Apple has recently unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the successor to the Apple Watch Ultra that was launched in 2022. The Ultra series is designed for outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts who want a rugged and durable smartwatch with advanced features. But how does the Ultra 2 compare to the Ultra, and is it worth upgrading? Here are some of the key differences and similarities between the two models.
Design and display
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a similar design to the Ultra, with a titanium case, a sapphire crystal screen, and a ceramic back. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and has a built-in GPS, compass, altimeter, and barometer. The watch also has a special coating that makes it resistant to scratches, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.
The main difference between the Ultra 2 and the Ultra is the display. The Ultra 2 has a larger, flatter, and brighter screen that is easier to read in sunlight. The screen size is 49 mm, compared to 44 mm for the Ultra. The screen resolution is also higher, at 448 x 368 pixels, compared to 368 x 448 pixels for the Ultra. The screen also supports always-on display, which means you can see the time and other information without raising your wrist.
Battery life and charging
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a slightly better battery life than the Ultra, thanks to its more efficient processor and display. The watch can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, compared to 16 hours for the Ultra. The watch also supports fast charging, which can give you up to 50% battery in just 30 minutes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a new magnetic charger that attaches to the back of the watch. The charger is compatible with both USB-C and USB-A ports, and can also charge other devices that support Qi wireless charging. The charger is also smaller and lighter than the previous one, making it more portable.
Health and fitness features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has all the health and fitness features that the Ultra has, plus some new ones. Both watches can monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen level, ECG, temperature, sleep quality, stress level, and fall detection. Both watches also have an emergency SOS feature that can call for help if you are in trouble.
The new features that the Ultra 2 has are:
- Blood pressure measurement: The watch can measure your blood pressure using an optical sensor that detects changes in blood flow. You can see your blood pressure readings on the watch or on your iPhone using the Health app.
- Body composition analysis: The watch can estimate your body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and water percentage using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). You can see your body composition results on the watch or on your iPhone using the Fitness app.
- VO2 max estimation: The watch can estimate your VO2 max, which is a measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise. This can help you assess your cardiovascular fitness and endurance. You can see your VO2 max score on the watch or on your iPhone using the Fitness app.
Software and compatibility
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 runs on watchOS 9, which is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for smartwatches. The watchOS 9 has some new features and improvements, such as:
- Focus mode: This feature lets you customize your notifications based on different activities or contexts. For example, you can set up a focus mode for work, sleep, or fitness. You can also sync your focus mode with your iPhone and other devices.
- App Library: This feature lets you access all your apps from a single screen. You can also organize your apps into categories or folders for easier navigation.
- Multiple timers: This feature lets you set up multiple timers for different purposes. For example, you can set up a timer for cooking, laundry, or exercise. You can also name your timers and see them on your watch face.
- New watch faces: The watchOS 9 has some new watch faces that are exclusive to the Ultra series. These include:
- Adventure: This watch face shows you various information related to outdoor activities, such as altitude, weather, sunrise/sunset times, moon phases, and compass direction.
- Fitness: This watch face shows you various information related to fitness activities, such as calories burned, heart rate zones, steps taken, distance traveled, and workout duration.
- Health: This watch face shows you various information related to health metrics, such as blood pressure, blood oxygen level, body temperature, ECG waveform, and stress level.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 or later. You can pair your watch with your iPhone using the Watch app or by scanning a QR code on the watch screen.
Price and availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available in two colors: space black and silver. The watch comes with a sport band, a sport loop, or a leather loop. You can also choose from various other bands and accessories that are sold separately.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799 for the GPS-only model and $899 for the GPS + Cellular model. The watch is available for pre-order now and will start shipping on September 24, 2023.
The Apple Watch Ultra is still available for purchase, but at a lower price. The watch now starts at $599 for the GPS-only model and $699 for the GPS + Cellular model. The watch is available in the same colors and bands as the Ultra 2.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a significant upgrade from the Ultra, especially in terms of display, battery life, charging, and health features. The watch is ideal for people who love outdoor adventures and fitness activities, and who want a rugged and durable smartwatch with advanced features. However, the watch is also more expensive and larger than the Ultra, which may not suit everyone’s preferences and budget. Therefore, you should consider your needs and expectations before deciding whether to upgrade or not.
