- Lovely display
- Long battery
- Double tap is neat, albeit limited
- Expensive
- Too big for some wrists
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a fairly iterative update, but it has solidified its place as my favourite Apple Watch. The larger, brighter screen and longer battery life are inherently good things, but just as with large phones, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might not be the best pick for everyone.
Bigger is better, most of the time
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is very much in line with the original Ultra from last year. Same design, same durability, same battery life. The screen is 50% brighter and there's a new processor that enables some nifty functionality, but if you already have an Apple Watch Ultra, you don't need to upgrade. You're not missing out on much.
For everyone else, the Ultra 2 represents a big step up from a standard Apple Watch like the Series 9. When I first swapped over to the original Ultra last year, it changed how I used my Apple Watch.
Personally, the longer battery life is the most meaningful improvement. I'm actually using the always-on display, and actively use sleep tracking. These were features I ignored on previous Watches, just to get a little more longevity per charge. Even with always-on display and sleep tracking, I get around 40 hours before I need to top up.
The fact the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has the largest display in the family comes with similar benefits. It's super easy to read at a glance, no matter what the lightning.
Of course, the largest display in an Apple Watch also makes the Ultra 2 the largest Apple Watch - in every dimension. In addition to being taller, wider, and thicker, the Ultra 2 also has a protrusion on one side that houses the digital crown and power button.
Since these buttons jut out, they're easy to hit accidentally. I've unintentionally paused workouts when stabilising myself on the stairmaster or doing push-ups. The sheer size of the Watch Ultra 2 means it may not suit smaller wrists. It looks comical when my partner has tried it on, for example.
Apple has a line of Ultra-exclusive watch bands, but you can also use 45mm bands if you've had a previous Apple Watch. They can look a bit unbalanced when compared to the Watch Ultra 2, but it's better than not having the option.
A smaller version of the Watch Ultra 2 could be a happy middle ground for those who want the advanced functionality of Apple's best wearable without the size.
Big sci-fi energy
Double tap is the big new feature across the 2023 Apple Watches, including the new Ultra. Pinch your thumb and finger together twice in succession, and you'll trigger the primary function of what app you're in, or if you're on your watch face, it will bring up your smart stack. Double tapping again cycles through it.
As a concept, double tap has sci-fi energy. It's insanely cool to be able to do things on your Watch without actually touching the screen. In reality, it's a bit more limited. For me, double tap works about 95% of the time, but not every app supports it. You can't use it in workouts for example. It also requires the display to be active.
The bigger barrier to entry is remembering double tap exists. Maybe it's just me, but as someone who's used an Apple Watch since the first generation, I've got muscle memory for my common tasks. Clicking my fingers instead of instinctually touching the screen takes a concentrated effort. At the same time, it took me a good few months to get used to having the action button when I first swapped to the Watch Ultra last year.
I'll be interested to see how Apple builds on double tap. I'd love to see some customisability here; give me the option of what double tap triggers on my watch face and each app. Let me use it to start a four-minute timer so I don't burn my toastie in the morning.
Onboard Siri is the other interesting addition in this year's models. In past generations, Apple Watches required a paired iPhone for Siri to work. This time around, Siri runs directly on the Watch, and is even able to complete some tasks - like setting a timer - without the need for any connectivity. These tasks are also noticeably faster, but not run out and buy a new Apple Watch faster.
Still a great fitness tracker
It goes without saying that the Watch Ultra 2 is still a great fitness tracker, and while I won't stop asking for rest days, Apple's biggest wearable is also its most comprehensive when it comes to any kind of activity.
Nothing has changed from a hardware perspective between the original Ultra and the second-generation model, but there are a couple of new software features in watchOS 10 worth calling out.
While watchOS 9 was a big update for runners, watchOS 10 is also about cyclists and hikers.
If you're cycling with both your Watch and your iPhone, you'll get your workout as a live activity on the iPhone which can take up the full screen. And when paired with Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories, your Apple Watch can provide new metrics like cycling power and cadence.
When it comes to hiking, the Compass app will automatically add waypoints for when you last had mobile connectivity and when you were last able to make an emergency call. And starting in the United States, Apple Maps will get topographical maps with more specific trail information. I'm very excited for when this eventually comes to Australia.
Every Apple Watch shares the same core fitness features, but the Watch Ultra takes a few of these to the next level. There's a more accurate GPS for runners, an emergency siren for hikers, and a dedicated diving mode for the mermen and mermaids among us.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Final Thoughts
Despite the adventure and fitness-centric marketing, you don't need to be an outdoorsy or active type to take advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It fits some of those specific use cases better than a non-Ultra Apple Watch, but the larger display and longer battery are practical no matter who you are. As long as you're not put off by the size - or the price.
Retailing for $1,399, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn't cheap. With a starting price of $649, an aluminium Apple Watch Series 9 will be a far more pragmatic purchase for many, but if you were considering a stainless steel model (which starts at $1,199), I'd pay for the extra $200 for the Ultra. If you're going to go big, you may as well go all the way.
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