Apple Provides Deep Dive Into New Apple Watch Ultra Depth App

[now i see it]

Citizen has a dedicated dive watch they call the Aqualand. It first came out in the 80’s and was the first true dive watch that had a digital depth meter. I owned one and used it on my (hundreds of dives) over the years.
I also dove with a scuba pro decompression dive computer as well.
While the citizen watch was no dive computer (like the Apple Watch) it was definitely extremely useful as a watch under water and useful as another backup depth gauge.
Soooo just because the A-watch isn’t s true dive computer, it still can be useful as a five tool.

One thing the Aqualand had over the A-watch was looks. It looks like a dive watch.

 

[Taldric2022]

“Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.”

How stupid to put so much emphasis on this during the presentation only to then say it’s basically useless. 40 meters max, doesn’t do safety stops, etc. basically anything useful to a diver.

Also from the apple site:

“* Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 meters and high-speed water sports. Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters.”

So below 40 feet trust us. 🙄

40 meters IS NOT 40 feet.

40 meters = 131.23 feet.

Base Open Water certification (i.e. recreational diving) is to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

So the Depth app on the Apple Watch Ultra is just fine for recreational diving.

 

[iBungie]

This is not a retraction. This entire article is about the Depth App, NOT the Oceanic+ app which DOES provide decompression stop information as well as gas analysis. See here:

Oceanic Plus - Oceanic Worldwide

www.oceanicworldwide.com

Recreational diving by definition does not involve deco stops so reassuring this watch with the right app (as any basic dive computer would) will pick up on the occasions a diver ACCIDENTALLY overstays at depth and has to safely and slowly surface by observing the correct stops to avoid decompression sickness. But as I said, my understanding for recreational scuba is no deco stops. (safety stop is different and is observed to provide a margin of safety). Checking the app it can be set for air & nitrox so in this respect is very like typical budget dive computers but the with the added features of good colourful signalling and being useful as an activity watch for a wide variety of surface activities. Wish I could afford one!

I also agree it is not a retraction but a wise explanation of the limits. Even the app when it is released should come with warnings.

 

[ebika]

Citizen has a dedicated dive watch they call the Aqualand. It first came out in the 80’s and was the first true dive watch that had a digital depth meter. I owned one and used it on my (hundreds of dives) over the years.
I also dove with a scuba pro decompression dive computer as well.
While the citizen watch was no dive computer (like the Apple Watch) it was definitely extremely useful as a watch under water and another backup depth gauge.
Soooo just because the A-watch isn’t s true dive computer, it still fan be useful as a five tool.

One thing the Aqualand had over the A-watch was looks. It looks like a dive watch.
View attachment 2075991

I too use a Citizen Aqualand watch as a bottom timer and backup on dives. I’m a little sad to retire it, but I’m also super excited to use my Ultra as my new backup since it has so many capabilities. Titanium and sapphire to titanium and sapphire. This is the way.

 

[iBungie]

Citizen has a dedicated dive watch they call the Aqualand. It first came out in the 80’s and was the first true dive watch that had a digital depth meter. I owned one and used it on my (hundreds of dives) over the years.
I also dove with a scuba pro decompression dive computer as well.
While the citizen watch was no dive computer (like the Apple Watch) it was definitely extremely useful as a watch under water and useful as another backup depth gauge.
Soooo just because the A-watch isn’t s true dive computer, it still can be useful as a five tool.

One thing the Aqualand had over the A-watch was looks. It looks like a dive watch.
View attachment 2075991

Did you notice your watch was rated to 200M which is more appropriate for a dive watch than 100m due to the forces at depth as well as current and hand movement? I used to have a Swatch dive watch as back up - cheap from an airport shop. I stuck it on my video housing as a visual reminder of time passing - easy to get distracted when filming.

 

[anthogag]

I really need to learn how to swim along with how to dive in open water. Apple Watch Ultra is there to help! 🤙

You can’t swim?

Recreational scuba diving is easy. Take the plunge.

 

[Alexwastaken]

You beat me to it. My first reaction was ”wait a minute wait a minute, Apple specifically called it a dive computer like five times. They had a whole segment on how it’s a dive computer.”

They also carefully said “recreational” scuba diving. I don’t know for sure but I’m betting that it’s not actually certified for real scuba diving. Anything below the depth of a snorkel that would actually require a dive certification and therefore legal ramifications, they don’t want to claim.

They're referencing the depth app in this article, not the watch. The watch can be used as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app. The watch is EN13319 certified.

 

[anthogag]

“Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.”

How stupid to put so much emphasis on this during the presentation only to then say it’s basically useless. 40 meters max, doesn’t do safety stops, etc. basically anything useful to a diver.

Also from the apple site:

“* Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 meters and high-speed water sports. Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters.”

So below 40 feet trust us. 🙄

For recreational scuba divers this app is enough. At sea level most recreational divers don’t go below 50 feet. You don’t need decompression time for this depth.

 

[anthogag]

Citizen has a dedicated dive watch they call the Aqualand. It first came out in the 80’s and was the first true dive watch that had a digital depth meter. I owned one and used it on my (hundreds of dives) over the years.
I also dove with a scuba pro decompression dive computer as well.
While the citizen watch was no dive computer (like the Apple Watch) it was definitely extremely useful as a watch under water and useful as another backup depth gauge.
Soooo just because the A-watch isn’t s true dive computer, it still can be useful as a five tool.

One thing the Aqualand had over the A-watch was looks. It looks like a dive watch.
View attachment 2075991

“Dive watches” are typically stainless and heavy. This titanium ultra Ultra is better than a typical dive watch.

 

[iBungie]

“Dive watches” are typically stainless and heavy. This titanium ultra Ultra is better than a typical dive watch.

½ a kilo of steel on your wrist means ½ kilo less round you waist

 

[Taldric2022]

You beat me to it. My first reaction was ”wait a minute wait a minute, Apple specifically called it a dive computer like five times. They had a whole segment on how it’s a dive computer.”

They also carefully said “recreational” scuba diving. I don’t know for sure but I’m betting that it’s not actually certified for real scuba diving. Anything below the depth of a snorkel that would actually require a dive certification and therefore legal ramifications, they don’t want to claim.

What do you think "real scuba diving" is? The vast majority of people diving don't go deeper than ~60 feet. Much deeper than a snorkel depth (~10 feet). In all my "real scuba diving" (aka recreational scuba diving), my deepest dive was a very short drop to ~100 feet for just a couple minutes. The new Apple Watch is just fine for those depths. The "Depth" app (Apple's built in app) won't go deeper that 40 meters (or ~ 130 feet), but that only means it is JUST FINE for what everyone who dives would call "real scuba diving".

Those people diving below 100 feet I would call "extreme divers" - they have to worry about mixed gases and decompression stops. Apple clearly was not targeting the Apple Watch toward those users. Those users generally have highly specialized equipment and training.

 

[CarAnalogy]

The term "recreation scuba diving" is a widely understood category of diving limited by maximum depth according to training level and does not involve decompression stops. It also refers to the breathing gas used - typically compressed air but also Nitrox (enriched air up to say 36% oxygen) if additional training is undertaken. the Term "real Scuba diving' by comparison is meaningless. As for snorkelling it is possible to duck dive and go down several metres on breath hold. As stated in my other post diving equipment typically carries such warnings as it is a dangerous activity unless carried out with proper training and protocol including having equipment regularly serviced.

Thank you for the clarification, obviously I know nothing about diving but some of the things they said didn’t quite make sense.

Between this and the fact that I missed that they were talking about a third party app, I get it now.

 

[iBungie]

I have found this forum topic really helpful because it is about a real life use of technology that Apple is addressing and the wide range of comments (and humour)makes it a worthwhile read. Thank you all for your posts. It's past midnight here in the UK and I'm still up reading. (It's the equinox in 3 hours...)

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

After all that, I read in the article that Apple is not marketing it as a 'dive computer' (yet?), but a depth gauge. HUGE difference, but for people that might have the itch and wonder about a real dive computer, it's all wine and roses, or fish and lobster until they go belly up. A snorkeler isn't likely needing a depth gauge unless they have developed great breath holding capability. I could see this as a backup depth gauge because redundancy, but it seems usable.

And on to 'why not to buy a dive computer'. Not really, but BACK UP YOUR LOGS if you do!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Considering that in the day, I bought one of the premier dive computers (air integrated and all) and it lasted, I don't know... 4 years (if that)? I did find out that the tank sender still works (small victories, nothing else is able to use it (encryption)).

So, at about, hmm, $300 a year, maybe $350, I have pretty much sworn off buying another one. I did drool over the Garmin 'dive watch', but paying nearly the same as the Pelican case inhibitor I already have, hoping I can revive it (ALL of my dive history is on it), is what some would call 'insane' I think.

If the Ultra is 'all that', I can see investing in one, but it lacks air integration (because it's not marketed as a 'dive computer'). For people that love to 'dive the tables', that could be a fatal mistake. (Although tempting the gods by diving the (Navy) dive tables is dangerous anyway) People that ride the couch and dive 'once in a while' should stay way far away from the limits of those tables.

Just saying this because when they first came out, far too many people thought that a 'dive computer' could save their lives. It's not that easy, or straight forward.

Dive safe!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Edit: If it IS a 'dive computer' in waiting, does it have the ability to tone under water?

 

[Platticus]

It’s not that complicated folks. Apple Watch Ultra can be and is marketed as a full fledged dive computer.

It’s certified and fully capable with the use of an app coming soon.

This is independent of the Depth app, which this article is discussing.

Take it from Apples own site:

 

[jimbobb24]

“Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.”

How stupid to put so much emphasis on this during the presentation only to then say it’s basically useless. 40 meters max, doesn’t do safety stops, etc. basically anything useful to a diver.

Also from the apple site:

“* Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 meters and high-speed water sports. Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters.”

So below 40 feet trust us. 🙄

I tough they said it was certified wit some type of dive computer classification.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

The term "recreation scuba diving" is a widely understood category of diving limited by maximum depth according to training level and does not involve decompression stops. It also refers to the breathing gas used - typically compressed air but also Nitrox (enriched air up to say 36% oxygen) if additional training is undertaken. the Term "real Scuba diving' by comparison is meaningless. As for snorkelling it is possible to duck dive and go down several metres on breath hold. As stated in my other post diving equipment typically carries such warnings as it is a dangerous activity unless carried out with proper training and protocol including having equipment regularly serviced.

Having read some of the reports of dive 'accidents' from Florida, and around the Caribbean, let me fix that for you.

The term "recreation scuba diving" is a widely misunderstood category of diving where the maximum depth is often ignored, and training level is often a 'resort course' or a friend, and can involve decompression stops that the untrained diver is ignorant of.

The reports are full of people that didn't realize what was going on, and out of their ignorance fell prey to the laws of physics. People say that golf and billiards is all physics, and scuba diving is that and more. Too many people that *think* they know how to scuba dive get into trouble. It's all that, and fun, and can be dead serious.

I love scuba, and it breaks my heart to read and hear of people getting injured or killed doing it.

Be safe.

 

[Platticus]

I tough they said it was certified wit some type of dive computer classification.

Yep:

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

It’s not that complicated folks. Apple Watch Ultra can be and is marketed as a full fledged dive computer.

It’s certified and fully capable with the use of an app coming soon.

This is independent of the Depth app, which this article is discussing.

Take it from Apples own site: View attachment 2076106

Quick look at their website makes me think that they (Huisch) bought a few dive computer brands and now Apple is going with them? Hmm... *shrug* I've never heard of them but that's not that odd I guess...

 

[iBungie]

I tough they said it was certified wit some type of dive computer classification.

yes it is certified:

• EN 13319: Diving accessories. Depth gauges and combined depth and time measuring devices. Functional and safety requirements, test methods.

but it will be the oceanic app that make it useful

As mentioned above diving equipment quite rightly comes with such warnings as it is a dangerous activity requiring training, observance of protocols and regular equipment servicing.

 

[CarAnalogy]

After all that, I read in the article that Apple is not marketing it as a 'dive computer', but a depth gauge. HUGE difference, but for people that might have the itch and wonder about a real dive computer, it's all wine and roses, or fish and lobster until they go belly up. A snorkeler isn't likely needing a depth gauge unless they have developed great breath holding capability. I could see this as a backup depth gauge because redundancy, but it seems usable.

And on to 'why not to buy a dive computer'. Not really, but BACK UP YOUR LOGS if you do!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Considering that in the day, I bought one of the premier dive computers (air integrated and all) and it lasted, I don't know... 4 years (if that)? I did find out that the tank sender still works (small victories, nothing else is able to use it (encryption)).

So, at about, hmm, $300 a year, maybe $350, I have pretty much sworn off buying another one. I did drool over the Garmin 'dive watch', but paying nearly the same as the Pelican case inhibitor I already have, hoping I can revive it (ALL of my dive history is on it), is what some would call 'insane' I think.

If the Ultra is 'all that', I can see investing in one, but it lacks air integration (because it's not marketed as a 'dive computer'). For people that love to 'dive the tables', that could be a fatal mistake. (Although tempting the gods by diving the (Navy) dive tables is dangerous anyway) People that ride the couch and dive 'once in a while' should stay way far away from the limits of those tables.

Just saying this because when they first came out, far too many people thought that a 'dive computer' could save their lives. It's not that easy, or straight forward.

Dive safe!

This is kind of what I was thinking, that maybe it’s dangerous for Apple to market this to people as a dive watch who don’t already know exactly what a dive computer is.

People who are already knowledgeable will understand its limits, but not the general public. I would hope anyone that would strap this to their wrist and dive with it will know what they’re doing.

 

[iBungie]

Quick look at their website makes me think that they (Huisch) bought a few dive computer brands and now Apple is going with them? Hmm... *shrug* I've never heard of them but that's not that odd I guess...

I was going to say Oceanic is a well known brand but prompted by you I looked up their list of brands - which includes Hollis who use to make one of the best recreation rebreathers but then stopped, presumably when bought out?

 

[CarAnalogy]

What do you think "real scuba diving" is? The vast majority of people diving don't go deeper than ~60 feet. Much deeper than a snorkel depth (~10 feet). In all my "real scuba diving" (aka recreational scuba diving), my deepest dive was a very short drop to ~100 feet for just a couple minutes. The new Apple Watch is just fine for those depths. The "Depth" app (Apple's built in app) won't go deeper that 40 meters (or ~ 130 feet), but that only means it is JUST FINE for what everyone who dives would call "real scuba diving".

Those people diving below 100 feet I would call "extreme divers" - they have to worry about mixed gases and decompression stops. Apple clearly was not targeting the Apple Watch toward those users. Those users generally have highly specialized equipment and training.

Yeah sorry it was a blunder by a person who can’t do any scuba diving at all. I just meant that I would hope that anyone who would actually use this as their one and only dive computer actually knows what they’re doing and aren’t endangering their lives by trusting it.

 

[Platticus]

It is marketed as a dive computer. I’m not sure why people think otherwise. Check their website.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

This is kind of what I was thinking, that maybe it’s dangerous for Apple to market this to people as a dive watch who don’t already know exactly what a dive computer is.

People who are already knowledgeable will understand its limits, but not the general public. I would hope anyone that would strap this to their wrist and dive with it will know what they’re doing.

But it's like when slopes started requiring helmets. All of a sudden everyone is an expert terrain skier, and people were trying to drive their newly protected heads through things that just aren't that easy to penetrate. Trees, snow maker poles, groomers, other people, fences, snowmobiles, etc... Like I said earlier, there are people that 'dive the tables', and I was amazed at how many computers allowed people to do just that, and didn't realize that those tables were based on near perfect human specimens that worked out like maniacs and were in their 20's, or so. Compared to the 'average couch warrior', those guys were super human. So many people that push the limits end up 'bent', and or dead.

An aside here from a lecture I was at a few years ago on climbing Mt Everest. He went through his lecture, and it was mind blowing. So many people that are on the mountain are literally almost in reach of the summit. I mean they can taste it, they can smell it (metaphorically), but they definitely KNOW they are almost there, and for a really wide array of issues just can't make it to 'the top'. Many refuse to turn around because they are already there. Some either press on, or elect to stay another night, and far too many aren't lucky enough to survive it. Many run out of oxygen (diving related), or thin it down enough and 'narc out' (another diving issue), or fall, or freeze to death.

People don't realize that your life could depend on literal minutes, seconds even. And any idiot can dive or climb. The training helps see that you survive.

Dive safe...