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I am surprised some people have ordered an U3 and return it ...
It was obvious that there are no real change between U2 and U3 that change the life.
A couple of pixels on the screen, a bit more battery life, that's all ...
The U2 was a better upgrade from the U1 with a new generation SOC and HR sensor that support features that can't be handled by U1.
It was not revolutionary but there was some small changes.
Here, it's absolutely pointless except if you need satellite.
This year, 5G, satellite, bigger screen, slight gains in battery
Next year, new chip (+slight gains in battery) and slightly thinner design?
 
Curious as why? Because it is lighter/thinner? I am considering switching to Series 11 Titanium from AWU 2.
Both thinner and lighter. AWU just felt to chunky...you know its there. I like that I forget I'm wearing the series 11. I can see the Ultra for the times when doing extreme sports for durability and battery life, but for everyday normal wear, I am more than content with the Series 11
 
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I am. Already have a buyer lined up for the U2.
The 5G and satellite plus somewhat 'larger' display.
Well I have just bought my first Ultra that is the 3. I really like the all black titanium case and the larger (than my 10) screen. I have a lovely dark grey leather band.....looks cool.
 
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Doesn't seem to be a huge upgrade

Screen only ever-so-slightly larger, 4 hours more of battery (which isn't much), and a hypertension monitor, which isn't constant or immediate in its reporting.

Still pondering.
Huge Mistake AWU2 to AWU3 traded in a AWU2, for $335 had to pay $500 bucks for the same device I just gave in there is NOTHING
NOTHING the AWU3 offers Bigger display CAN NOT Tell cases and display covers are the same.

Satellite Texting when will that ever be used in South Florida? Never

I basically wasted $500 bucks.
 
Remember - the Ultra release schedule is irregular. We don’t even know if a new Apple Watch Ultra will be released in 2026. There is supposedly a redesign of the Series Watch scheduled next year, but no one knows what that entails.
 
Huge Mistake AWU2 to AWU3 traded in a AWU2, for $335 had to pay $500 bucks for the same device I just gave in there is NOTHING
NOTHING the AWU3 offers Bigger display CAN NOT Tell cases and display covers are the same.

Satellite Texting when will that ever be used in South Florida? Never

I basically wasted $500 bucks.
But you have the latest and greatest. I feel the same way.
it does make me want to wear it more.
 
Remember - the Ultra release schedule is irregular. We don’t even know if a new Apple Watch Ultra will be released in 2026. There is supposedly a redesign of the Series Watch scheduled next year, but no one knows what that entails.

At this point, I taper any expectations about redesigns. The extreme redesign rumors are never accurate. I think the Apple Watch is made in small enough quantities that they can better keep the lid sealed on what is happening. This is probably also aided by the fact that the changes are harder to catch because of how small they are.

At this point, I’d be thrilled if they release an improved heart rate sensor next year that is more efficient and takes readings every second. Add even a bit more battery efficiency, and I’d upgrade again. Though, based on track records, I’m betting we don’t see battery life additions again for a while.
 
But you have the latest and greatest. I feel the same way.
it does make me want to wear it more.
So as someone who went from a 2 year old AWU2 to an AWU3 - it was not done because I thought I had to have a feature that didn't exist. My wife knows I like watches a lot (she's bought me several over our 13+ years of marriage) - and she wanted to get it for me so - traded in my AWU2 - got the AWU3 - and this one is from her - I'm going to take care of it more because it means more to me.

Back to features... - I don't think I'll ever use the satellite but kinda cool that it's there. If I'm on a cliff face (was earlier this year) - and I happen to drop my phone and need satellite (which I used with my phone while I was there) - hey, it's there. 5G is nice but I avoid cellular as it drains battery - but at least it's more future proof.

Screen is a lot easier to read especially at angles (for peaking at time when talking to someone) - the operation is faster (chip upgrade). I don't use AOD so the seconds AOD isn't something I use.

And it was $464 after trade in. For something I wear and use it all day/night for at least 2+ years - there are worse things to spend $ on...

But yeah if you asked me - keep the AWU2 unless $464 is burning a hole in your pocket and you really want 5G and/or satellite. Granted, 5G is a lot faster than LTE...
 
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Interesting battery life test...


He claims they're all 100% health - turns them off and keeps them for his tests.

1759260547775.jpeg
 
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I want a new strap, likely one of the trail loops. I could also use a new charger. That’s $150. At that point, upgrading and get the refresh starts to make more sense.
 
So as someone who went from a 2 year old AWU2 to an AWU3 - it was not done because I thought I had to have a feature that didn't exist. My wife knows I like watches a lot (she's bought me several over our 13+ years of marriage) - and she wanted to get it for me so - traded in my AWU2 - got the AWU3 - and this one is from her - I'm going to take care of it more because it means more to me.

Back to features... - I don't think I'll ever use the satellite but kinda cool that it's there. If I'm on a cliff face (was earlier this year) - and I happen to drop my phone and need satellite (which I used with my phone while I was there) - hey, it's there. 5G is nice but I avoid cellular as it drains battery - but at least it's more future proof.

Screen is a lot easier to read especially at angles (for peaking at time when talking to someone) - the operation is faster (chip upgrade). I don't use AOD so the seconds AOD isn't something I use.

And it was $464 after trade in. For something I wear and use it all day/night for at least 2+ years - there are worse things to spend $ on...

But yeah if you asked me - keep the AWU2 unless $464 is burning a hole in your pocket and you really want 5G and/or satellite. Granted, 5G is a lot faster than LTE...
Pretty much how I feel. I have traditional mechanicals and kind of got bored of the aw ultra 2 but now I’m wearing the 3 24/7 now
 
I thought about switching from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the Series 11, but honestly, the Ultra’s extra features—like the longer battery life and the action button—make it really hard to go back to a standard Apple Watch. In the end, I decided to stick with the Ultra line and upgraded to the AWU3 instead.
 
...

Screen is a lot easier to read especially at angles (for peaking at time when talking to someone) - the operation is faster (chip upgrade). I don't use AOD so the seconds AOD isn't something I use.
...
No ...
The S10 Soc is not faster than the S9.
It's just a new layout that has been created to fit in the Series 10.
Apple has never advertised it as faster than S9.
The S9 was faster than the S8, with a better neural engine. That's why there are some features that are only available from the Series 9 / Ultra 2
 
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I thought about switching from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the Series 11, but honestly, the Ultra’s extra features—like the longer battery life and the action button—make it really hard to go back to a standard Apple Watch. In the end, I decided to stick with the Ultra line and upgraded to the AWU3 instead.
I forgot the normal Series does not have the action button. I use that every day, so would be a miss for me. Starting a workout on the Series would be a few more steps then.
 
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No ...
The S10 Soc is not faster than the S9.
It's just a new layout that has been created to fit in the Series 10.
Apple has never advertised it as faster than S9.
The S9 was faster than the S8, with a better neural engine. That's why there are some features that are only available from the Series 9 / Ultra 2
I appreciate the information! The watch operation is noticeably faster for me - blows my mind that a new generation chip wouldn't be at least a little bit faster - lol. Crazy. Thank you
 
At this point, I taper any expectations about redesigns. The extreme redesign rumors are never accurate. I think the Apple Watch is made in small enough quantities that they can better keep the lid sealed on what is happening. This is probably also aided by the fact that the changes are harder to catch because of how small they are.
I think the first major redesign rumor that came down (the one that sunk Prosser) was actually accurate, just very vague and poorly described. Generally it just described a watch that was larger, more durable, had flatter edges, and people did misleading renders based off of that vague description. I think what was actually being described in that rumor was a prototype of the Ultra. The Ultra more or less fits what was described, but not what the renders showed. The other watch redesign rumors (round, new band attachment method) have definitely not come to pass.
 
I think the first major redesign rumor that came down (the one that sunk Prosser) was actually accurate, just very vague and poorly described. Generally it just described a watch that was larger, more durable, had flatter edges, and people did misleading renders based off of that vague description. I think what was actually being described in that rumor was a prototype of the Ultra. The Ultra more or less fits what was described, but not what the renders showed. The other watch redesign rumors (round, new band attachment method) have definitely not come to pass.

That magnetic band system….if that actually ever happened, it would be a super hard pass for me. I can’t see that being secure enough.
 
That magnetic band system….if that actually ever happened, it would be a super hard pass for me. I can’t see that being secure enough.
I honestly don't think they will ever change the band connector. Rumors around this had been around for so many years now. If any of these rumors had been true the ultra was the time to do it. With a completely new form factor it would make sense. Now on the 3rd ultra I really don't see them doing it.
 
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So as someone who went from a 2 year old AWU2 to an AWU3 - it was not done because I thought I had to have a feature that didn't exist. My wife knows I like watches a lot (she's bought me several over our 13+ years of marriage) - and she wanted to get it for me so - traded in my AWU2 - got the AWU3 - and this one is from her - I'm going to take care of it more because it means more to me.

Back to features... - I don't think I'll ever use the satellite but kinda cool that it's there. If I'm on a cliff face (was earlier this year) - and I happen to drop my phone and need satellite (which I used with my phone while I was there) - hey, it's there. 5G is nice but I avoid cellular as it drains battery - but at least it's more future proof.

Screen is a lot easier to read especially at angles (for peaking at time when talking to someone) - the operation is faster (chip upgrade). I don't use AOD so the seconds AOD isn't something I use.

And it was $464 after trade in. For something I wear and use it all day/night for at least 2+ years - there are worse things to spend $ on...

But yeah if you asked me - keep the AWU2 unless $464 is burning a hole in your pocket and you really want 5G and/or satellite. Granted, 5G is a lot faster than LTE...
The new antennas and 5g have a much stronger signal. I run a lot with just the watch, and U2 to U3 has me able to answer calls in places where I couldn’t before.
 
I wish the decision was more clear-cut. My AWU1 is down to 81% battery health (Apple won't replace it until it hits 80%) and it struggles to do a 15km run when I'm listening to music without my phone. I'd like to upgrade but it's a lot for not a massive difference. I think the improvements going from an Ultra 1 to 3 would be:

- 1,000 nits brighter
- wide-angle OLED
- hypertension alerts
- sleep apnoea alerts
- satellite connectivity
- 5G
- wrist flick
- double tap
- on-device Siri
- precision finding
- faster charging
- bigger screen
- ticking seconds
- media playback

It's not a terrible list, but nothing really groundbreaking... I'm running a couple of half marathons before Christmas though and would like to be able to rely on my watch not dying before the end!
I just switched from AWU1 to AW3, my battery was starting to be less efficient.

I wanted to buy the new Ti link band for AW1, so I bought AW3 directly with Ti link band saving something (100€).

Regarding the improvements you listed, I have to say that I find the watch much more responsive than AW1, Siri works much better and I must say that the double tap and wrist flick gestures are very comfortable.
The screen is brighter and more readable.

In my case I am satisfied with the change
 
Huge Mistake AWU2 to AWU3 traded in a AWU2, for $335 had to pay $500 bucks for the same device I just gave in there is NOTHING
NOTHING the AWU3 offers Bigger display CAN NOT Tell cases and display covers are the same.

Satellite Texting when will that ever be used in South Florida? Never

I basically wasted $500 bucks.
No offense, but couldn’t one have ascertained that there isn’t much difference if at all if one doesn’t want sat/viewing angle or need a new battery from all the reviews and comments?
 
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