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Apple
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its annual product event on Tuesday, September 12. Preorders are available now, with the watch set for an official release on Friday, September 22.
The Ultra 2 supplants the original Apple Watch Ultra in the company's lineup and introduces a few updates. The most notable of which is its upgraded screen brightness which maxes out at 3000 nits, making it highly visible in bright, sunny conditions. The Ultra 2 also includes the S9 processing chip and expanded capabilities for divers and cyclists.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available in just one sizing option and retails for $799.
Where to preorder the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Preorders of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are available now via Apple's online store. The Ultra 2 officially goes on sale and ships Friday, September 22.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 pricing
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one sizing option, 49mm, and one case option, titanium. It's available at a price of $799.
With the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the original Apple Watch Ultra is no longer for sale via Apple's website.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 upgrades
Although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 replaces last year's Apple Watch Ultra, its year-over-year changes are minimal. Similar to the Apple Watch Series 9, which was also announced during the event, the Ultra 2 features the debut of WearOS 10.
Other hardware upgrades include the S9 processing chip for faster operation and smoother effects and an upgraded ultra-wideband chip for better location accuracy.
The Ultra 2 also comes standard with the new Double Tap Gesture features which allows wearers to interact with the watch by just tapping their index finger and thumb twice. The gesture is set up to interact with the primary button of an app, meaning it can start or stop a timer, snooze an alarm, or answer or hang up a phone call.
The most interesting new upgrade to the Ultra 2 is its updated screen brightness, which can now be set to a maximum of 3000 nits. This makes it easier to read in high lighting conditions and is the brightest screen of any Apple Watch. The screen can also be lowered to 1 nit for use in dark rooms or low light.
A new watch face called Modular Ultra was announced for the Ultra 2, and it's designed to make use of the entire edge-to-edge display. It can be fully customized to feature a variety of data or for quick access to widgets.
New water sports features also debut on the Ultra 2, including tracking for things like wakeboarding and kitesurfing, as well as diving-specific activities like scuba diving and freediving. The Ultra 2 received an altitude update to go along with these activities, as it can now be used at depths of up to 500 meters below sea level. Similarly, it's capable of being used at an altitude of up to 9,000 meters above sea level as well.
Other upgrades include on-device Siri which allows users to log Siri requests directly on the watch that don't require an internet connection. Find My iPhone accuracy received an update as well, thanks to the ultra-wideband chip, and now features visual, haptic, and audio cues to guide a user to their misplaced or lost Apple Watch.
Battery life of the Ultra 2 remains the same as the original Apple Watch Ultra, as users can expect up to 36 hours on a single charge, as well as 72 hours in low power mode.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 release date
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available for preorder today and will be available for purchase on Friday, September 22.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 environmental impact
Similar to the Series 9, some configurations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are fully carbon neutral. When paired with either the Alpine Loop or Trail Loop band, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will feature 95% recycled titanium. For comparison, the first Apple Watch Ultra contained no recycled titanium whatsoever.
Should you buy it?
Like the original Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra 2 isn't for everyone. At $799, it's a substantial investment to make in a smartwatch, and the question of whether you should buy one or not comes down to two considerations: Do you own the original Ultra? And, would you make use of the watch's advanced features?
If you answer yes to the first question, then you likely don't need to upgrade. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn't a significant generational advancement over its predecessor, so current Ultra users can feel confident in standing pat. The original Ultra is still compatible with WearOS 10 and unless you absolutely need the new Double Tap Gesture function or the brighter screen, it's fine to wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
But if you answered yes to the second question, and don't yet own an Apple Watch Ultra, then it's a solid investment. Its price does put it on par with similar outdoor watches like Garmin's Epix Pro, and while it has far shorter battery life than a Garmin, Apple's wearables are the best smartwatches you can buy. This includes the Ultra line.