Apple Watch Ultra HandsOn: Everything You Need To Know
This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, a collection of CNET news, tips, and advice on Apple's most popular products.
Announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 at Apple's "Far Out" event, the Apple Watch Ultra could be the biggest change we've seen to the Apple Watch lineup in years. It arrives September 23rd, a week after Watch Series 8, and of course its look or price isn't for everyone.
The Apple Watch has been slowly expanding, as has the iPhone. Apple only released one watch a year, but the Apple Watch SE introduced a more affordable model. The Apple Watch Ultra goes in the opposite direction: it's more expensive, but unlike previous fashion-focused watches, the Ultra is all about function...and endurance. Moreover, it is the largest Apple Watch in the series.
Along with the Apple Watch SE and Watch Series 8, the Ultra is similar to Apple's version of the Casio G-Shock. The new design moves the crown and side pusher to a longer side, and along with the new watch's larger case and curved edges, the James Cameron flat screen looks more like previous Apple Watches.
But as the side-by-side comparison shows, this is not a radical change. The distinctive look may appeal to some people who prefer a larger or bolder watch design. On its own, this is a more unexpected move than Apple's previous, more subtle work.
Apple / Dawnthea Lisco / CNET pricePre-order the Apple Watch Ultra from Apple starting at $799. The devices will start shipping on September 23rd.
The new watch has a 49mm titanium case, flat sapphire crystal, brighter display (2000 nits). There's a new dedicated second button, an improved speaker, and a clean, durable design. The mobile phone is also the only model available. It contains many new features.
The Ultra's biggest new feature is a bigger battery, something the Apple Watch hasn't had since its debut. Typical Apple Watch battery life is about a day and a half; The Ultra promises more: 36 hours on full power and even more than 60 hours on low power, low power mode.
There is also a new watch called the Wayfinder with additional readings for outdoor activities.
The Ultra still looks great when I wear it on my big wrist. Not as heavy as I expected. Looks definitely a bit bolder than you're used to, especially with the thick and functional straps.
The expected watch redesign last year never came to fruition, although Apple increased the size of the watch's screen. The Watch Ultra has a new look and feel, including a flat surface and an uneven side that houses the crown and side button, and a new programmable second button on the other side.
The buttons are easy to get to, though I'm not sure how I feel about the sturdy Digital Crown. However, I understand why I would do it: it would be easier to reach it with gloves or scuba gear.
The new straps include a ribbed ribbed bezel designed for wetsuit use, a lightweight, slightly flexible Trail Loop that looks like an upgraded version of the current sports loop, and a nylon Alp Loop with a titanium buckle that can be used in a variety of combinations. . All of them are designed for professional sports use. (The ocean strip is highlighted in yellow.)
The redesigned Compass looks very interesting, especially since it scales to different scales and allows you to return coordinates and directions. The Ultra's GPS is enhanced with dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5), making it more accurate than competing GPS smartwatches.
Also on Wednesday, it was announced that the new Apple Watch Series 8 adds more advanced motion tracking with temperature detection, car crash detection and a low power mode that can extend battery life up to 36 hours on standard models. The Ultra will also have all of these features.
Who is Ultra for? Garmin appears to be targeting the watch market - those who want a personal running watch or a smartwatch that can (maybe) work all weekend without spending a lot of money.
One of Ultra's biggest advantages may be Ultra's unique ability to save waypoints for its new Compass app and show directions back without a cellular signal using only GPS. The same goes for the watch's unique ability to work better underwater. The ability of an additional button to jump to your favorite activities without using the touch screen can be key for serious runners considering alternatives to heavy duty watches.
However, the extra cost means most people won't buy this watch. However, as with the iPhone Pro and iPad Pro, the Watch Ultra's features may end up being innovations that will make their way to other watch models as well.
The Ultra has additional safety features, including a loud siren that can be set to alert people in the event of an accident (I didn't test it in Apple's demo room). INCREASED WATER RESISTANCE: WR100 and EN13319 certified for diving.
There are several new apps for the Ultra: a new dive app, Oceanic Plus, designed specifically for the Watch Ultra, that keeps track of tides and water temperature; It also records bathymetric data and dive results. Apple has its own depth measurement software. The side button can be operated underwater to set coordinates and is also designed for use while diving.
I'm not a diver or hiker, but the Ultra's battery life is what I crave the most. I still don't know how it works, but the Apple Watch's multi-day battery life is something I've wanted for years.
The Apple Watch Ultra isn't the only device announced at the Far Out event. To learn more, check out everything Apple has introduced, including the iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2.
