Apple Watch Ultra Teardown Reveals Larger Battery, Improved Water Resistance, and More

[MacRumors]

iFixit today shared an Apple Watch Ultra teardown post and video, providing a closer look at the watch's internal design and components.

While the Apple Watch Ultra has four exposed pentalobe screws on the back case for quick access to the inside of the watch, iFixit said the device remains challenging to repair. For example, after removing the back case, iFixit said a gasket contributing to the Apple Watch Ultra's water resistance was immediately broken. In addition, accessing parts like the battery and Taptic Engine requires the difficult task of removing the display.

In line with a previous report, the teardown confirms that the Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with a 542 mAh battery, which is 76% larger than the Apple Watch Series 8's 308 mAh battery also shown. The teardown also provides a closer look at the Ultra's significantly larger speaker, which reviews said results in louder phone calls.

Apple Watch Ultra launched on Friday. Priced at $799, the high-end watch features a rugged design with a 49mm titanium case, a flat display, outdoors-themed bands, water resistance up to a depth of 100 meters, a customizable bright orange "Action" button, up to 60 hours of battery life with an upcoming low power setting, and more.

Article Link: Apple Watch Ultra Teardown Reveals Larger Battery, Improved Water Resistance, and More

 

[dohspc]

The battery is very good on Ultra. Before I would be down to 20-30% after a 75 min workout outside streaming music on cellular on AW7 and I started at 100%. Now on Ultra I have around 75% remaining starting at 100%. The watch is twice as heavy though lol.

 

[no_idea]

It will be great when this thing evolves over the years to go more than a week on a single charge. I’m hoping apple will be pushing for that long term

 

[needsomecoffee]

Sadly looks like this might be the worst watch yet re: battery replacement. $400/year, then to the landfill. Oh well, I am sticking with my $16 Casio (whose battery is easily replaced using rear case screws), and my Luddite approach to sports/fitness.

 

[Gk200062YVR]

The battery is very good on Ultra. Before I would be down to 20-30% after a 75 min workout outside streaming music on cellular on AW7 and I started at 100%. Now on Ultra I have around 75% remaining starting at 100%. The watch is twice as heavy though lol.

I want a smartwatch that lasts much longer and has a heavy-duty shell and screen for abuse. Ultra fits the bill.

 

[BobSc]

Sadly looks like this might be the worst watch yet re: battery replacement. $400/year, then to the landfill. Oh well, I am sticking with my $16 Casio (whose battery is easily replaced using rear case screws), and my Luddite approach to sports/fitness.

Two cans and string can replace your iPhone.

 

[Ashbash75]

Sadly looks like this might be the worst watch yet re: battery replacement. $400/year, then to the landfill. Oh well, I am sticking with my $16 Casio (whose battery is easily replaced using rear case screws), and my Luddite approach to sports/fitness.

Yup, I hear ya but it's all relative. For certain people an Ultra is a Casio.

 

[slplss]

Yup, I hear ya but it's all relative. For certain people an Ultra is a Casio.

I love my G-Shock watches. Still I refrained for years from getting this case as I also like the classic Apple Watch pebble look and my bands. And I respect my old G-Shocks.

Still… discount G-Shock/Apple Watch Ultra, anyone? (Spigen Rugged Armor)

 

[mac_head]

I wonder if they changed the Taptic Engine as well. My Ultra vibrates a bit louder than my S7 IMO..

 

[henrikhelmers]

Sadly looks like this might be the worst watch yet re: battery replacement. $400/year, then to the landfill.

I think this is the wrong take. The larger battery means the watch will experience fewer charge cycles, and less time at those high and low states that lithium batteries don’t like. There is also the better battery management added in recent years.

There is a good chance the Ultra will still perform well in 4 years.

 

[jarman92]

This guy is the worst. His obnoxious digs at Apple are very distracting and often completely wrong. They should bring back the cute dorky guy with the long hair.

 

[erikkfi]

While the crown protector is a design abomination, it's clear that it helps make all this extra room inside the Watch. Function over form is the name of the game in this category, so why not?

 

[ufomism]

This guy is clueless lol. Calls GPS on Apple Watches “abysmal”, doesn’t understand how the siren works, and worst of all damages the screen by prying it open with metal tool and not using suction cups, then blames it on the watch.

 

[Spock]

This guy is clueless lol. Calls GPS on Apple Watches “abysmal”, doesn’t understand how the siren works, and worst of all damages the screen by prying it open with metal tool and not using suction cups, then blames it on the watch.

It almost seemed as though he wanted to break the display so he could complain about it.

 

[bruinsrme]

Sadly looks like this might be the worst watch yet re: battery replacement. $400/year, then to the landfill. Oh well, I am sticking with my $16 Casio (whose battery is easily replaced using rear case screws), and my Luddite approach to sports/fitness.

Be sure to buy a electric car, lol

 

[Edsel]

I would rather see a "iBuildIt" video that shows how the factory assembles this watch. Not only is this an engineering marvel but it is also a production marvel.

 

[JosephAW]

Someone needs to do a field test with the siren and actually test exactly how many feet it can be heard, I bet it's a lot further than we think and possibly directional and it's sound is unique enough to be overheard from birds and other natural sounds.
Although it does sounds like a killdeer bird that is common to North America, the rest of the world would not be familiar with that sound.

 

[JosephAW]

I bet if he paid for that out of his own pocket he could get the screen off without breaking it

 

[_Spinn_]

Love watching these teardowns. Always neat to see what goes on inside out devices.

 

[Danfango]

It almost seemed as though he wanted to break the display so he could complain about it.

That’s iFixit for you.

Now they can sell you some crap tools and some crap parts to make you feel good about doing a bad quality repair yourself!

 

[mattopotamus]

Finally got a chance to see it in person, and damn that thing is BIG.

 

[1gadget]

Does a 234 mAh larger battery and a 4mm larger screen than the AW8 45mm warrant a price increase of 370$ compared to 429 USD of AW8?

 

[jlc1978]

Function over form is the name of the game in this category, so why not?

I am of the opinion function should always take precedence over form. Great design is wonderful for display pieces not intended to be used; but an abomination in things people actually use.

 

[Angel Martin]

I really enjoyed that video.

 

[citysnaps]

Does a 234 mAh larger battery and a 4mm larger screen than the AW8 45mm warrant a price increase of 370$ compared to 429 USD of AW8?

Absolutely considering it offers considerably more than that. And that people who recognize the value will gladly pay for it.