The Apple Watch Ultra has been making waves since its debut, offering a bold new design and features that cater not just to tech enthusiasts but also to athletes, adventurers, and outdoor lovers. As someone who has always been intrigued by wearable technology but never quite found a smartwatch that could seamlessly fit into both my fitness routine and everyday life, I decided to give the Apple Watch Ultra a try. After several weeks of use, I can confidently say that this is the best smartwatch I’ve ever experienced. But what makes it so special? Here’s a deeper dive into why the Apple Watch Ultra stands out and whether it’s truly worth the hype.
Design and Build: Rugged Yet Refined
The first thing you’ll notice about the Apple Watch Ultra is its robust, tactical design. Unlike previous Apple Watches that catered more to style than substance, the Ultra is a clear departure with its titanium case and 46mm display, making it more durable, larger, and, quite frankly, more masculine in design. At first, I was a little concerned about the size, especially since I have small wrists, but once I wore it, I was immediately impressed with how comfortable it was. The weight, although heavier than a standard Apple Watch, is surprisingly manageable and doesn’t feel cumbersome on the wrist.
The flat sapphire crystal face is highly scratch-resistant, and the bright, vivid Always-On Retina display is easy to read even in direct sunlight — a huge advantage for outdoor enthusiasts who are likely to use this watch in varying conditions. It has an exploration-ready look, with a customizable action button on the side, which is perfect for quick interactions during outdoor activities. The orange accent on the button is both visually striking and practical, as it’s easy to locate even when wearing gloves.
Performance and Features: A Leap Forward in Smartwatch Technology
When it comes to performance, the Apple Watch Ultra absolutely delivers. Powered by the S8 SiP chip and watchOS 9, the watch runs smoothly, with no lag whatsoever, whether you’re switching between apps, receiving notifications, or using fitness features. Everything feels snappy and intuitive, much like you’d expect from an Apple product.
But what really sets the Apple Watch Ultra apart is its sheer number of features, especially those designed for outdoor and extreme conditions. I’ve tested some of these features, and here’s what stood out:
- GPS Accuracy and Dual-Frequency GPS: Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or navigating urban landscapes, the Apple Watch Ultra’s dual-frequency GPS delivers incredibly accurate tracking. I took the watch on a few long walks and even used it for a trail run, and the positioning data was spot on. No more worrying about losing your bearings in remote areas.
- Extreme Sports and Adventure Features: With an EN13319 certification (a standard for dive computers), the Watch Ultra is rated to go as deep as 100 meters underwater. I didn’t take it diving myself, but I did test the watch’s depth gauge and water resistance during a few swimming sessions in the pool, and it worked flawlessly. The Compass app is also a standout, giving you detailed navigation and location tracking, while the Backtrack feature can help you retrace your steps in case you get lost — a lifesaver during outdoor excursions.
- Battery Life: One of my biggest concerns with most smartwatches has always been their battery life, or lack thereof. Apple has delivered an exceptional improvement in this regard with the Ultra. The battery lasts up to 36 hours with regular use, and with low power mode, you can extend that to around 60 hours — perfect for multi-day hiking trips or other outdoor adventures. I can comfortably go two full days without needing to charge it, which is a massive upgrade compared to my previous Apple Watch, which would need a nightly recharge.
- Health and Fitness Features: The Apple Watch Ultra comes loaded with health and fitness features. It tracks your heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and even your ECG — but the addition of temperature sensing on the Ultra adds a new dimension for tracking women’s health. I found the accuracy of these readings to be impressive, and they sync seamlessly with the Health app for detailed insights.
The watch’s fitness app also features a new multisport mode for triathletes or anyone who’s looking for an all-in-one tracker for various activities. Whether you’re cycling, running, swimming, or doing strength training, the Apple Watch Ultra offers advanced metrics that can be useful for serious athletes.
The Action Button and Additional Enhancements
The standout physical feature is undoubtedly the Action button. It’s a customizable button that can be programmed for various tasks, like starting a workout, marking a waypoint, or controlling music. For example, I’ve set mine to trigger the Compass app, which has come in handy during outdoor trips. This button makes the Ultra feel like a proper tool — one that’s not just a gadget, but something built for purpose and practicality.
Another significant improvement is the enhanced speaker and microphone, which are ideal for outdoor calls or when you need to hear loud notifications in noisy environments. On multiple occasions, I’ve used the Ultra for calls while walking through busy city streets, and the sound quality was clear and easy to hear, even with the environmental noise.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra the Best Smartwatch Yet?
In my opinion, the Apple Watch Ultra is the best smartwatch on the market right now — especially for those who live an active lifestyle, love outdoor adventures, or simply want a robust, durable, and feature-packed smartwatch that delivers on performance.
It blends Apple’s hallmark sleek design and ease of use with powerful new features that cater to serious athletes, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts. From its enhanced GPS and dive-ready functionality to its longer battery life and rugged design, it’s a versatile companion whether you’re hiking, diving, or just going about your daily life.
However, it’s not a smartwatch for everyone. If you’re looking for something more fashion-forward or less bulky, you may find the Apple Watch Series 8 or SE more fitting for your needs. The Ultra is quite large and designed with durability in mind, so it’s really best suited for those who need these specific capabilities.
Final Verdict:
If you’re someone who values performance, precision, and a watch that can handle all kinds of adventures — the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly worth it. Whether you’re tracking your fitness, exploring the outdoors, or simply looking for a smartwatch that offers it all, this device is a powerhouse that will not disappoint. For me, it’s hands down the best smartwatch yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does the Apple Watch Ultra compare to the regular Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Ultra is larger, more rugged, and offers enhanced features for extreme sports, diving, and outdoor adventures. It has better battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and a more durable titanium case compared to regular models.
2. Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the price?
At a starting price of $799, the Apple Watch Ultra is a premium investment. However, if you’re an active individual who enjoys outdoor sports, hiking, or diving, or if you’re looking for advanced fitness features and the best performance, it’s worth every penny.
3. How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Ultra?
The Apple Watch Ultra lasts up to 36 hours with regular use, and with low power mode, you can stretch it up to 60 hours. This is a significant improvement over other Apple Watch models.
4. Can I swim with the Apple Watch Ultra?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra is rated for water resistance up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and even recreational diving.
5. Is the Apple Watch Ultra too big for smaller wrists?
The Apple Watch Ultra has a larger 49mm case, which may feel bulky for smaller wrists. However, I’ve found it to be surprisingly comfortable, though it might not be the best fit for those looking for a more discreet or minimalistic smartwatch.
