Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra version 2

[msackey]

So anyone here after reading and watching reviews of the Apple Watch Ultra start thinking, "Hmm...maybe I'll wait for version 2".

Having read and watched a number of reviews, I am finding the Ultra to be much more interesting and enticing than I thought. There was a reviewer who compared the Ultra to one of the Garmins (sorry, forgot which model) and it made me think that perhaps with Ultra v2, Apple will have beefed up WatchOS and offered better sports features, specific to running.

I mean, the current Ultra in terms of hardware I think is comparable to practically anything that Garmin offers for runners, but it's the WatchOS software that isn't up to par yet. That kinda drives me crazy. 😂🙃

 

[NicoTRZ]

If the features are exclusively software, there is no point to wait for the ultra 2 since the 1st one will be updatable anyway 😅

 

[msackey]

If the features are exclusively software, there is no point to wait for the ultra 2 since the 1st one will be updatable anyway 😅

I had thought about that. But then I was also thinking, well, since I can't use those "hoped for features" yet, why buy the Ultra...?

 

[Fiona FTW]

I mean, the current Ultra in terms of hardware I think is comparable to practically anything that Garmin offers for runners, but it's the WatchOS software that isn't up to par yet. That kinda drives me crazy. 😂🙃

I run with a Forerunner 945, which is 3 years old and has been succeeded by the 955. It still beats AW's (iOS 16) running offerings.

iOS 16 has finally added a lot of the missing metrics Garmin has, but not all yet. Garmin still rules the roost for serious training metrics, don't kid yourself. For casual running, yes, even the AW 6 now is fine. Ultra offers zero additional running features over any recent AW except maybe more accurate GPS around buildings.

As for Ultra 2, the biggest disappointment w/ the Ultra is really that it can't do offline mapping like an upper end Garmin. AWU needs that to even been in consideration for a serious hiking watch. I don't know if that requires a different GPS module or just software, or more battery. It also doesn't have routing like Garmin does, but surely that is s/w based.

Basically, I'd say if you are mostly interested in features and plan to hold on to the watch for a few years wait. There isn't anything exceptional about AWU yet and I think Apple will really have to pack in more exclusive tech next year to sway the hold outs and persuade the early adopters to upgrade.

 

[wilberforce]

WorkOutDoors and GaiaGPS for the Apple Watch provide much of the mapping and routing functionality, although do have some limitations on how much map can be downloaded for offline use. So I believe AW has all the necessary hardware (except for ANT+) and that it could be improved to be closer to Garmin via software. There may also be royalties involved.

 

[Bacasable]

WorkOutDoors seem to be the killer app you need

i bought Ultra this year but I will keep it as perfect as I can to sell it when ultra 2 will be release.
i’m confident that the ultra 2 will get a bigger screen in the same case, and the new processor in 4nm. Don’t forget that ultra get the processor from the série 6, I´my right ?

 

[msackey]

I run with a Forerunner 945, which is 3 years old and has been succeeded by the 955. It still beats AW's (iOS 16) running offerings.

[...]

Thanks for the post! Yeah, I agree with you that a Forerunner beats out AWU for the running aspect. I use to run with a Forerunner 205 (then 305) and that was like almost 20 years ago. *gulp* Even then, some of the features of the 205 and 205 were better.

 

[msackey]

WorkOutDoors and GaiaGPS for the Apple Watch provide much of the mapping and routing functionality, although do have some limitations on how much map can be downloaded for offline use. So I believe AW has all the necessary hardware (except for ANT+) and that it could be improved to be closer to Garmin via software. There may also be royalties involved.

I bought WorkOutdoors a long time ago though haven't used it recently. I haven't heard of GaiaGPS but will check it out! Thanks for the recommendations!

Yes, I agree that the AWU has all the necessary hardware. The one piece that AW is missing in terms of hardware is a separate button to mark laps/segments. Having to double tap on the touchscreen to do that is highly, highly unreliable unless you're just slow running.

[Update: I just looked at GaiaGPS. Ugh. It's under a subscription model for offline maps. I really shy away from subscriptions. I'm happy to pay big bucks for something, but do not like having recurring payments. ]

 

[akidokraja]

What Garmin has is ability to customize activity fields and allows developers to add on even further. That’s is fantastic. Apple should really look into it as now you can somewhat customize it but not to the level of Garmin.

 

[PatrickNSF]

Ultra offers zero additional running features over any recent AW except maybe more accurate GPS around buildings.

Another feature the Ultra has that would benefit runners that the standard AWs don't have is Precision Start. But that's just a software feature Apple could add to the standard AWs if it wanted to.

 

[WoodTableFromIkea]

I'll just wait for iPhone 20 and Apple Watch Ultra 5. My sources tell me that both will be the absolute best and with all the features that I will ever need ever.

Just buy whatever you want if you have the money and stop wondering "what if" and "but next year...".

 

[msackey]

Another feature the Ultra has that would benefit runners that the standard AWs don't have is Precision Start. But that's just a software feature Apple could add to the standard AWs if it wanted to.

Yeah, I always thought that count-down timer without a way to not use it was kinda dumb. Yes, I know you can tap the touchscreen to dismiss the countdown but that's yet another step.

 

[msackey]

I'll just wait for iPhone 20 and Apple Watch Ultra 5. My sources tell me that both will be the absolute best and with all the features that I will ever need ever.

Just buy whatever you want if you have the money and stop wondering "what if" and "but next year...".

Touché. Touché

 

[wilberforce]

[Update: I just looked at GaiaGPS. Ugh. It's under a subscription model for offline maps. I really shy away from subscriptions. I'm happy to pay big bucks for something, but do not like having recurring payments. ]

Yes, I think I paid about $120 for 5 years subscription. Definitely worth it if you go offroad or off the grid frequently, which I do, IMO it is hands down the best navigation tracking app for iPhone or iPad, with dozens of map overlays. They switched to subscription model in order to pay their team to keep it updated, and also to pay royalties for some of the maps (like Nat Geo).

However I do not recommend it for Apple Watch (has limited functionality). My only point in mentioning it is that it demonstrates things like offline maps and routing on the AW are solvable by software alone, because they have already solved it.

 

[ArchEtech]

All it needs is apple offline maps to be a complete gamechanger. ANT+ would be helpful too. Id be surprised if it gets a major update next year. Maybe 2 years.

 

[Fthree]

I had thought about that. But then I was also thinking, well, since I can't use those "hoped for features" yet, why buy the Ultra...?

because they will probably come sooner rather than later and you'll get it anyway.

 

[msackey]

Yes, I think I paid about $120 for 5 years subscription. Definitely worth it if you go offroad or off the grid frequently, which I do, IMO it is hands down the best navigation tracking app for iPhone or iPad, with dozens of map overlays. They switched to subscription model in order to pay their team to keep it updated, and also to pay royalties for some of the maps (like Nat Geo).

However I do not recommend it for Apple Watch (has limited functionality). My only point in mentioning it is that it demonstrates things like offline maps and routing on the AW are solvable by software alone, because they have already solved it.

Thanks for the review! Very helpful

 

[UltimateSyn]

I will probably update my Ultra to an Ultra 2/3 when they inevitably expand the screen out to fill up most of the cover glass with reduced bezels. But for now I love it, and I'm really glad I didn't wait.