Apple Watch Ultra is here! First impressions and photos thread

[Johnly]

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Picked up an AWU today. I come from the AW8 SS 45mm. I expected the watch to be much bigger, but it looks fine in my opinion. Nothing is sticking out or ‘hanging over’.

Almost sure I will be returning the AW8.

That watch face looks perfectly proportionate to the watch, classy if I dare say 👍🍺

 

[Susie4170]

That’s exactly what I’d be afraid of for myself, functionally speaking. Always an issue with large watches, especially for those with smaller wrists. Hope you figure out a solution!

The trail loop seems to fit a smaller wrist than the regular sport loop. At least that‘d what the specs indicate. Too bad you can’t find them yet. I may end up going to the Apple store and see what they say. It’d be a shame if I had to return it because of this. I love everything else about it.

 

[newellj]

1) I agree, they will add a new 2nd option of finish in a darker color.
2) After 3 years of the same main CPU it seems inevitable that the CPU will finally be upgraded to the new 3 nanometer process. While it will be faster, more importantly it will use less battery power. I suspect that will help create battery life improvements for both the regular Apple Watch Series 9 (24 hours?) and Ultra 2 (48-72 hours?).
3) Apple will add worldwide wide topographic maps in 2023 (bet on it!) and the ability to preplan hiking and running routes in advance with turn by turn guidance. I am REALLY hoping this comes in WatchOS 10 to the existing Ultra but they could leave it for just the Ultra 2. Apple has admitted this is something they were working on in background talks with watch reviewers of the current Ultra as they know it is an obvious weak point vs. the competing watches from Garmin, Coros and others at this price point that all have this functionality.
4) I'm hoping but uncertain that Apple will do a large enhancement to cycling metrics in the same way they massively improved running metrics this year. For this watch to be treated seriously by the cycling or triathlon communities it simply must be able to connect to at least BLE version of cadence and power meter sensors on a bike.
5) I'm also hoping, but uncertain, that Apple FINALLY chooses to offer health and training GUIDANCE vs. just supplying metrics that have been recorded. EVERYONE in the fitness space from Garmin to Polar to Whoop to Fitbit to Oura etc. all take the data that is recorded and tries to convert it into actionable information regarding your recovery, fitness, ability to train etc. While I think Apple as a the 500 lb gorilla will never be as specific in their recommendations as competitors for fear of being sued for being wrong, I do think they need to start offering information such as "you appear overtrained based on your last week and months workload and the following heart metrics... take an easy day" etc.

I don't think we will see a new sensor next year, rumors continue to point to blood pressure or blood sugar sensors in development but still years away. Next year will be about new finishes, more efficient CPUs, a continued improvement in battery life, and most importantly a continued focus on WatchOS enhancements for the fitness and adventure community that continues to chop away at the feature set Garmin has that Apple doesn't.

Excellent post - so here's a killer marketing plan: offer world-wide downloadable topos but - SORRY! - this feature only works on the new Ultra 2! 😂 That would actually be a very, very compelling upgrade for a lot of people, in all seriousness.

 

[newellj]

Have you ever worn a sport watch?

AW Ultra: 49mm x 44 mm x 14.4 mm, 61.3g

Some popular Garmin watches worn by many runners, triathletes, etc.:

Garmin FR955: 46.5mm x 46.5mm x 14.4mm, 53g

Garmin Enduro: 51mm x 51mm x 15.6 mm, 64g

Garmin Fenix 7: 47mm x 47mm x 14.5mm, 56g

Garmin Epix Gen 2: 47mm x 47mm x 14.5mm, 53g

Exactly. If you're comparing similar watches, you'll find that the watches athletes are wearing are often HUGE. And as a freebie, I can assure you that if you fall you do NOT want to land on hardware of any kind.

 

[Dealmans]

WOW, finally a Apple Watch that doesn't feel and look like a toy lol. So comfortable and so glad I got alpine loop, can't see it coming off in the surf. I am 6"3 with a 190mm or so wrist and L band is perfect.
Very Happy, now to flog off the green S7.

 

[Dealmans]

Excellent post - so here's a killer marketing plan: offer world-wide downloadable topos but - SORRY! - this feature only works on the new Ultra 2! 😂 That would actually be a very, very compelling upgrade for a lot of people, in all seriousness.

you mean like dynamic island lol

 

[Mikeeee]

I get invited to Geneva every year for my input , so yeah…….

Trust the science, right? 😉

 

[jz0309]

I found this on the apple website. it would be great if that I can modify that later. seems like an oversight. ​

Use Low Power Mode based on battery percentage​

When your Apple Watch battery goes down to 10%, a Low Power Mode alert asks if you want to turn the feature on.​

Low Power Mode turns off automatically when your battery is charged to 80%, unless you chose to turn it on for a number of days.​

that is how low power mode works today, and has been for years. We'll have to see how this new ultra low power mode is getting implemented

 

[Mikeeee]

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[Olivia23]

A woman wearing a 49mm wrist watch? Seriously ? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Yes. I ordered one so I will be wearing one.

 

[optix02]

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what band is the leather one?

 

[Mikeeee]

what band is the leather one?

it’s an Apple leather band they used to sell. I think I bought it around Series 4 release.

 

[DennisdeWit]

That watch face looks perfectly proportionate to the watch, classy if I dare say 👍🍺

Thank you so much!

 

[kjse7en]

I just chatted with Apple support and they swear I can exchange my band without exchanging the entire Watch… I am size Medium and got that, but have since come to agree with others that the Large is better for Medium wrists because it gets the hook away from the underside of the wrist where it would scrape on a MacBook all day.

From what I can tell, the most Apple could do is to exchange the same band for different sizes. Even so, it will be a mismatch to the Watch Ultra overall package labelling as it printed with the band size as well.

Further, exchanging to different band most likely a no-go. Alpine loop comes with printed graphics of snow peaks mountain, while ocean band comes with graphics of oceans waves.

I'm guessing that Apple staff might just want to close off the conversation...

 

[Furrr]

I just chatted with Apple support and they swear I can exchange my band without exchanging the entire Watch… I am size Medium and got that, but have since come to agree with others that the Large is better for Medium wrists because it gets the hook away from the underside of the wrist where it would scrape on a MacBook all day.

100% my issue too.
Was thinking in a same manner to get a large band. Have a medium band and the buckle/G-hook is at 180 degrees from the watch and thus scraping my macbook. Dont think i can exchange it for a large..

 

[blairh]

I just chatted with Apple support and they swear I can exchange my band without exchanging the entire Watch… I am size Medium and got that, but have since come to agree with others that the Large is better for Medium wrists because it gets the hook away from the underside of the wrist where it would scrape on a MacBook all day.

If we are talking different style bands, then no, they won't do that. If we are talking the same band but a different size, I don't know. My assumption is that it's the same policy.

Which is ridiculous by the way. Apple stores should have a system where you can exchange the band that came with the watch for something else if you desire without having to do a return of the watch itself.

 

[Sanlitun]

Is anyone wearing it with the magnetic strap? Will it hold the Ultra firmly enough on your wrist?

I think it might look good with the black magnetic strap...

 

[Jacoblee23]

My new ultra with blue ocean band. What do you all think? Too big or does it look good?

 

[macsplusmacs]

Looks Great!

 

[xDKP]

My new ultra with blue ocean band. What do you all think? Too big or does it look good?

Looks great man! What size wrist?

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

I also wish that I got a large now to move the hook further up.

 

[drew0020]

My new ultra with blue ocean band. What do you all think? Too big or does it look good?

I think it looks way too big for your wrist, but all that matters is if you enjoy it. Good luck!

 

[Johnly]

View attachment 2083251I also wish that I got a large now to move the hook further up.

I am going to order that band and wait. Looks like a good everyday band, and it’s not overly bright.

 

[Jacoblee23]

Looks great man! What size wrist?

Thank you. I honestly have no idea but I have a pretty small wrist for a man.

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

I am going to order that band and wait. Looks like a good everyday band, and it’s not overly bright.

It’s comfortable and I like the military green look.