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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Just Weeks Away: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

I wish these hype articles would also give reasons NOT to upgrade, granted I realize it may be hard to do without concrete information about the new products. One of those reasons should always be to consider your current devices second life, and maybe suggestions on how to ensure they don't become e-waste.
 
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I may snag this. I own an AWS7 which I upgraded from an AWS3 if I recall correctly.
 
I've been trying out the Amazfit Active 2 for the last few days. It's got some limitations compared to the Apple watch, but I am really enjoying having a battery that drops only about 10% per day (and that's with exercise and sleep tracking!).
 
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This is cool, but I think I will stay on my AWU 1 until something groundbreaking like Glucose metering happens or it breaks. But for now it works for me.
 
I'm curious what percentage of Ultra owners truly use it for outdoor extreme sports (as it was originally positioned)?
It's likely pretty low. It feels more like people wanting a more rugged looking watch than the AW series.

And from athletes who do use it for extreme sports, the Ultra has fallen short because of some missing metrics and usability, but battery life being the biggest issue.
 
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satchmo said:
I'm curious what percentage of Ultra owners truly use it for outdoor extreme sports (as it was originally positioned)?
It's likely pretty low. It feels more like people wanting a more rugged looking watch than the AW series.

And from athletes who do use it for extreme sports, the Ultra has fallen short because of some missing metrics and usability, but battery life being the biggest issue.
Click to expand...
I use my AWU2 for hiking and road cycling...neither of which are extreme but some road rides in the mountains are demanding. When I cycle the AWU2 serves as backup to record my metrics in case my cycling computer fails and it is easier to get my ride data into Apple Health and other mobile apps I use. It works great for this since it captures power, cadence, heart rate, speed, distance and elevation.
 
satchmo said:
I'm curious what percentage of Ultra owners truly use it for outdoor extreme sports (as it was originally positioned)?
It's likely pretty low. It feels more like people wanting a more rugged looking watch than the AW series.

And from athletes who do use it for extreme sports, the Ultra has fallen short because of some missing metrics and usability, but battery life being the biggest issue.
Click to expand...
How many sport car owners (eg porsche etc) truly use their cars in a "sporty" way?
How many Jeeps are truly use for off-roaming?
Who cares about this?
 
I think if Apple introduced blood sugar monitoring, I would be the first in line to get one of these mark 3 Ultras. I'm sure Apple is working on this, and it can be done as many diabetics have a remote sugar monitor which attaches to their arm and transmits to their phone. It would be a game changer for Apple.
 
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Just a few weeks until Apple Watch Ultra 1.3!

The blistering pace of innovation down in Cupertino continues unabated.

😂

(yes, I use a Garmin, despite numerous AW trials .. the battery life on all the AW models is unacceptable in 2025+)
 
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The more I read, the less compelling the upgrade seems. The screen is larger, but at only a 2–3% increase, I doubt I’d really notice it outside of a side by side comparison. A blood pressure monitor would be a real reason to upgrade, but with confidence in that rumor low, it feels like this model might just be a small refinement rather than a big leap forward, which is a shame.
 
pdaholic said:
I've been trying out the Amazfit Active 2 for the last few days. It's got some limitations compared to the Apple watch, but I am really enjoying having a battery that drops only about 10% per day (and that's with exercise and sleep tracking!).
Click to expand...

Isn't it crazy?

I never would have guessed Apple, of all companies, would be this far behind on such a critical metric for a device like this.

(battery life)
 
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The Apple Watch Ultra should be truly standalone, without any dependency, not requiring other device to setup and use. No, I do not want an iPhone; even for free! Free your mind and your hands! Allowing to install any application including web browsers like Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge, etc. Add a camera to read QR codes, etc; best if it is telescopic rotating retractable camera in the crown neck (protecting from dust and sweat, besides privacy). Then I am sold, even for 1,000 USD or more.
 
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satchmo said:
I'm curious what percentage of Ultra owners truly use it for outdoor extreme sports (as it was originally positioned)?
It's likely pretty low. It feels more like people wanting a more rugged looking watch than the AW series.

And from athletes who do use it for extreme sports, the Ultra has fallen short because of some missing metrics and usability, but battery life being the biggest issue.
Click to expand...
I think you re right, it is pretty low. I don't use it for extreme sports, I mostly like the 2.5ish day battery life even for the very few times I need it.
 
satchmo said:
I'm curious what percentage of Ultra owners truly use it for outdoor extreme sports (as it was originally positioned)?
It's likely pretty low. It feels more like people wanting a more rugged looking watch than the AW series.

And from athletes who do use it for extreme sports, the Ultra has fallen short because of some missing metrics and usability, but battery life being the biggest issue.
Click to expand...

I agree with your analysis here.

I think a large chunk of AWU buyers do it just for the better battery life.

Apple needs to laser focus on better battery life for every AW model.

They are basically in last place on this metric for this type of device.
 
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honestly don’t want any of those screen features. Or give me the ability to disable them to maximize battery life. Smaller internals means give me more battery.
 
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