The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a bold step forward in the evolution of Apple’s smartwatch lineup. Building on the success of the original Ultra, the second generation brings several notable improvements, including a brighter display, a larger battery, and enhanced performance. Designed to endure extreme conditions, the Ultra 2 also proves to be a reliable companion for everyday use. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has to offer and how it performs in daily life.
Design and Build Quality: Rugged Yet Elegant
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retains the robust design of its predecessor, featuring a 49-millimeter (1.93-inch) titanium case that Apple describes as “aerospace grade.” This material not only provides durability but also keeps the watch relatively lightweight. At 70 grams (2.47 oz) with the band and 62 grams (2.91 oz) without, it’s comfortable enough for all-day wear. The titanium case is complemented by a sapphire glass display that offers scratch resistance and enhanced clarity.
The watch’s case is equipped with a crown that can be rotated and pressed, along with two buttons for easy navigation. One of these is a customizable “action button,” which can be set to launch various functions like the training menu, stopwatch, or flashlight. This makes it convenient for users to access their most-used features quickly.
Display: Brighter and Better
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is its display. Apple has increased the brightness, making it easier to read in direct sunlight or harsh conditions. The 1.92-inch display is vibrant and sharp, providing excellent visibility whether you’re checking notifications, using the built-in navigation features, or monitoring health metrics.
The display is surrounded by a slightly raised titanium case, offering additional protection against impacts. The sapphire glass covering ensures that the screen remains free from scratches and blemishes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those with active lifestyles.
Durability: Built for Extremes
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed to withstand some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. It’s dust resistant to IPX6 standards and meets the ISO 22810:2010 standard for water resistance up to 100 meters. It’s also certified for diving up to 40 meters (131 feet) according to EN13319, making it a versatile tool for both swimming and diving enthusiasts.
In addition to water resistance, the Ultra 2 complies with MIL-STD 810H standards for a variety of environmental conditions, including high and low temperatures, thermal shock, immersion, freeze and thaw cycles, ice and freezing rain, shock, and vibration. This makes it an ideal choice for adventurers who need a watch that can keep up with their rugged lifestyle.
Setup and Compatibility: Seamlessly Pairs with iPhone
Setting up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a breeze, but it’s important to note that it only works with an iPhone. When you first turn on the watch, a pop-up will automatically appear on your nearby iPhone, prompting you to pair the two devices. This process is simple and intuitive—just scan the smartwatch’s display with your iPhone’s camera, and you’re ready to go.
Once paired, you can choose to load data from previous Apple Watch models or set it up as a new device. The watch can also be set up for family members, making it a versatile option for families who want to stay connected. The settings transfer seamlessly, including Apple ID and other personal preferences, ensuring a smooth setup process.
User Interface and Navigation: Intuitive Controls
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is controlled via a combination of a touchscreen, a rotating and pressure-sensitive crown, and two buttons. The interface is user-friendly, allowing for quick navigation between apps and settings. Pressing the crown brings up the app menu from the watch face, while a double-tap shows an overview of recently opened apps. The side button provides quick access to essential settings like flashlight, battery, cellular, and Wi-Fi modes.
Apple has also introduced a double-tap gesture, where a quick tap of the thumb and index finger together can pause music or scroll through widgets. This innovative feature worked reliably in our tests, adding another layer of convenience to the user experience.
Communication and Notifications: Staying Connected
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes equipped with both speakers and microphones, allowing you to make and receive phone calls directly from your wrist. The integrated LTE module and eSIM support mean you can make calls without needing to have your iPhone nearby, as long as you are within Bluetooth range.
Call quality is excellent, with clear audio for both the wearer and the person on the other end of the line. Notifications are displayed reliably, and the watch can even display emoticons and images, although some images may appear slightly blurry depending on the app used. Replying to messages is straightforward with options for pre-written responses, emoticons, voice input, or even using the full QWERTY keyboard on the screen.
Siri Integration: Voice Commands on Demand
Apple continues to rely on Siri as the exclusive voice assistant for the Watch Ultra 2. Siri can be accessed on demand or by pressing a button, providing answers both on the display and through the speaker. With the new processor, voice commands are processed directly on the device, which Apple claims leads to faster response times.
Health and Fitness Features: Advanced Monitoring Capabilities
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels in health and fitness tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features to monitor your well-being. It tracks heart rate, ECG, and skin temperature, and even measures ambient noise to warn of potentially harmful sound levels. Unique to the Ultra 2 are features like asymmetrical gait measurement, walking stability, and stair-climbing speed.
The built-in siren can be a lifesaver in emergencies, emitting an 84-decibel alarm that can be heard up to 180 meters (590 feet) away. The watch also includes fall and accident detection, automatically contacting emergency services if it detects a hard fall or serious car accident and the wearer does not respond.
Activity Tracking: Keep Moving with Apple’s Activity Rings
Activity tracking remains a core feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, using Apple’s familiar Activity Rings to display calories burned, minutes worked out, and time spent standing. These metrics are easy to view on the watch itself or within the Apple Health and Apple Fitness apps. The software also provides detailed breakdowns of daily activity and long-term trends, offering valuable insights for those looking to improve their fitness levels.
Conclusion: A Smartwatch for the Adventurous
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a brighter display, enhanced durability, and advanced health and fitness features. Its robust build quality and extensive feature set make it an excellent choice for both everyday users and adventurers alike. Priced at $799 / €899, the Ultra 2 is a premium device that delivers on its promises, making it a worthy investment for those who need a smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Whether you’re diving into the depths of the ocean, scaling a mountain, or just navigating through a busy day, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed to be a reliable companion. With its blend of rugged durability and cutting-edge technology, it stands out as one of the best smartwatches available today.
