apple watch ultra - why?

[maflynn]

My Apple Watch is about 6 years old and it’s recently started acting strangely when charging, i.e., it sits at 0% with the red charging icon for close to an hour, and then suddenly jumps to something like 50% a few minutes later.

Because of that, I’ve been thinking about replacing it sooner rather than later. That got me looking at the Apple Watch Ultra and wondering what the main appeal is compared to the regular Apple Watch models.

Aside from the titanium case and the larger size, I’m not sure what the major differences are. I know it has better battery life and improved water resistance, but I’m curious what else sets it apart. From what I can tell, it’s roughly twice the price of the standard Apple Watch, so I’m trying to understand what makes it worth that premium. Features like longer battery life and specialized sensors are part of the difference, but the overall experience is otherwise fairly similar.

I do like the look of the Ultra, but at the same time, the 800 dolllar price is way too steep imo

 

[PaulD-UK]

???
It's $49 more than the Series 11 Titanium/sapphire watch, which is the direct comparison...
Seems like a steal for the extras you get?

 

[doogm]

For me, it's the battery life. The battery life of the Ultra should be the minimum for any smartwatch. I keep my watch for at least three years, and battery health degradation over that time means that a Series or SE watch would need charging more than once per day. Also, after my first aluminum Apple Watch ended up with crystal scratches within a week, which got progressively worse, I am only ever getting an Apple Watch with a sapphire crystal, so that means Titanium or Hermes stainless steel anyway, so the price of the Ultra isn't much more.

There are other things I like: the action button means that I don't have the dumb three second countdown when I start a workout (yes, I know you can tap the screen...); I don't dive, but I do live on a lake, so I am in the water a lot in the summer, so the increased water resistance is helpful; the Ultra has better GPS; now it also has satellite phone and message capabilities that no other watch has, and I do occasionally do workouts in places with very poor to no cellular signal. But really it's the battery life for me.

 

[Tdude96]

It comes with Titanium and Cellular connectivity by-default. The comparable 46mm Series 11 (with a non-premium band) is $50 less.
So it's only a $50 premium for:
Larger case
Button guards around the Digital Crown and side button
MIL-STD 810H military-standard
Wider operating temperature range
Expanded altimeter range
Larger display
Higher peak brightness
Flat sapphire crystal
Better battery life
100m water resistance
Depth gauge to 40m
Dual-frequency GPS
Emergency siren
Action button
Wayfinder & other faces + Night Mode
Satellite messaging

Among other features.

 

[jz0309]

My Apple Watch is about 6 years old and it’s recently started acting strangely when charging, i.e., it sits at 0% with the red charging icon for close to an hour, and then suddenly jumps to something like 50% a few minutes later.

Because of that, I’ve been thinking about replacing it sooner rather than later. That got me looking at the Apple Watch Ultra and wondering what the main appeal is compared to the regular Apple Watch models.

Aside from the titanium case and the larger size, I’m not sure what the major differences are. I know it has better battery life and improved water resistance, but I’m curious what else sets it apart. From what I can tell, it’s roughly twice the price of the standard Apple Watch, so I’m trying to understand what makes it worth that premium. Features like longer battery life and specialized sensors are part of the difference, but the overall experience is otherwise fairly similar.

I do like the look of the Ultra, but at the same time, the 800 dolllar price is way too steep imo

Price-wise, you should compare it to the Titanium models, not the aluminum ones, or at a minimum an aluminum one with cellular.
ultra has cellular that can be activated or not, it allows 911 calls when not activated.

I had SS and Ti watches primarily for the sapphire screens, got the Ultra when it came out cause of the water resistivity, and it was actually cheaper than my previous edition watch (Ti). Th either thing I like is its easier to read with the flat screen.

Sensors and health tracking is the same as every other AW except the SE

 

[Thirio2]

To me the bigger size is a negative that I put up with for the much longer battery life. I don’t add my watch to my cellular plan, but I do want a cellular watch so I could call 911 in an emergency. So to me, the price difference is between a cellular model and the Ultra. One other thing, I like the Milanese loop band, but the titanium version is much less convenient than the version for the other models.

 

[andyw715]

The display is also brighter.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

I bought my ultra 3 like new on swappa for $550. If you find a good pre owned one the deal is even better. I love my ultra. Will never go back to a regular Apple watch.

 

[Adelphos33]

Having owned several Apple Watches, and Apple products in general, I would say the Ultra is one of the most solidly built Apple devices I have ever owned. Coming up on two years with my original Apple Watch Ultra, battery health is still 100%, and the device (besides a few nicks) is in great physical condition. The app experience is similar, but the Ultra does have more useful exclusive watch faces.

 

[maflynn]

I would say the Ultra is one of the most solidly built Apple devices I have ever owned.

being 2x the price of the normal apple watch, and mine has lasted 6 years, do you feel its been worth the price delta?

 

[Adelphos33]

being 2x the price of the normal apple watch, and mine has lasted 6 years, do you feel its been worth the price delta?

To me it is due to battery life, stronger screen and titanium case. For you, it may not be. The aluminum AW is also a good deal on sale.

 

[Fleetboy]

Maybe you can find someone with an Ultra who will let you wear it for a little while? I had an Ultra when they first came out but no matter how hard I tried the weight and bulk were difficult to tolerate. And the Ultra didn't fit well, if at all, beneath shirt sleeves (irritating). AW 11s have pretty good batteries now - my cellular AW 11 only consumes 40 ~ 45% every 24 hours. I'd be first in line if Apple offered a slightly smaller/lighter Ultra, but they don't so the AW 11 is just fine.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Compared to the Ti S11 with Cellular, yeah, it's a decent price.

Of course, that assumes that you need Titanium and/or Cellular. Not everyone does.

I went from a S7 Aluminum/Cellular to U3 myself. The reasons I wanted the U3 were primarily battery life (I'm wearing it basically 24/7 for sleep tracking; which I couldn't do with the S7) and to a lesser extent, the sapphire crystal (never broke the S7 but that's more by chance than being careful).

That said... I was able to take advantage of some reimbursements from my employer, so it wasn't nearly as expensive as it would have been at retail. I likely would have ended up with an Aluminum S11 if I were paying full price.

 

[tcuprof]

I own the Ultra because it is good dive watch and a good running (and many other activities) watch. It is considerably less expensive than buying separate watches (of comparable capabilities) for these activities. If I were neither a diver nor a runner, I likely would not have bought the Ultra.

 

[4sallypat]

being 2x the price of the normal apple watch, and mine has lasted 6 years, do you feel its been worth the price delta?

I came from many years of the basic aluminum standard Apple watch and have loved the fit & function.

But recently I took up flying and since the Ultra has satellite messaging capability if I happen to force land somewhere remote - might save my life. iPhone Air or portable aviation transceiver may or may not be in reach should I have to ditch the plane so the AW Ultra is my last option.

For that feature, I got used to the larger size and weight after about a month.

Still can't sleep with it on though....

I do wish Apple would make the battery last as long as the Garmin aviation watch (30 days)..

 

[Taco1933]

If you want a more robust version of the basic watch, it’s good value. I wanted a titanium regular watch, but it was only $50 cheaper with half the battery.

I’ve also bought aluminums and treated them as disposable. I understand that side too. I won’t argue against it.

 

[1rottenapple]

I think it's good for its uses with a nicer battery life. When I hike for hours it last with battery life to spare. I can sleep track without any issues it still can last a hike in the AM.

But honestly i think i think a good outfit is ruined by an apple watch. its looks tacky as hell. Give me a nice analogue watch with a nice outfit with nice shoes and boom GQ. Add an apple watch it ruins it.

 

[uknation87]

I've owned a handful of aluminum series AW's and recently purchased the AW U3 and to me, it's worth every penny. I typically keep my AW's for 3 - 4 years so the Ultra seemed like the best long term choice.

The screen size and brightness, build quality, satellite connectivity, and the number of other features are all great and live up to the hype but I would buy this AW again and again without hesitation due solely to the battery life.

I get on average 55 - 60 hours of continuous wear from my AW U3 and use it for phone calls (non cellular), texts, emails, tracking walks and other outdoor activities and this thing works flawlessly for me. It's also extremely accurate with the health sensors which is another huge plus for me.

Ultimately, you need to upgrade to which ever AW you and your budget are most comfortable with because you really can't go wrong with any of the AW products in my opinion.

 

[Tdude96]

I've owned a handful of aluminum series AW's and recently purchased the AW U3 and to me, it's worth every penny. I typically keep my AW's for 3 - 4 years so the Ultra seemed like the best long term choice.

The screen size and brightness, build quality, satellite connectivity, and the number of other features are all great and live up to the hype but I would buy this AW again and again without hesitation due solely to the battery life.

I get on average 55 - 60 hours of continuous wear from my AW U3 and use it for phone calls (non cellular), texts, emails, tracking walks and other outdoor activities and this thing works flawlessly for me. It's also extremely accurate with the health sensors which is another huge plus for me.

Ultimately, you need to upgrade to which ever AW you and your budget are most comfortable with because you really can't go wrong with any of the AW products in my opinion.

I agree, I had the S4 and S7 and the battery life alone is worth the price of admission for the Ultra.

 

[throAU]

Aside from the titanium case and the larger size, I’m not sure what the major differences are. I know it has better battery life and improved water resistance, but I’m curious what else sets it apart. From what I can tell, it’s roughly twice the price of the standard Apple Watch, so I’m trying to understand what makes it worth that premium. Features like longer battery life and specialized sensors are part of the difference, but the overall experience is otherwise fairly similar.

I do like the look of the Ultra, but at the same time, the 800 dolllar price is way too steep imo

The ultra battery life is way, way better. I never have to worry about running out of battery if i forget to charge my ultra 2 and its a few years old now.

It is way more durable. I have taken chunks out of walls with my ultra 2 and it is still perfect. I managed to scratch and crack a couple of previous normal apple watches.

IMHO it is worth it for the battery life alone, YMMV.

 

[leifp]

For myself it’s a question of durability. Perhaps I’m a klutz, perhaps I’m unlucky, perhaps I’m just an @$$, however I have broken so many watches over the years my continuing to buy them borders on Einstein’s definition of insanity. I have had the UW1 since it was up for sale, more or less, and so far there are just the tiniest imperfections in the titanium and the display is absolutely flawless. Only need will drive me to upgrade; batteries can be replaced.

 

[jetsam]

For myself it’s a question of durability. Perhaps I’m a klutz, perhaps I’m unlucky, perhaps I’m just an @$$, however I have broken so many watches over the years my continuing to buy them borders on Einstein’s definition of insanity. I have had the UW1 since it was up for sale, more or less, and so far there are just the tiniest imperfections in the titanium and the display is absolutely flawless. Only need will drive me to upgrade; batteries can be replaced.

Fellow klutz here. I love the durability of my Ultra 2. Planning to hold on to it as long as possible.

I had an aluminum Series 6, with the Ion-X Glass. Within a month I had multiple scratches in the crystal. After a year, I finally cracked the crystal, and got the watch replaced by AppleCare+.

In September 2023, I got a release day Ultra 2. After 2 1/2 years, the sapphire crystal remains completely flawless. There are some tiny scratches in the titanium bezel. The scratches are only visible in bright sunlight.

And I'm still smashing the watch into everything!

 

[bricktop_at]

To me, the Ultra is basically a tank. It feels like nothing can stop it, battery life is great and I totally like the look of it. It is THE Apple Watch 😎

Worth every penny in my opinion.

 

[T5BRICK]

I’ve owned:

• Space Black Stainless Apple Watch 4 44mm
• Apple Watch Ultra Gen 1
• Slate Ti Apple Watch 11 46mm

Some thoughts on the AW4:

• IMO stainless is the best material for a watch case. The gen 4 (and possibly other earlier models) had black DLC which is extremely scratch resistant compared to the coating currently used.
• The battery life out of the box was ok but after a few years the battery life sucked.

Thoughts on the AWU:

• Battery life on the Ultra is fantastic.
• Night mode on the Ultra is very nice.
• The ultra bands are great. I had a trail loop and a couple of alpine loops.
• The watch itself is bulky but it wasn’t a big deal except when I tried sleep tracking. I ended up not wearing it to bed because of this.
• The Ti housing looked nice but was fairly easy to bang up. I did hit it on metal door jams at work occasionally so that’s all on me. 🤷‍♂️

Thoughts on the AW11:

• The coated TI looks nice. Waiting to see how it holds up.
• Battery life is great out of the box.
• Coming from the AWU, the lower profile is very noticeable. Also, being lighter and lower profile than the AWU, it’s much more comfortable to wear at night for sleep tracking.

Overall, I do miss the night mode faces on the AWU and the sturdy Stainless/DLC case on the AW4, but I’m glad I upgraded to the AW11. I feel like the improved battery life over the AW4 and lower profile over the AWU outweigh any of the other potential issues or missing features.

 

[throAU]

For myself it’s a question of durability. Perhaps I’m a klutz, perhaps I’m unlucky, perhaps I’m just an @$$, however I have broken so many watches over the years my continuing to buy them borders on Einstein’s definition of insanity. I have had the UW1 since it was up for sale, more or less, and so far there are just the tiniest imperfections in the titanium and the display is absolutely flawless. Only need will drive me to upgrade; batteries can be replaced.

Yeah, when i say i have taken chunks out of walls, i am not joking. There are some walls and structural pillars in the building i work at where i have literally dug chunks out of the thing with my apple watch accidentally (i’m a klutz swinging my arms when i walk past) and there is zero damage to the watch…


Flip side:

Be aware, the edge of the bezel is a very precisely machined 90 degree edge (so its pretty sharp). I’m paranoid about scratching the crap of my car with it.

And yes, as per an above poster: I am still 100% happy with my AW2. It has applecare. The battery health is 89%. I’ll see how it goes but right now i have zero desire to upgrade (its still super fast, responsive and does all the things) and at this stage will look to replace the battery when it has dropped low enough to qualify.

My history is S2, S4, S6 and Ultra 2.
IMHO once the watch hit S4 the watch became performant enough. But by 2 years in both my s2 and s6 were pretty borderline on battery life.

IMHO: Buy an ultra and be happy for years. I’m that happy with mine that i bought the titanium band for it. It rocks. It’s so much lighter than the milanese loop i had with the others.