Apple Watch Ultra Reviews: Bigger and Better, But Not a Garmin Killer Yet

[Bnazzaro]

Water is wet.

 

[contacos]

You would have to have really small wrists. People were wearing an iPod Nano as a watch before the AW. In fact, the AW is just a Nano with some more sensors and a few other tweaks. I dare you to change my mind.

well I watched iJustines video and it already looks ridiculous on her wrist within the first 5 seconds of her video

 

[citysnaps]

Apple will be selling a lot of Ultras.

Many purchasers won't need one, but still admire its rugged look and features, and want one. Being priced right helps a ton.

 

[bookofxero]

The ugly bulge that sticks out, the orange action button, and the huge bezels are a turnoff to me. When they fix that, I'll consider buying.

I would honestly go back to a Garmin despite the many shortcomings if it did not cost more. It either needs to be better to justify the price or the price needs to come down to make up for having to use their awful store and UI.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Do you think it looks good? I find the protective bulge on the side a little… extreme. (Which is the point, of course.)

I would hope the AW 9 to get an action button: THAT is pretty awesome to have.

Yes, It looks stunningly too good. Apple nailed it. Apple has been working on this Apple Watch for a long time now. With this AW you are getting more brightness, more battery life, and packed with other new features. What's there not to love and what else can you ask for? Also see my response from yesterday as well, please. This is not a small upgrade like last year going from AW S6 to AW S7. This is more compelling.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-ultra-orders-delayed-for-some-customers.2360966/page-4?post=31523521#post-31523521

 

[rtr1985]

DSLR cameras, higher end computers, audiophile gear, 4x4, AWD, sports cars, commercial cookware, professional bikes, special running shoes, extreme outdoor clothing, golf/tennis/fishing etc. equipment, tools . . .

the gate keeping in these threads lately lmao.

 

[macsplusmacs]

I 🧡 the 🟧 button.

 

[jclardy]

Still don't get the "only for extreme users" sentiment. It's a titanium Apple Watch ($50 less than the prior titanium model) with double the battery life, a new button, a larger display, better microphone and speaker, and a new case design, for $50 more than the large stainless steel model. If you are a "normal" Apple Watch user with large enough wrists, there is literally no reason to not go for the Ultra.

 

[basehead617]

Has anyone been able to determine whether you can use the action button to do segments/laps after the run starts? that would make it an insta buy for me.. but from that write up it sounds like that is not an option

 

[NightFox]

You would have to have really small wrists. People were wearing an iPod Nano as a watch before the AW. In fact, the AW is just a Nano with some more sensors and a few other tweaks. I dare you to change my mind.

It doesn't have a headphone jack.

You're welcome.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Still don't get the "only for extreme users" sentiment. It's a titanium Apple Watch ($50 less than the prior titanium model) with double the battery life, a new button, a larger display, better microphone and speaker, and a new case design, for $50 more than the large stainless steel model. If you are a "normal" Apple Watch user with large enough wrists, there is literally no reason to not go for the Ultra.

Especially after reading the review excepts and more than one said MOAR BATTERY LIFE....

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I 🧡 the 🟧 button.

Me too! The button is iconic. Apple did a good job with the color of it. You can't miss it and it also differentiate from other Apple Watches in the market.

 

[QCassidy352]

Not for everyone?
Those who wants something new...that realised that its the same price, maybe cheaper than the AW stainless steel with good band...they will go for it just for the battery life alone

Definitely not for everyone. Hard pass on any watch with that size and weight. Ugly, too. Battery life on a standard Apple Watch is more than good enough for me.

 

[rookie_macuser!]

Looking forward to the dcrainmaker review...

 

[jz0309]

Very excited about it, coming on Friday to my home

 

[MLVC]

This Apple Watch Ultra is the most compelling upgrade. I can’t wait till I get my AW Ultra on Friday.

I'm so excited!

 

[Vjosullivan]

How long does the battery last with, say, an "outdoor hike" active all the time?

I think it's safe to say that - since it's designed for active use - it will need to be recharged every night, much like the current watches.

The "up to 60" hours quote in the article implies that you could go away for a weekend without bringing the charger but I suspect that by Sunday things might be getting a bit tight.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Ok that Action Button can be assigned to only one action? Can you use double press or long press to assign additional actions? I've only watched MKBHD so maybe I need to keep watching.

 

[MLVC]

well I watched iJustines video and it already looks ridiculous on her wrist within the first 5 seconds of her video

It really doesn't look ridiculous on her though, it looks good to me. Guess taste is still subjective.

 

[alexandr]

I wish the ability to measure your temperature had been added at least to the Ultra. I mean that guy covered in snow in the video, might want to take his temperature...

 

[enricoclaudio]

Can't wait for Friday to arrive. I'm more exited about the AW Ultra than for my new iPhone 14 Pro Max that I picked up last Friday LOL.

 

[oneteam]

Dumb question: If I want to actually put this on my wrist and see if it’s too huge, do I need to wait til Friday? Or is it in Apple Stores now?

It's not at the Apple Store yet, it will be on display on Friday.

 

[JM]

The Apple Watch Ultra. Aimed at people who undertake 'extreme' activities, but like Land Rovers which mostly only go off-road when they're parked on the pavement opposite Tarquin's primary school 100yds from his house, it will mainly be used as a fashion-accessory.

“Little Tarquinius and Brittley are such a darling couple. They will produce fine offspring when they come of age.”

-Mr. Goodsense
🎩
🧐

 

[TechRunner]

How can I trust The Verge's opinion on Apple Watch's form & function when their website design is horrible?

Thank you! I was afraid I was the only one who thought The Verge's new site looks like garbage.

 

[bigjnyc]

The display of the ultra is the same as the 45mm a slight bigger but not noticeable at all look at Apple web site, the bezel and case makes it 49mm

So its not like the phones? when they quote 49MM they are talking about the entire size of the watch not just the screen?

If so i guess that makes sense, since all the regular watch manufacturers quote it this way, i just thought it would be different with smartwatches and the screen.