Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specifications

• Dimensions 49 x 41 x 14 (mm)
• Weight 61g
• Case/bezel Titanium
• Display 502 x 410 px poly-silicon always-on OLED Retina Display
• GPS Yes (unspecified)
• Battery life 36 hours
• Connection Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE
• Water resistant Yes, WR100 (diveproof)

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 closely resembles the Series 9, featuring a robust titanium body with the digital crown, side button, and distinct orange Action button. 

However, significant improvements are evident in the screen and bands. The Ultra 2 boasts a remarkable brightness of 3,000 nits, making it Apple's brightest screen yet, coupled with a smooth refresh rate, setting a new standard for smartwatch displays. The customizable Ultra-exclusive watch face offers innovative features like displaying seconds and arranging favorite complications. 

Despite software updates in watchOS 10, there's little novelty in the Ultra 2's functionality, particularly with the Action button. The bands reflect Apple's eco-friendly stance, offering options like the Alpine, Trail, and Ocean bands, with recycled materials and sustainable packaging. 

Noteworthy enhancements include slight design improvements in the Trail strap and the incorporation of recycled wool in the nylon band. Overall, the Ultra 2's commitment to sustainability extends to its titanium casing, made from 95% recycled titanium, solidifying its position as a commendable eco-conscious choice.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retains the standout adventuring features of its predecessor, including advanced GPS tracking and the Action button's ability to emit a warning siren for assistance. It's designed for durability in extreme temperatures and features the Oceanic+ app, which turns the watch into a dive computer. To test its diving capabilities, a real diving instructor evaluated the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Depth app, Apple's in-house dive function, offers easier access to dive logs and supports free diving. The Night Mode, previously manual, now activates automatically with ambient light sensors.

A notable addition is the Double Tap gesture. This feature allows users to activate any open widget or app by raising the watch and pinching fingers twice. It's a convenient and intuitive addition likely to see frequent use.

The Ultra 2 also benefits from the S9's Ultra Wideband technology, enhancing Find Devices functionality. Users with an iPhone 15 can see the direction and distance of their phone in feet. Additionally, Ultra Wideband allows for music control on Apple HomePod when nearby.

While these features offer enhancements, there's a desire for more innovation in outdoor functionality. Nevertheless, given the array of outstanding features carried over from previous models, it's challenging to fault the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for delivering more of what users appreciate.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Performance

Despite its size and weight, the Ultra 2 performs admirably and has longer battery life compared to standard Apple Watches. Sleep tracking is adequate, though it lacks the insightful guidance provided by Fitbit and Garmin devices.

Activity tracking is praised for its ease of use. The automatic logging of activities like brisk walks and the clear visualization of activity and movement goals are appreciated. The Strength Training workout profiles, allowing customization with rest and work segments, are particularly valued for gym use.

Running with the Ultra 2 is enjoyable, thanks to accurate GPS and the ambient light sensor automatically switching to Night Mode. The brighter screen is a welcome addition, although not always necessary in practice.

Battery life meets expectations, lasting up to 36 hours even with a 45-minute run. While an improvement over standard Apple Watches, it falls short compared to some Garmin models, limiting its suitability for multi-day outdoor activities.

The main enhancements brought by the S9 chip, such as the Double Tap gesture and the improved Find Devices feature using Ultra Wideband technology, show promise. Double Tap, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize daily usage scenarios by providing a convenient hands-free interaction option.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands as a stunning piece of technology, yet may not warrant an upgrade for existing Ultra owners. Boasting a titanium casing, it promises enhanced durability and resilience in challenging environments compared to standard models. With a battery life mirroring its predecessor at 36 hours, it offers double the endurance of typical Apple Watches, making it a significant upgrade for those frequently engaged in day-long activities, particularly with GPS workouts.

However, despite its prowess as a trail companion, the Ultra 2's battery life may fall short of expectations over two days unless sparingly used in low-power mode. For individuals not keen on activities like running, hiking, or diving, the Ultra 2 may not offer compelling features, making the Apple Watch Series 9 a preferable choice.