Guide

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specification

Size: 47mm

Processor: Apple S9

Connectivity: Cellular (optional,) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, U2, NFC, GPS (L1 + L5)

Dust-resistance: IPX6

Waterproof: Up to 100 meters

Health sensors: Skin temperature, heart rate, ECG, SpO2

Battery life: 36 hours (70 with low power mode)

Compatibility: iOS only

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is very similar to the original, designed for outdoor sports enthusiasts with a durable build and enhanced GPS. The differences are minor, so if you already own the original, upgrading may not be necessary. However, the Ultra 2 offers a brighter screen, a more advanced chip, and a frame made from 95% recycled titanium. Priced at AED 3,199 in the UAE, it's ideal for active iOS users, especially first-time buyers. Additionally, it is one of Apple’s first carbon-neutral certified devices.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Performance

When it comes to performance, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are quite similar. Both use the new S9 processor, which is the first real power boost since the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple says it's 25% more efficient, with 5.6 billion transistors, 30% faster graphics, and a 4-core neural engine that makes machine learning twice as fast.

This processor not only allows for a super bright 3,000-nit display without draining the battery, but it also makes Siri faster. Now, Siri works directly on the device, giving quicker responses and even some offline features. For example, if you don’t have Cellular turned on and want to go for a run without your phone, you can now use Siri on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to start your workout with your voice, something you couldn’t do on the first Apple Watch Ultra.

Another benefit of the new processor is the double-tap gesture. This feature lets you control your watch by tapping your index finger and thumb together. For example, if you’re in a tricky spot, like hanging off a cliff (which some Apple Watch Ultra users might actually do for fun), you could answer calls or open apps by double-tapping your fingers. You can also use this gesture to scroll through the Smart Stack, control music, use the camera remote, and more.

If you lose your phone, the upgraded ultra-wideband (UWB) chip in the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can help you find it by giving you directions to its location. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Outdoor And Safety Features

While the Apple Watch Ultra is popular with many types of users, it’s mainly designed as a sports watch. It's one of the best running watches, with features like Precision Start, an action button to pause workouts, and dual-frequency GPS that’s as accurate as Garmin watches. All these great running features are also found in the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Now, you can connect your Apple Watch to Bluetooth devices like a power meter, speed sensor, or cadence sensor to track your cycling power and Functional Threshold Power (FTP) score. Plus, your iPhone can display your workout data. 

The Depth app also got an upgrade. It now saves a log of each dive, so you can review your recent dives on your Apple Watch Ultra 2 or see your full dive history in the Fitness app on your iPhone.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the same compass app with track-back features, but now it shows your current elevation in real time and displays waypoints in 3D based on relative elevation. For hiking, there’s a more detailed topographic map that highlights points of interest. When you start a hike, nearby trail information appears, giving details on the trail length, type, and difficulty.

For safety, the compass app now detects two new waypoints: your Last Cellular Connection and Last Emergency Call Waypoint, which can guide you to a spot where you can make an emergency call. If you need immediate help, the Siren app sounds an 86-decibel alarm that can be heard up to 180 meters away. This feature is reassuring whether you're in the wilderness or in a city at night. Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best Apple Watch for personal safety.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: WatchOS 10

Along with the new sports features, watchOS 10 introduces many new Apple Watch features. The biggest change is Smart Stack, which changes how you navigate your Apple Watch. Now, when you rotate the digital crown, the Smart Stack opens, showing a carousel of information tiles that are relevant to you.

There are also some new health features. The Mindfulness app in watchOS 10 now includes prompts for logging your emotions and daily moods. Additionally, the ambient light sensor in certain Apple Watch models can now measure how much time you spend outside to help monitor vision health.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the best battery life of any Apple Watch. Even with its brighter display, it lasts 36 hours with regular use. In low power mode, the battery can last up to 72 hours, which is an improvement from the original's 60 hours.

However, when compared to other sports watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's battery life doesn’t measure up. For example, the Garmin Forerunner 265, lasts 15 days with mixed use, and the Coros Vertix 2 can go 120 hours in GPS mode. Athletes who prioritize battery life might not be impressed by the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Final Thoughts

Even though the battery life still isn’t as long as some of the top sports watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 makes enough small improvements to justify its  AED 3,199 price. The new S9 chip makes it more future-proof, the double-tap gesture adds convenience, and the extra brightness is a nice touch. The switch to recycled titanium is also worth noting.

However, if you already had the original Apple Watch Ultra, you wouldn’t feel the need to upgrade to the new version. But for someone buying their first Ultra, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice.