Apple Watch Ultra 2 Full Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Apple’s newest flagship wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, marks the second generation in the Ultra series, a lineup targeted primarily at outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking enhanced battery life, the Ultra 2 introduces new hardware and software upgrades aimed at improving user experience. Having tested the device extensively across activities like swimming, running, and cycling, here’s a detailed look at its features, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Design and Display

At first glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 maintains the rugged aesthetic of its predecessor. Designed for durability, it features the same titanium casing with sapphire crystal glass that offers exceptional resistance to scratches and harsh conditions. What sets the Ultra 2 apart is its upgraded 3,000-nit AMOLED display, up from 2,000 nits on the first-generation Ultra.

This increase in brightness is noticeable, particularly in outdoor settings under direct sunlight. Whether hiking under the blazing sun or using the watch’s flashlight mode in low-light conditions, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels in providing a clear and vibrant display. Apple has also reduced the minimum brightness to 1 nit, ensuring the screen remains usable without disrupting your sleep or draining the battery unnecessarily during nighttime use.

Performance and Hardware

Apple Watch Ultra 2
Image Credit: Amazon

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the new S9 chipset, also introduced in the Apple Watch Series 10 with S10 Chipset . While the improvements in performance might not be immediately apparent during everyday tasks like opening apps or scrolling through menus, the S9 enables several new features, such as:

  • Double Tap Gesture: A standout feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, this allows users to perform actions like answering calls or navigating menus by simply tapping their thumb and index finger together. Unlike previous accessibility gestures, this implementation feels natural and works consistently.
  • Second-Generation Ultra Wideband Chip: This allows precise location tracking, making it easier to locate misplaced devices, such as your iPhone, using proximity-based guidance.

These upgrades, while subtle, enhance the watch’s functionality and usability, particularly for those integrating it into their daily routines.

Battery Life

The Ultra series is known for its extended battery life, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn’t disappoint. Apple claims the battery can last up to 36 hours with typical use and 72 hours in low-power mode. While these figures depend on usage patterns, the watch reliably outlasts standard Apple Watch models, making it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures or long workouts.

Fitness and Health Features

Image Credit: Amazon

Fitness tracking remains a cornerstone of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It supports over 90 workout modes, ranging from running and cycling to swimming and hiking. The integration with watchOS 10 brings several enhancements to fitness features:

  • Cycling Features: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now supports Bluetooth power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors. Cyclists can view detailed metrics, including cycling power zones and functional threshold power (FTP), directly on their watch or mirrored onto their iPhone for easier visibility.
  • Topographic Maps: Offline maps with topographic details are now available, although the feature is currently limited to certain regions, primarily in California. Apple promises a broader rollout across the U.S. by the end of the year, but global availability remains uncertain.
  • Running Metrics: Like its predecessor, the Ultra 2 offers advanced running metrics, including stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation, making it a solid choice for serious runners.

In addition to fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes robust health monitoring features:

  • Sleep Tracking: The watch tracks sleep stages, providing insights into total sleep duration, time spent in bed, and wake-up times. However, the accuracy of in-bed tracking remains inconsistent.
  • Wrist Temperature Monitoring: While primarily targeted at tracking female ovulation cycles, this feature could be expanded for broader health applications in future updates.

Smart Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces improved Siri functionality, including offline Siri requests for basic tasks like setting timers or starting workouts. While offline Siri struggles with more complex queries, its ability to handle essential tasks without cellular connectivity is a welcome addition. Later in the year, Siri will integrate with Apple Health, enabling users to check metrics like sleep duration or log health data hands-free.

Another notable feature is the improved flashlight mode, which benefits from the Ultra 2’s brighter display. It’s a small but practical enhancement, especially for outdoor enthusiasts navigating in the dark.

User Experience

Apple has worked to refine the user experience with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The watchOS 10 update introduces a redesigned interface with new widgets and features tailored to outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. The double tap gesture is particularly impressive, offering a seamless way to interact with the watch without touching the screen.

However, some limitations remain. The topographic maps feature, for instance, requires the user’s iPhone to be nearby, and its current geographic restrictions hinder its usability for global adventurers. Similarly, while cycling features like power meter support are a great addition, they cater more to serious cyclists than casual riders.

Comparison with Ultra 1

If you already own the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, the decision to upgrade depends on your priorities:

  • Upgrade for the Display: The brighter, more versatile display is a noticeable improvement, especially if you frequently use the watch outdoors.
  • Upgrade for Double Tap: This new gesture control adds a layer of convenience, particularly for users who rely heavily on hands-free interactions.
  • Upgrade for Cycling Features: Cyclists will appreciate the enhanced sensor support and cycling-specific metrics.

If these features don’t resonate with you, sticking with the Ultra 1 might be a better choice, as the core fitness and health features remain largely unchanged.

Here’s a comparison table between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) to highlight the differences and similarities

Feature
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Remarks
Price
$799
$799
No price change between generations.
Chipset
S9 SiP Chip
S8 SiP Chip
Improved performance and energy efficiency in Ultra 2.
Display Brightness
3,000 nits
2,000 nits
Ultra 2 offers significantly better visibility in bright outdoor settings.
Minimum Brightness
1 nit
~2 nits
Ultra 2 allows lower brightness for better night-time usability.
Double Tap Gesture
Yes
No
New gesture control in Ultra 2 for hands-free interaction.
Ultra Wideband Chip
2nd Generation
1st Generation
Ultra 2 improves precise location tracking for nearby devices.
Battery Life
Up to 36 hours (72 in low-power mode)
Up to 36 hours (72 in low-power mode)
Battery life remains unchanged between the two models.
Materials
Titanium case with sapphire crystal glass
Titanium case with sapphire crystal glass
Identical build quality and durability in both models.
Cycling Metrics
Advanced cycling features (e.g., FTP, power zones)
Limited cycling metrics
Ultra 2 is better suited for serious cyclists with sensor support.
Maps
Offline topographic maps (limited availability)
No offline maps
A key upgrade for hikers and adventurers in Ultra 2.
Siri Offline Support
Basic commands supported offline
No
Ultra 2 allows offline Siri commands for simple tasks.
Health Features
Same as Ultra 1
Comprehensive health monitoring
Both models offer heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, etc.
Temperature Monitoring
Yes
Yes
No change; both monitor wrist temperature, primarily for cycle tracking.
Water Resistance
WR100 (100m) + EN13319 certification
WR100 (100m) + EN13319 certification
Identical water resistance; suitable for diving up to 40m.
watchOS
watchOS 10
watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 10)
Ultra 2 ships with the latest watchOS version.
Flashlight Brightness
Brighter due to 3,000-nit display
Less bright flashlight
Ultra 2 enhances flashlight usability with a brighter screen.
Weight
61.4g
61.3g
Practically identical weight.
GPS
Dual-frequency precision GPS
Dual-frequency precision GPS
No change in GPS performance.

Who Is It For?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for:

  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: With its rugged design, advanced GPS, and offline maps, the Ultra 2 is an excellent choice for hikers, climbers, and adventurers.
  • Fitness Fanatics: Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or cyclist, the Ultra 2 offers comprehensive tracking and metrics to help you achieve your goals.
  • Everyday Users: Even if you’re not an athlete, the extended battery life, hands-free controls, and health monitoring features make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance smartwatch.

Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a thoughtful evolution of the Ultra series, delivering meaningful upgrades without reinventing the wheel. The brighter display, new gesture controls, and improved cycling features enhance its appeal, while the S9 chipset lays the groundwork for future innovations.

That said, the Ultra 2 isn’t a must-have upgrade for every Ultra 1 owner. Many of the core features remain the same, and the differences, while valuable, may not justify the price for some users. For first-time buyers or those coming from standard Apple Watch models, however, the Ultra 2 represents the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable technology.

Image Credit: Amazon

It’s an investment, but for those who value durability, functionality, and cutting-edge features in a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is well worth considering.

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