I keep chickening out on buying the Ultra

[alee]

I keep adding it to my cart and then deciding I don't want it... over and over again.

Found it in stock today. Came close to committing. Then, cold feet.

Pretty sure I want it because I'm bored.

It sure looks cool and different.

Tomorrow I will commit.

Maybe.

 

[Susie4170]

Been there done that. 😂 My Apple watch series 3 was the first Apple product that I kept as long as it was supported. Finally upgraded to the Ultra. I think the gratification is even better since I waited so long.

Why do you keep deciding that you don’t want it?

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

I keep adding it to my cart and then deciding I don't want it... over and over again.

Found it in stock today. Came close to committing. Then, cold feet.

Pretty sure I want it because I'm bored.

It sure looks cool and different.

Tomorrow I will commit.

Maybe.

What's holding you back?

 

[wilberforce]

I suggest wait a month. When I get caught up in the frenzy for something new, I find I am more centered a month later. Helps avoid getting buyer’s remorse, which is not a good feeling.

 

[nippyjun]

You can return it if you change your mind

 

[alee]

What's holding you back?

Design-wise, I like it. Size-wise, it's on the edge. Functionality-wise, none of the new features matter to me. So it's pretty much the wild swing between the pleasure side of the brain wanting to pick up some new tech jewelry and the the logical side which reminds me that this watch has nothing for me, and if anything might be a step down with a softer titanium frame (I always get stainless steel).

Then again, I've owned AW0 to AW8, so kind of feels inevitable that I should buy an Ultra.

So the struggle is Ultra's just not quite differentiated, but looks differentiated I guess.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

Design-wise, I like it. Size-wise, it's on the edge. Functionality-wise, none of the new features matter to me. So it's pretty much the wild swing between the pleasure side of the brain wanting to pick up some new tech jewelry and the the logical side which reminds me that this watch has nothing for me, and if anything might be a step down with a softer titanium frame (I always get stainless steel).

Then again, I've owned AW0 to AW8, so kind of feels inevitable that I should buy an Ultra.

So the struggle is Ultra's just not quite differentiated, but looks differentiated I guess.

I respect the honesty there. You're not trying to find excuses or justification for an unnecessary purchase, which is the trap a lot of people here fall into.

I honestly think you'll love the watch even if you don't need the added features. I think even just buying it for cosmetics would be worth it. I came from an S6 & couldn't imagine going back now. Size wise, the watch really isn't as big as people make it out to be. I have a 7 inch wrist & it looks just fine to me. If you were currently wearing the 44-45mm models, you might be pleasantly surprised at the fit.

The only thing that could be an issue for you is if you're really OCD about scratches. You already seem to know the pros/cons with titanium, & if you're not using it for anything "active" the added durability is probably negligible.

I'd recommend going to the store & seeing it in person, if you're still on the fence. Most of the people here seem to love it, myself included. Worst case scenario, you can always order it & then just return it if you don't like it.

 

[ArchEtech]

You won’t regret it. If it’s a money stretch then don’t do it, it’s not THAT mind blowing. If you’re going to get the 8, then get the Ultra.

If you have a Best Buy CC it’s $80 off right now…

 

[alee]

I'd recommend going to the store & seeing it in person, if you're still on the fence. Most of the people here seem to love it, myself included. Worst case scenario, you can always order it & then just return it if you don't like it.

Oh I've been to the store a few times and tried it on. Pretty sure I wouldn't return it.

That said, I'd probably keep the AW8. When then puts me in the world of having 2 AWs - one will no doubt get less use than the other. I'm fine with multiple mechanical watches... a 2 smartwatch life sits a bit weird with me.

 

[earthdog]

Design-wise, I like it. Size-wise, it's on the edge. Functionality-wise, none of the new features matter to me. So it's pretty much the wild swing between the pleasure side of the brain wanting to pick up some new tech jewelry and the the logical side which reminds me that this watch has nothing for me, and if anything might be a step down with a softer titanium frame (I always get stainless steel).

Then again, I've owned AW0 to AW8, so kind of feels inevitable that I should buy an Ultra.

So the struggle is Ultra's just not quite differentiated, but looks differentiated I guess.

I was like you. I decided Friday morning at 4:00am to go to the store and just buy one. For me the battery life alone has put a smile on my face. Left with it at 85% Friday am at 9:00 at 8:00pm tonight the battery finally died. I did 2 1 hour workouts with GPS and the battery life has me sold. I sleep with mine using AutoSleep so I fought daily to find time for my previous models to charge throughout the day.

 

[decypher44]

Oh I've been to the store a few times and tried it on. Pretty sure I wouldn't return it.

That said, I'd probably keep the AW8. When then puts me in the world of having 2 AWs - one will no doubt get less use than the other. I'm fine with multiple mechanical watches... a 2 smartwatch life sits a bit weird with me.

I got the Ultra and kept the S6. I also have a lot of automatics and quartz watches, so it’s not too abnormal for me. Each watch has its own use (activity, color, style, functions, etc). If it’s not a money issue, go for it. If you don’t like it, return it prior to 14.

 

[Susie4170]

IDK, honestly I’m not sure I would have upgraded to the Ultra for just the redesign and battery alone. For me, I’m excited to use some of the new features on the trail. If not for that, I probably would have gone with the 8.

 

[cmbarclay]

I was like you. I decided Friday morning at 4:00am to go to the store and just buy one. For me the battery life alone has put a smile on my face. Left with it at 85% Friday am at 9:00 at 8:00pm tonight the battery finally died. I did 2 1 hour workouts with GPS and the battery life has me sold. I sleep with mine using AutoSleep so I fought daily to find time for my previous models to charge throughout the day.

I am right with you, battery alone was the reason I bought the ultra. I am so happy I bought this watch. No regrets and I have like 10 bands and they all fit.

 

[alee]

Oddly battery is the thing I’m least concerned with. I end every day with about 45%.

 

[aries81]

Design-wise, I like it. Size-wise, it's on the edge. Functionality-wise, none of the new features matter to me. So it's pretty much the wild swing between the pleasure side of the brain wanting to pick up some new tech jewelry and the the logical side which reminds me that this watch has nothing for me, and if anything might be a step down with a softer titanium frame (I always get stainless steel).

Then again, I've owned AW0 to AW8, so kind of feels inevitable that I should buy an Ultra.

So the struggle is Ultra's just not quite differentiated, but looks differentiated I guess.

Don’t buy it then. Simple

 

[leslieg]

I think you should hold off as in my opinion it's a very niche product. Maybe next year they will have a new watch that is somewhere between the series 8 and ultra.

 

[archi penko]

I think it’s so difficult to find someone who would really benefit from this watch that goes hard in all of the 4-5 core sports that this watch supports. Someone that goes in diving, marathon, running, swimming, climbing, whatever else, as one person. That’s the way to make real use of the watch, beyond what a Series 8 can offer you.

Unless, you are an athlete that really needs the features for that one specific sport.

Even then many athletes are in one specific sport, already using such a device. They might switch, but I don’t see a whole industry worth of athletes switching. You might get some, willing to give up their existing eco & data & stats.

It’s exceptionally niche. I think this is going to fall by the wayside same like this series 1 & 2 gold 18K editions that Beyoncé and Jay-Z had… the first editions come out so specialised, and then, when they figure out the market, they sort of adjust accordingly to make them more affordable. I think these Ultra watches will dip down a bit.

Do what you like, sometimes when I’m waffling I imagine having already bought it and closing my eyes and testing how I feel now that I “have” it. Personally, I think if you are still not currently buying it now, then you might not really want to. I’m sure there are other $800-900 USD things you could buy, and would LOVE. A trip even. A nicer watch strap, etc.

 

[chanerz]

So worth it!

 

[IT Provisor]

As someone who is a day 1 adopter, let me give you my insights as to what I think:

• The watch is DEFINITELY bigger and thicker than the Series 8 and noticeably heavier, despite the lighter than stainless steel titanium.
• The screen brightness is noticeable in direct sunlight, but not mind-blowingly different (but still definitely noticeable).
• The bigger crown is grippier and is not as smooth as the Series 7 from where I came from.
• The biggest aspect that has me debating on whether to keep it or not is the look. At first, I didn't think too highly of it, finding it kind of weird, but then the look grew on me. Still, I have my gold stainless steel Series 7 that I compare it to and I definitely find the gold more attractive (I know, I know: it's supposed to be rugged, but rugged watches can still look good: just look at dive watches!).
• Although no damage on mine, this titanium finish is probably not as durable as you may be led to believe: my gold Series 7's PVD coating has kept it looking almost completely new since I got it as a gift for Christmas last year (a slight hairline scratch that may have very well been from the factory that I missed until MUCH later on is the only exception). The screen, however, has a noticeably thicker, less smooth feel which is probably because Apple made that more durable.
• Speaking of the screen, it's not really any bigger than the Series 7/8: it's basically the same size because of a thicker bezel that's also slightly more rounded, making the Series 7/8 look more square, interestingly enough!
• The exclusive Wayfinder watch face is pretty cool, fitting up to 8 complications on one face (not unlike certain other faces, like Modular). Also, it's cool to be able to make everything turn red for nighttime viewing, which I've already done a few times now. My only complaint about it is that, to make everything fit on it, including the cellular that automatically appears in the inner-upper section, the text and complications are smaller and, since the screen practically isn't bigger than the Series 7/8, it's not an optical illusion: it really is smaller, albeit not too much!

With all of the above mentioned, I'm still debating if it's worth the almost $1,000 with AppleCare and tax to hang onto; my gut says "no", but I'll miss the features that it has, including the doubled battery life. Then again, with waiting until next year, I would be shocked if Apple didn't implement at least the better battery life and brighter screen in next year's Series 9 (just like how the pro model iPhone features drip down to the regular models the following year, like Dynamic Island). Also, don't forget that we're overdue to have a new processor, the S9, that's an ACTUAL upgrade from the Series 6's S6 circa 2020, which has been rebranded and repackaged in the last 2 watches that succeeded it! At any rate, you have at least 14 days to decide if you bought it in-store; 28 days if you bought it online and set up a return by the 14th day, which should give PLENTY of time to make an informed decision, which I know I'm in the process of making, myself...

 

[Tevosn]

I ordered an Apple Watch 8 twice, canceled both because I realized it still wasn’t much of an upgrade, even from my S4. Now I’m looking at the ultra again, I know where you are coming from lol.
But I want to see it real before I make any decision, the size and especially the price tag make this necessary, for me at least.

 

[shr631]

As someone who is a day 1 adopter, let me give you my insights as to what I think:

• The watch is DEFINITELY bigger and thicker than the Series 8 and noticeably heavier, despite the lighter than stainless steel titanium.
• The screen brightness is noticeable in direct sunlight, but not mind-blowingly different (but still definitely noticeable).
• The bigger crown is grippier and is not as smooth as the Series 7 from where I came from.
• The biggest aspect that has me debating on whether to keep it or not is the look. At first, I didn't think too highly of it, finding it kind of weird, but then the look grew on me. Still, I have my gold stainless steel Series 7 that I compare it to and I definitely find the gold more attractive (I know, I know: it's supposed to be rugged, but rugged watches can still look good: just look at dive watches!).
• Although no damage on mine, this titanium finish is probably not as durable as you may be led to believe: my gold Series 7's PVD coating has kept it looking almost completely new since I got it as a gift for Christmas last year (a slight hairline scratch that may have very well been from the factory that I missed until MUCH later on is the only exception). The screen, however, has a noticeably thicker, less smooth feel which is probably because Apple made that more durable.
• Speaking of the screen, it's not really any bigger than the Series 7/8: it's basically the same size because of a thicker bezel that's also slightly more rounded, making the Series 7/8 look more square, interestingly enough!
• The exclusive Wayfinder watch face is pretty cool, fitting up to 8 complications on one face (not unlike certain other faces, like Modular). Also, it's cool to be able to make everything turn red for nighttime viewing, which I've already done a few times now. My only complaint about it is that, to make everything fit on it, including the cellular that automatically appears in the inner-upper section, the text and complications are smaller and, since the screen practically isn't bigger than the Series 7/8, it's not an optical illusion: it really is smaller, albeit not too much!

With all of the above mentioned, I'm still debating if it's worth the almost $1,000 with AppleCare and tax to hang onto; my gut says "no", but I'll miss the features that it has, including the doubled battery life. Then again, with waiting until next year, I would be shocked if Apple didn't implement at least the better battery life and brighter screen in next year's Series 9 (just like how the pro model iPhone features drip down to the regular models the following year, like Dynamic Island). Also, don't forget that we're overdue to have a new processor, the S9, that's an ACTUAL upgrade from the Series 6's S6 circa 2020, which has been rebranded and repackaged in the last 2 watches that succeeded it! At any rate, you have at least 14 days to decide if you bought it in-store; 28 days if you bought it online and set up a return by the 14th day, which should give PLENTY of time to make an informed decision, which I know I'm in the process of making, myself...

Great breakdown, appreciate the pros and cons. I also noticed the screen is not as smooth and is thicker. Content on the series watch seems to be almost on the surface of the glass, whereas on the ultra I get a more pronounced sense that I’m looking through glass. I’m in the same boat as to whether I’ll keep it. The novelty has me confused as to whether I really like it or whether I’m temporarily hyped about the new design.

 

[erikkfi]

Set a reminder for a month from today. Buy it then if you still want it. You probably won’t.

 

[Night Spring]

It’s exceptionally niche.

No, I don't think so. If it was priced at or above $1000, as was speculated before the announcement, then yes, it would be niche. But it's priced at $800, which makes it the same, or even a little bit cheaper, than past top-line Apple Watch models, like ceramic or titanium. So IMO, ultra is this year's "edition" model, with bonus features for extreme conditions that most users would never use, but they wouldn't mind because it's not costing them extra.

So I think the marketing for extreme adventure activities is a bit deceptive. The target market is actually people who bought "edition" models in previous years, and even some people who bought steel models before would be tempted. I mean, I'm a strictly aluminum model gal, and I'm tempted, lol.

The brighter screen and better battery life alone makes it more attractive to me than the S8. The only reservation I had was the size, as I have tiny wrists, but when I tried it on at the store, it was surprisingly comfortable, even if it looked gigantic on my wrist. That might be a problem for people who need to dress up for work, but I work from home.

So the question for me now is whether to get it now, or wait until next year and see if that bright screen trickles down to the less pricy models. But I'm betting many people will buy the ultra, even if the most activity they do is take walks in the park, and I think Apple is counting on that.

 

[bandrews]

Oh I've been to the store a few times and tried it on. Pretty sure I wouldn't return it.

That said, I'd probably keep the AW8. When then puts me in the world of having 2 AWs - one will no doubt get less use than the other. I'm fine with multiple mechanical watches... a 2 smartwatch life sits a bit weird with me.

Just buy another new band.

 

[Gix1k]

Same boat!! It’s 100% want. My S7 is fine. I won’t use ANY of the new outdoor features. I just like new things. I’d have it by now if it was in stock.
Having to order and wait is what’s changing my mind.