100% not fake. Apple Refurbished is overpriced but you do get a new chassis and the option to add AppleCare. Same in my area and online - Ultra 1 $500 ish.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Now Available on Apple's Refurbished Store in U.S.
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I’d just buy refurbished and check the battery health. Ultra 2 is relatively new so I wouldnt expect major degradation. Maybe 99 or 98 but you wouldn’t notice even if it was lower.
The Ultra series have additional features but I’m unconvinced they have $400 worth of additional features over even the very basic SE.
I think adults should be able check for differences in their own countries. if a major feature isn’t available it’s usually government regulations especially in Europe.Some people ignore this is a free site and act like they're not getting their monies worth.
I have the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and have had Apple Watch’s since 2016. I love the convenience of the watch and the Ultra is rugged, but it’s not a Garmin. One day of serious hiking with airplane and power saving mode, where you can get 5 days using a Garmin in a similar manner. Also the Garmin has a barometer and a thermometer for storm warning and real time temp. I love my Apple Watch, especially as a daily driver, but for a long hike I have to leave it home
Apple today began selling certified refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in September.
As of writing, refurbished Ultra 2 models with the Blue, Orange, or White Ocean Band are available for $679, compared to $799 brand new.
Like new Ultra 2 models sold directly by Apple in the U.S. currently, we expect that the Blood Oxygen app is deactivated on the refurbished models, due to a legal battle with medical technology company Masimo. Last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) banned Apple from importing and selling Apple Watch models with blood oxygen sensing after it ruled that the feature infringed on Masimo's patents. Apple is appealing the decision, and could re-enable the Blood Oxygen app with a watchOS update if it is overturned.
Availability began in the U.K. and China earlier this week, and the Blood Oxygen app remains functional outside of the U.S. currently.
There are no refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 models available on Apple's store in the U.S. yet.
Article Link: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Now Available on Apple's Refurbished Store in U.S.
Depends how you hike. I’ve hiked with my AppleWatch for years, not really suited to the task. If you go on multi day or multi week hikes, a Garmin is much better. On the other hand for day-to-day a Garmin would be a pain in the ass, or at least a pain in my ass. For Apple to compete with Garmin in hiking and athletic training, they would have to make design choices I don’t see Apple making.
Last edited:
So you changed ecosystems because you didn’t know you can independently change which notifications are on your watch? 😂
Sounds like a You problem, not an Apple Watch problem.
I'm temped for AW ultra but will hold on until they'll release black version. My steel AW7 still going strong.
I replaced my gen 1 SE with a refurb Series 7 a year ago, never been happier
This is the only product from Apple I thought was ugly…and my mind wasn’t changed on it.
Every time I’ve seen it, I’m just like wow that is awful looking.
But then again, I have a stainless steel space black S5 I got super cheap. So it’s a bit unfair.
Every time I’ve seen it, I’m just like wow that is awful looking.
But then again, I have a stainless steel space black S5 I got super cheap. So it’s a bit unfair.
Nope that wasn't the reason I switched at all. Regarding the notifications I wish there was more customization vs just things being on/off or default preset snooze options and as I mentioned before, nap detection.
Didn't mean to kill your Apple boner.
If the watches are refurbed like Macbooks, they replace the battery if it has any degradation. I've purchased a few refurb devices in the past and all have had brand new batteries.
At the time of my purchase, only the Ultra 1 was available on refurb so the risk was higher. Might well be different with an Ultra 2 but the saving isn’t as great over a new one, so I’d probably still have made the same choice.
Yes the blood oxygen sensor is still deactivated in the US and activated outside of the US.
I lucked up and found old stock of the Ultra 2 on Costco.com last year in November. My watch arrived dead but after charging, battery capacity was at 100% and the blood oxygen sensor is activated and I’m able to use the breathing disturbances notifications and sleep apnea notifications, so I’m a happy camper.
I jumped on that Costco deal too. Paid $679 with SPo2 enabled and am completely satisfied with the purchase.
I’m sure it is. I see a Ultra 2 on the refurbished store and I don’t see any mention of the oxygen sensor on there.