The original Apple Watch Ultra made a bold statement by targeting a niche market. While there are many outdoor enthusiasts, the specific audience for activities like hiking, ultramarathon running, and diving is relatively small compared to the broader smartwatch market. This segment is not entirely underserved, as companies like Garmin have been catering to it for years, successfully shifting from standalone GPS devices to integrated solutions as smartphones evolved.
Apple could have taken a more conservative approach by enhancing the standard Apple Watch with specialized apps for these activities. However, the Apple Watch Ultra was designed without compromise, showcasing a robust and distinctive design suited for extreme conditions.
The initial reception to the Apple Watch Ultra was mixed, partly because many tech reviewers, including myself, do not engage in ultramarathon running. There was skepticism about the market demand for such a specialized device. Nonetheless, extreme athletes who value their gear have shown enthusiasm for the Ultra.
One of the strengths of the Apple Watch Ultra is its design. While its large, rugged body may not appeal to everyone, those who like it often appreciate it deeply. Some users, even those not into extreme sports, have chosen the Ultra over the standard model for its distinctive look.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, however, is not a major overhaul. As the saying goes, “you have your whole life to write your first album and eight months to write your second.” With substantial resources invested in the first Ultra, a complete transformation for the second model was unlikely. Moreover, Apple has spent years refining the underlying technology.
For a more detailed look at the updates across the Apple Watch lineup this year, including features like Double Tap, Precision Phone Finding, on-device Siri, and the new S9 chip, refer to my review of the Series 9. Many of the advancements in the Ultra 2 are also present in the Series 9, with the primary difference being that the Ultra 2 includes a few exclusive features tailored to specific needs.
The standout feature of the Ultra 2 is its significantly brighter display, reaching a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, surpassing any previous Apple screen. It also offers a wide range of brightness settings and has doubled the default storage to 64GB.
Ultimately, neither the Ultra 2 nor the Series 9 represents a major upgrade over their predecessors. If you already own the previous generation, upgrading may not be necessary, especially with the Ultra’s starting price of $799. The original model is now available at a reduced price, and it already includes features like a rugged case and impressive battery life (36 hours of standard use and 72 hours in low power mode).
However, the Ultra 2 does offer some appealing improvements, such as the Double Tap feature for single-handed interaction and the new S9 chip with enhanced speed and efficiency due to its 4-core Neural Engine. If these enhancements justify the extra cost for you, the Ultra 2 could be a worthwhile investment.
