Apple Watch Ultra's Customizable Action Button Can Launch Shortcuts, Plus a Whole Lot More

[jz0309]

ordered one because of the water resistance, that was the game changer for me

 

[beanbaguk]

Only Apple could reinvent a button...I guess it's "international" orange though! 🤣

 

[Aston441]

May we have this action button on iPad & iPhone as well please?..

I’d pay anything for the feeling of an iPhone with good old fashioned knobs and switches, and the snicker-snack! of a physical keyboard while texting down the road at 85mph. And an ounce of cocaine. God I miss the 80s!

 

[HoneyRyder]

Any chance this one can handle running programs, such as intervals. I know there are apps that can, but looking for something that would be native to the phone. Like Garmin has a way to program intervals like warmup 5 minutes, run 400m, rest 2 minutes, run 400m, etc etc. Some training runs are 11 miles, then 3 fast miles at a select pace, then 1 miles at a slow pace, repeat. With that the chance in intervals is alerted with a beep and vibration

You can set intervals in native Workout app on your watch. Just tap three dots on running workout, scroll all the way down, tap create workout, scroll all the way down again, tap add custom workout, set intervals and voilà.

 

[SnappleRumors]

Definitely not a watch for me.

I’ve owned an Apple Watch for years and like it very much. However, I only use it to pay for purchases, glance at an incoming text, and help in navigation by altering me to upcoming turns. There’s many features but they’re a PITA to reach and the interface is cumbersome.

 

[Mic2904]

I pre ordered mine... Hopefully it will arrive on Friday as planned.

Ugly some say.... Maybe, i guess it is all about what everyone likes. Is it a thing of beauty? Maybe not, but its different and i appreciate the change after having every single Apple Watch since their release. I am really looking forward to the 'different' design.

I am also eager to find the best usage of the button. If it can be used for running and intervals that would be awesome.

 

[GadgetBen]

Controlling a drone on the action button would be awesome.

 

[parasight]

Yes you can, I’ve been doing this since my Series 6. You only need two apps, Koomot for planning the route and WorkOutDoor for following it and registering the workout. Easy.

Thanks for this! I use Komoot regularly but really wish it showed maps on the Watch, which are way more intuitive to me than the "go left in 130m" instructions. Especially since GPS isn't entirely reliable in more remote areas I prefer to have a visual reference of what my devices think is my current position. Looks like WorkOutDoors might fit the bill, I'll give it a shot.

 

[cocky jeremy]

IMO it’s ugly. To each there own!!! I hope everyone enjoys it!!!!


James

The colored button on the side ruins it for me. Just make it match everything else. No need for it to stick out. It's huge, that's enough on its own.

 

[Momof2.1107]

I preordered the Ultra to upgrade from my S4, and I’m so excited for a upgrade and design refresh. Yes it is much bigger than the 44mm size Watch that I have, but I’m sure I’ll get used to the size in due time. I hope Apple come out with more bands for the Ultra.

 

[kelemor88]

Thanks for this! I use Komoot regularly but really wish it showed maps on the Watch, which are way more intuitive to me than the "go left in 130m" instructions. Especially since GPS isn't entirely reliable in more remote areas I prefer to have a visual reference of what my devices think is my current position. Looks like WorkOutDoors might fit the bill, I'll give it a shot.

Maybe with the s5 gps it will be better

 

[Born Again]

This was was marketed towards me.

I am a triathlete, a long distance runner, a hiker.

Yet this watch wasn’t MADE for me.
I wasn’t missing an action button.

I am still missing multi day battery life.
Built in maps when no cellular is available.
Pairing to my ant+ or Bluetooth sensors
Customizations of data screens

So if anyone says this is a replacement of their garmin watch it’s clearly not.

Sorry apple. Nice try.

 

[CapitalIdea]

I hope you’re able to turn noise cancellation on/off with the action button when your AirPods Pro are connected. That would be so awesome!

That’s actually a really smart idea! Here’s hoping!

 

[bLackjackj]

Whether Apple intends to bring the Action button to its more affordable Apple Watch Series models in the future is an intriguing question

Thats just 100% incorrect. The Apple Watch series 9, 10 & 11 would already be a part of the Watch roadmap. With only 11 months to go, your series 9 is already done.

 

[alphaswift]

"a more rugged, capable smartwatch aimed at explorers, adventurers, and athletes"

Come on, let's be honest: People will be buying this watch because of the cool orange button on the side.

 

[MaxSto]

Combine that with pausing + noise cancellation off btw. playing + noise cancellation on.
That would be huge.

 

[djphat2000]

This was the watch (look) I wanted since they started making watches. Large face, and big controls.
I only wish it had more color options (Red, Yellow, White, Green, Black).
In any event, I ordered it immediately and I don't do anything "Ultra". I really just wanted a more rugged "watch" that was larger. I personally think it looks great. Very excited about it, should arrive on Friday!!! WHOOWHOO!

 

[kelemor88]

This was the watch (look) I wanted since they started making watches. Large face, and big controls.
I only wish it had more color options (Red, Yellow, White, Green, Black).
In any event, I ordered it immediately and I don't do anything "Ultra". I really just wanted a more rugged "watch" that was larger. I personally think it looks great. Very excited about it, should arrive on Friday!!! WHOOWHOO!

Guessing no colors because it would get scratched up easier

Shouldn’t we be getting reviews today of it.

 

[tonie walker]

…im excited for the next version 😉

 

[CharlesShaw]

I‘m assuming (hoping) that the siren feature can be disabled.

I have to wear the crown facing inward to prevent erroneous presses when cycling or doing push-ups, so a large new button might have the same issue for me. That said, I’m optimistic and looking forward to the big screen and a few other updates over my S4.

 

[SirAnthonyHopkins]

Is "plus a whole lot more besides" a pun or did someone have a stroke while writing the title?

What on earth would it be punning on?

 

[jmgregory1]

I really like the raw-ish titanium look of the Watch Ultra, as titanium is one of my favorite metals, and the screen looks amazing, but my favorite thing are the new Watch bands. All this being said, I moved away from the Watch (my series 5 got passed to my mother-in-law) earlier this summer for two main reasons.

One is battery life - I just didn’t want to have to deal with charging nightly, or each morning (or both times) as I was trying to wear the Watch 24/7 for health and sleep tracking.

The other issue was the rectangular shape. Prior to getting the Watch, I had worn my Seiko automatic 24/7 for 15+ years, and loved it’s traditional shape and rugged, heavy stainless steel case and band and scratch-free sapphire lens, so I really wanted to get back to a round form factor.

I ended up with a Garmin Epix 2 and don’t see changing back to Apple Watches any time soon. The 16 day battery life is awesome - it’s such a game changer to not worry that when the watch has just 10% battery life remaining, knowing you have 2 days before needing to charge. I can’t make calls or send texts on it, which is probably the only thing I miss from the Watch, but it’s not enough to get me to switch back.

 

[incoherent_1]

Love that the button is customizable. Hopefully that trickles down to the main AW product line eventually. The Ultra's size is just not my cup of tea.

 

[Macalway]

The colored button on the side ruins it for me. Just make it match everything else. No need for it to stick out. It's huge, that's enough on its own.

I would imagine it's for times requiring a split second decision under extreme duress. When the mind is tied up with other things

I'm guessing, of course.

 

[4nNtt]

They should allow the button action to change depending on the current watch face.