convenience.
- Fantastic Depth app
- Emergency siren
- Louder speaker than Series 8
CONS:
- Premium price point.
- Limited compatibility with non-iOS devices.
- Large
- Digital Crown may irritate the skin
APPLE WATCH ULTRA SPECS
- Case Size And Weight – 49mm case size
Flat sapphire front crystal with display edge protection - Certified IP6X dust resistant
- Tested to MIL-STD 810H
- Customizable Action button
ALL SPECS
- Nearly 27% more screen area than Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters
- Water-resistant – Swimproof and recreational dive to 40m
- EN13319 certification
- Depth gauge with water temperature sensor
- Oceanic+ app for use as a dive computer (available on App Store)
- Blood Oxygen app
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notification
- Cardio fitness notifications
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International emergency calling
- Fall Detection
- Crash Detection
- High-g accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Compass Backtrack
- 86-decibel Siren to attract attention – Audible up to 600 feet
- Redesigned Compass app with waypoints and Backtrack
- Precision dual-frequency GPS
- Always-on altimeter
- Cellular connectivity – International roaming
- Supports Family Setup – Connect family members who don’t have an iPhone
- Up to 36 hours
- Fast charge
Apple Watch Ultra for high-speed water sports
The Apple Watch Ultra, priced at $799, serves as an inspiring companion for thrilling adventures. Being the first Apple smartwatch approved for high-speed water sports, it motivated me to embark on a jet ski adventure in Miami’s Biscayne National Park.
Its suitability for recreational diving is another groundbreaking feature, accompanied by the remarkable Depth app that effortlessly tracks your descent and underwater duration.
In comparison to the Apple Watch Series 8 ($399), the Ultra surpasses it in nearly every aspect. It differs in a more rugged construction, a significantly longer battery life, a larger and brighter display, a three-microphone array that captures your voice even in windy conditions, and an impressively louder speaker system. Notable upgrades include dual-frequency GPS for enhanced accuracy in urban areas and forests, an Action button that swiftly launches your preferred app or feature, and an integrated 86dB emergency siren capable of sounding for extended periods.
Our Editor’s Choice remains the Series 8 for everyday wear due to its practical and comfortable design. However, if you crave adventure, the Ultra proves to be a worthwhile (albeit pricier) alternative.
Deeper Dive
Within Apple’s existing range of smartwatches, the Apple Watch Ultra holds a superior position, surpassing both the Series 8 and the recently refreshed entry-level Watch SE.
The Series 8 stands as the top choice for the majority of iPhone users seeking a compatible smartwatch, while the Apple Watch SE, priced at $249, offers a sensible option for those on a budget.
(Credit: Clana. Source of Inspiration Apple)
However, the Apple Watch Ultra shines a spotlight on a distinct audience that is typically targeted by brands like Coros, Garmin, and Polar: outdoor adventurers.
Upon encountering the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time, its substantial and sturdy construction immediately caught my attention. Even the larger Series 8 (45mm) appeared relatively small in comparison to the Ultra, equipped with an immense 49mm titanium case. While rugged sports watches designed for outdoor pursuits often tend to be sizable, the Ultra outshines several notable competitors in this realm.
It surpasses both the 47mm Polar Grit X ($429.95) and the 45mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (starting at $449.99) in terms of sheer dimensions and robustness.
With dimensions measuring 1.9 by 1.7 by 0.6 inches (HWD), the Apple Watch Ultra exhibits noticeable thickness in comparison to the Series 8, which protrudes less than half an inch (0.4 inches) from the wrist. Weighing approximately 2.2 ounces (61.3 grams), the Ultra matches the weight of the Polar Grit X but is twice as heavy as the aluminum-clad Series 8, which weighs 1.1 ounces.
The larger size and added weight of the Ultra ensure that it remains conspicuous on your wrist at all times, unlike the Series 8, which often allows me to forget I’m wearing it for extended periods.
(Credit: Clana. Source of Inspiration Apple)
In contrast to Apple’s other watch models, the Apple Watch Ultra boasts a fully flat front sapphire crystal, enhancing its durability. While I personally appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the domed glass on the Series 8, the Ultra’s flat screen, safeguarded by a titanium ridge, exhibits superior resistance to scratches along the edges.
Apple included two straps with the Apple Watch Ultra: the Ocean Band in yellow and the Alpine Loop in starlight. While the watch initially comes with one band, the three new bands specifically designed for the Ultra can be purchased separately for $99.
The Ocean Band, suitable for high-speed water sports, showcases a tubular design crafted from high-performance elastomer, complete with a titanium buckle.
On the other hand, the Alpine Loop, ideal for general outdoor adventures, is constructed with high-strength yarn and features a titanium G-hook that effortlessly slides into loops on the band, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. While the Ocean Band carries a slightly bulkier profile, I personally prefer the Alpine Loop for everyday wear due to its versatility and sleek design.
(Credit: Clana. Source of Inspiration Apple).
The Alpine Loop band is designed for the Apple Watch Ultra: As Resilient as Nature’s Trails. This strap is both lightweight and exceptionally durable, constructed from two textile layers seamlessly woven into a single, stitch-free piece. The corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook effortlessly slides into the reinforced loops, ensuring a secure and snug fit.
Apple also unveiled a third strap option, known as the Trail Loop, to accompany the Apple Watch Ultra. Priced at $99, this particular band is specifically designed for runners and endurance athletes. Although I haven’t personally tested this band yet, it is crafted from a lightweight nylon weave, suggesting that it may offer the highest level of comfort among the three options.
Apple Watch Ultra Software
In terms of software, the Apple Watch Ultra comes preloaded with watchOS 9, the latest iteration of Apple’s wearable operating system. As mentioned in my review of the Series 8, watchOS 9 represents a significant upgrade from the previous generation, introducing a plethora of features to Apple watches. These include an AFib History tracker, a Medications app, a redesigned Compass app, advanced running metrics, heart rate zone data, sleep stage tracking, and more. The Ultra encompasses all the features of the Series 8, incorporating the latest additions such as car crash detection, overnight body temperature measurements, and retrospective ovulation estimates.
Display and Wayfinder Face:
The Apple Watch Ultra features the biggest and brightest Always-On Retina display ever seen in an Apple Watch. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, it offers exceptional visibility even in bright sunlight. The larger display provides ample room for workout metrics and detailed watch faces. The innovative Wayfinder face allows you to activate Night Mode by rotating the Digital Crown, ensuring better viewing in low-light situations.
(Credit: Clana. Source of Inspiration Apple)
WatchOS 9 also brings forth a fresh collection of watch faces, including the exclusive Wayfinder option available only on the Ultra.
The Wayfinder watch face, perfectly complementing the Ultra’s rugged design, quickly became my personal favorite. By tapping the dial, you can effortlessly switch between the time display and a live compass.
The Wayfinder watch face offers ample space for up to eight different complications, allowing for easy customization based on your daily plans. For instance, before embarking on an ocean adventure, you can add complications such as Depth, UV Index, Water Temperature, and Wind. When going hiking, the Elevation and Waypoint complications prove to be handy. Endurance sports enthusiasts can benefit from complications like Sunset/Sunrise and Music.
A Night Mode exclusive to the Wayfinder watch face has been specifically designed to eliminate blue light, transforming the display into black and red hues, ensuring better visibility and reduced eye strain in low-light conditions. Activating Night Mode is as simple as rotating the Digital Crown upward.
Battery Life:
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra is its impressive battery life. With up to 36 hours of normal use, it can easily last through a day of heavy usage. In specific scenarios, such as low-power settings and workout-enabled mode, it can provide up to 60 hours of battery life. These extended battery capabilities ensure you can rely on the watch’s power even during multi-day adventures.
Design and Durability:
The Apple Watch Ultra showcases a 49mm titanium case, providing a solid and rugged build. Its water resistance rating of 100 meters (according to ISO standard 22810) ensures it can handle recreational scuba diving and high-speed water sports. Additionally, it has been tested to MIL-STD 810H standards, proving its ability to withstand altitudes, extreme temperatures, immersion, shock, and more. The IP6X dust resistance adds an extra layer of protection, making it suitable for any adventure.
Specialized Bands and Action Button:
To cater to athletes and adventurers, the Apple Watch Ultra comes with three specialized bands. These bands are carefully crafted and specifically tailored to cater to outdoor adventures, endurance training, and water sports. The Action button provides quick and physical control over various functions, such as controlling a workout, marking a Compass Waypoint, or initiating a dive.
GPS Performance:
The Apple Watch Ultra integrates advanced dual-frequency GPS technology, guaranteeing precise location tracking for accurate distance calculations, pace monitoring, and detailed route mapping. By integrating both L1 and L5 GPS frequencies, it provides a greater range and remarkable power efficiency.
The dual-frequency system and Apple Maps offer improved accuracy, particularly in dense urban environments.
Fitness and Sports Tracking:
The Apple Watch Ultra includes a comprehensive set of fitness and health features. The Workout app provides detailed metrics and insights to help you track and improve your performance. With its depth gauge, it offers real-time underwater depth measurements down to 40 meters, making it ideal for scuba divers. Additionally, the watch’s partnership with renowned underwater innovators Huish Outdoors brings a full-featured dive computer to your wrist, making recreational scuba diving more accessible and safer.
Health and Safety Features:
The Apple Watch Ultra incorporates powerful health and safety features. With temperature sensing, it provides innovative insights into women’s health and advanced cycle tracking. Sleep tracking allows you to monitor your sleep stages and patterns.
The ECG app records your heart’s electrical activity and checks for irregular rhythms. The watch also offers heart health notifications and blood oxygen readings.
Additionally, it includes safety features such as fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS, ensuring your well-being is always prioritized.
Connectivity and Additional Features:
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with built-in cellular capabilities, allowing you to stay connected even without your iPhone. You can make calls, send texts, stream music, get directions, and make payments using Apple Pay. The watch also supports Siri, providing convenient voice control. With access to the App Store, you can download various apps directly on your wrist, enhancing its functionality.
Conclusion:
The Apple Watch Ultra is a game-changer in the smartwatch industry, offering unmatched durability, advanced features, and exceptional performance. With its rugged design, precise GPS, long battery life, and specialized bands, it is the ultimate companion for adventurers and athletes. Its extensive fitness and health tracking capabilities, combined with innovative safety features, make it a powerful tool for monitoring and improving overall well-being. Though it comes at a premium price, the Apple Watch Ultra provides an unparalleled experience and solidifies its position as the pinnacle of smartwatch technology.