Who is the Ultra for? Athletes or Wanto be Athletes?

[Born Again]

I’m a bit lost here. I have an SS Apple Watch (for notifications and all non sport life) and an avid runner and cyclist so I use Garmin products like their watch and cycling computer.

This new ultra watch offers a few more needed options like a lap button and longer battery life but lacking so much!

Where is the ant+ support? Programmable metric screens? Etc.

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

 

[russell_314]

It tracks my calorie intake while I’m eating pizza and playing Minecraft 😂

 

[Abstract]

I’m a bit lost here. I have an SS Apple Watch (for notifications and all non sport life) and an avid runner and cyclist so I use Garmin products like their watch and cycling computer.

This new ultra watch offers a few more needed options like a lap button and longer battery life but lacking so much!

Where is the ant+ support? Programmable metric screens? Etc.

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

I’d argue that even those people going on hikes or runs don’t “need” it unless they’re…hiking competitively.

Sure, people will use their preferred activity as an excuse to buy this, but for me, a non-competitive HIIT runner who knows when they are or aren’t running better/worse than usual — and will forgive myself for it because it’s probably to do with lack of sleep, and life commitments) — I want it but don’t “need” it.

Most buyers probably fall in the same camp.

I see it as a nice-to-have, but not essential. I’m already quite happy with the regular Apple Watch. 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[sniffies]

I climb Mount Everest several times a week, on my Quest 2. I need the Ultra, not sure for what, but I need it.

 

[AJ44]

I got it because my fav material is Ti and the extra screen size.

 

[chicagofan00]

I got it for the slightly bigger screen and the additional battery life. Don’t care about the other stuff, just an added bonus I suppose.

 

[ian87w]

I’m a bit lost here. I have an SS Apple Watch (for notifications and all non sport life) and an avid runner and cyclist so I use Garmin products like their watch and cycling computer.

This new ultra watch offers a few more needed options like a lap button and longer battery life but lacking so much!

Where is the ant+ support? Programmable metric screens? Etc.

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

The target markets are:
- Garmin users. Apple are really after this market after they pretty much rule the regular smartwatch market.
- People wanting Apple as status symbol. These people will simply get the highest end/most expensive model for status symbol regardless of features.
- Youtuber/influencer, just so they can be in the SEO bandwagon with content showing off the new stuff.

 

[Knowimagination]

I like the way it looks, I want the better battery life, I want the Ti case and sapphire display. Its not like you are required to be an athlete to use it.

 

[Harvey Zoltan]

I would be only wearing it when I went to pick up the groceries, but I still want one.

 

[Rainshadow]

I think you’re overthinking it. It’s essentially the same price as the old SS and Ti watches in a larger case with twice the battery life… It’s simply a better buy if you can pull off the size.

Apple can market it however they want, but in the end, just look at the specs.

A 45mm series 8 aluminum model with cellular connectivity is what, $529? I mean… really once you are at that price - for twice the battery, sapphire glass, and the things I mentioned, especially for a nicer material - it’s an easy jump. I wasn’t going to touch it for 1k but as someone who was prepping to buy a ss series 7 on discount, I couldn’t pass up this possibility. If it’s too big - I return it.




To answer your question: I’m very remote. And work outside in very rough conditions. I do overnights often enough, hunt and fish. I do a lot of home construction work as well. I use a chainsaw and a maul to cut my own firewood for the entire winter. The aluminum models get DESTROYED by my lifestyle. I’m not an “athlete” or an “explorer” but I don’t worry myself about how a company markets the product.

How I view the use case:
It’s the perfect watch for the spontaneous outdoorsman /recreationalist who isn’t quite sure when they will be home or if they will even get back today. Add to that a job in wild places, or one that uses your body and it’s a no brainer.

 

[douglasf13]

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

🙄 I need the extra battery life so I can track my heart rate over multiple days with your mom.

 

[azhava]

Bottom line - the Ultra is for whoever likes it (for whatever reason) and can afford it - that's justification enough. Who cares what somebody else chooses to buy or wear on their wrist?

 

[symphony]

I’m a bit lost here. I have an SS Apple Watch (for notifications and all non sport life) and an avid runner and cyclist so I use Garmin products like their watch and cycling computer.

This new ultra watch offers a few more needed options like a lap button and longer battery life but lacking so much!

Where is the ant+ support? Programmable metric screens? Etc.

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

Plenty of users here will buy the Apple Watch Ultra because they are Apple fans that basically will buy almost anything from Apple, especially if they’re new.

They don’t have to be the intended user to get the Apple Watch Ultra. They just want the latest and greatest or to show off. Nothing wong with that.

Apple Watch Ultra is made for the intense athletes, hikers, etc. I’d buy one for the battery life and some of the features, but it’s kinda atrocious and I don’t like the colour or finish.

 

[iphonetravel]

As an ultra runner / trail runner I have to agree with the OP that I think this is definitely still a 'want to be athlete' device. If a device is going to die in an event likely to be in the 8-24 hour range plus, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely not 'ultra', despite the monkier. To be fair to Apple, those of us really in the ultra watch market are a very small segment. There are loads of people hauling around Garmins, yet struggle to even bash out a 5km most weekends.

I'm definitely glad to see more competition in this space as Garmin has largely taken most of the market, leaving smaller pieces to Suunto, Polar and Coros, however Apple is clearly not ready to compete yet in the endurance market. I am however hoping that this new product pushes Garmin and the others to make some more innovations, as our market segment has been suffering 'intel disease' lately, where only incremental improvements have been made each year and vendors largely locking out new features by way of software rather than making genuine hardware improvements.

Apple Watch Ultra is made for the intense athletes, hikers, etc. I’d buy one for the battery life and some of the features, but it’s kinda atrocious and I don’t like the colour or finish.

I'm sorry but from the initial vague specs released, I honestly don't believe the Ultra is really made for 'intense athletes'.

 

[acemics4]

I think you’re overthinking it. It’s essentially the same price as the old SS and Ti watches in a larger case with twice the battery life… It’s simply a better buy if you can pull off the size.

Apple can market it however they want, but in the end, just look at the specs.

A 45mm series 8 aluminum model with cellular connectivity is what, $529? I mean… really once you are at that price - for twice the battery, sapphire glass, and the things I mentioned, especially for a nicer material - it’s an easy jump. I wasn’t going to touch it for 1k but as someone who was prepping to buy a ss series 7 on discount, I couldn’t pass up this possibility. If it’s too big - I return it.




To answer your question: I’m very remote. And work outside in very rough conditions. I do overnights often enough, hunt and fish. I do a lot of home construction work as well. I use a chainsaw and a maul to cut my own firewood for the entire winter. The aluminum models get DESTROYED by my lifestyle. I’m not an “athlete” or an “explorer” but I don’t worry myself about how a company markets the product.

How I view the use case:
It’s the perfect watch for the spontaneous outdoorsman /recreationalist who isn’t quite sure when they will be home or if they will even get back today. Add to that a job in wild places, or one that uses your body and it’s a no brainer.

These are all the same reasons I ordered as well. I do a lot of outdoor work, in addition to going to the gym a few times a week. I enjoy casual hiking as well, but I am now in my early 50s and my body is pretty worn down and tired, so any competitive athletic activities are in my rear view mirror. I do enjoy being active though.

I currently have a series 4 and was planning on just getting a regular series 8. Looking at the specs of this watch with the better battery, bigger screen, cellular, sapphire screen etc, it was a no brainer for me at the price. If it had been in the $1k range I would have skipped it. I am not a want to be athlete and I am not an apple fan boy. This just ticks boxes for me personally at a price I find reasonable.

 

[jclardy]

It's the best Apple Watch. Think of it like this, you can buy the S8 with 18 hours of battery and a smaller, dimmer display and a SS case for $750. Or you can buy the Ultra, with an extra button (Useful for everyone), 2x brightness, 2x battery, titanium, bigger display for...$50 more.

I solved the mystery, the Ultra is for people that like the Apple Watch and want the best version.

 

[smoking monkey]

I like the way it looks, I want the better battery life, I want the Ti case and sapphire display. Its not like you are required to be an athlete to use it.

I think everything about this watch is great except for the case. It's the ugliest thing Apple has designed in recent memory. I own a 16inch MBP M1 and think those computers are ugly as well. But not as ugly as this watch. The normal Apple Watch 8 though looks great. Obviously my opinion, but this watch ain't winning any good looking awards.
It does seem ridiculously good value for money though, doesn't it! I will be interested to see threads on here and how it looks on people. Maybe it'll look fine on the wrist compared to in photos.

 

[Indianwin2001]

As an ultra runner / trail runner I have to agree with the OP that I think this is definitely still a 'want to be athlete' device. If a device is going to die in an event likely to be in the 8-24 hour range plus, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely not 'ultra', despite the monkier. To be fair to Apple, those of us really in the ultra watch market are a very small segment. There are loads of people hauling around Garmins, yet struggle to even bash out a 5km most weekends.

I'm definitely glad to see more competition in this space as Garmin has largely taken most of the market, leaving smaller pieces to Suunto, Polar and Coros, however Apple is clearly not ready to compete yet in the endurance market. I am however hoping that this new product pushes Garmin and the others to make some more innovations, as our market segment has been suffering 'intel disease' lately, where only incremental improvements have been made each year and vendors largely locking out new features by way of software rather than making genuine hardware improvements.



I'm sorry but from the initial vague specs released, I honestly don't believe the Ultra is really made for 'intense athletes'.

Putting aside the athlete and ultra part of it, Garmin has major issues with their software. Apple's software just works. I just returned the 1,000 Epix, which is supposed to be for "ultra athletes" for many problems. If I was standing still, my HR was 60. As SOON as I hit strength training workout, while still standing in the same spot, my heart rate would jump to 165. Also my body battery would go down to five every day no matter what kind of active day I had. And my stress level was definitely wrong. This is not the first watch I had a problem with Garmin‘s heart rate. Totally lack all trusting in their software

 

[Velin]

This new ultra watch offers a few more needed options like a lap button and longer battery life but lacking so much!

Come on, it's not "lacking so much." They jammed a lot into this new smartwatch. It's going to be reliable, it has all the things most people need, it will be easy to use. You know what Apple Watch owners don't want? Useless bloatware that breaks. Download some apps if you think something is missing.

Meanwhile I see this thread with all the couch potatoes putting in orders. Are you guys going on hikes, ultras, marathons, etc or is this really marketed for the want to be athlete ?

I can see the utility even if you are moderately active. Doing some water laps one day, perhaps a racket sport the next, going on hikes -- this watch is perfect for it. "It" meaning it's a good all-around sport watch if you do lots of different things. More robust watch case, better battery life, brighter screen, gps + cellular in all models.

Plus it's ready to go if you decide to do more, say a long bike ride, back-country trails, anything, really. Anyone today who is outside and keeping active, they are the exception to the large numbers of sedentary humans and rapidly increasing global obesity. If you're active, the Ultra is for you.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

If you are an Ironman triathlete this isn't even on your radar, 955 all day long.

 

[kitenski]

I’m a bit lost here. I have an SS Apple Watch (for notifications and all non sport life) and an avid runner and cyclist so I use Garmin products like their watch and cycling computer.

I've a series 6 and a Fenix 6. If I go out on my bike I use a head unit for ant+, but I have been out surfing, paddle boarding and all day hikes where the AW ran out of battery, hence why I had the Fenix.

I believe I can sell both and get an Ultra and avoid taking two watches with me for activities where I don't take the phone to offload GPS. Phone + Watch enabled me to do a 11 hour hike (in theatre mode to keep screen off).

the ability to make emergency calls with cellular is super useful to have and means I go out for longish runs without my phone.

 

[Jackbequickly]

The larger screen was enough for me. I worry about my series 7 just giving it a bath as I have and my first 7 leaked just washing it and ruined the screen. Was lucky Apple replaced it. With the Ultra, there is no need to worry about heat, cold or going to the deep end of the pool, it can stand more than I do.

The feature of the Ultra did it for me, I thought it would be in the $1000+ range and was surprised at it being lower. As far as it being larger, it is a small price to pay to the extra screen realestate and features.

I am ALL IN!

 

[PaladinGuy]

Come on, it's not "lacking so much." They jammed a lot into this new smartwatch. It's going to be reliable, it has all the things most people need, it will be easy to use. You know what Apple Watch owners don't want? Useless bloatware that breaks. Download some apps if you think something is missing.



I can see the utility even if you are moderately active. Doing some water laps one day, perhaps a racket sport the next, going on hikes -- this watch is perfect for it. "It" meaning it's a good all-around sport watch if you do lots of different things. More robust watch case, better battery life, brighter screen, gps + cellular in all models.

Plus it's ready to go if you decide to do more, say a long bike ride, back-country trails, anything, really. Anyone today who is outside and keeping active, they are the exception to the large numbers of sedentary humans and rapidly increasing global obesity. If you're active, the Ultra is for you.

I think you’re spot on. If they’d made it a little bit less bulky and a smaller body, I’d have absolutely bought on immediately. I just can’t pull off a 49mm watch. Also, I think the Fenix 7s looks much better (other than MIP versus OLED). The Ultra definitely looks more like the Fenix 7X style for those that like styles like G-Shocks and want something that screams outdoors.

 

[bhall110]

Let’s not forget the ultra can be used as a dive computer. This is a tool watch. I don’t know if it will replace my Rolex explorer 2 but it comes damn close.

 

[Abazigal]

I think many people may be attracted to it simply for the larger, brighter screen. I have recently gone back to jogging, and my series 5 more than suffices for the basic activity tracking (which is really only there to power the lumihealth app). The Ultra watch is literally overkill for my needs, but I would be lying if I denied that it looked sexy as hell and I wanted one.