The Apple Watch Ultra 2 brings impressive upgrades to Apple’s rugged smartwatch line. This advanced wearable packs powerful features into a durable 49mm titanium case. The Ultra 2 boasts a brighter 3000-nit display, longer 36-hour battery life, and enhanced GPS accuracy for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
You’ll find the new S9 chip at the heart of the Ultra 2, enabling faster performance and new capabilities like the double tap gesture. This allows you to control the watch without touching the screen. The Ultra 2 also introduces the new Night Mode, which automatically activates in low-light conditions for better visibility.
For divers, the Ultra 2 now supports depths up to 40 meters with the Oceanic+ app. Runners will appreciate the new running metrics, including ground contact time and vertical oscillation. Let’s compare some key specs between the Ultra 2 and its predecessor:
| Feature | Ultra 2 | Original Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S9 | S8 |
| Display | 3000 nits | 2000 nits |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| GPS | Precision dual-frequency | L1 only |
| Depth Rating | 40m with Oceanic+ | 40m with Oceanic+ |
🧭 Overview
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in September 2023, is Apple’s most rugged and feature-rich smartwatch. It’s designed for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering improved performance, a brighter display, and advanced health and fitness tracking.
(sources: Apple Support, GSMArena, PCMag Review)
⚙️ Core Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Announced | September 12, 2023 |
| Release Date | September 22, 2023 |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 (upgradeable to watchOS 11) |
| Chipset | Apple S9 SiP (System in Package) with 4-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 64 GB internal storage |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (normal use) / Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
| Charging | Fast charging via USB-C magnetic cable |
| Connectivity | GPS + Cellular (LTE), Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra Wideband (UWB) |
| Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 17 or later |
🖥️ Display
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Always‑On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Size | 1.92 inches |
| Resolution | 502 × 410 pixels |
| Brightness | Up to 3,000 nits (double that of Series 9) |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal front |
| Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium |
| Touch Input | Supports Double Tap gesture and Always-On display interactions |
(sources: Tom’s Guide, Apple Support)
🧭 Design and Build
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 49 mm case size |
| Weight | 61.4 grams |
| Durability | MIL‑STD‑810H certified (temperature, shock, altitude, vibration) |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (ISO standard 22810:2010) |
| Diving Support | Recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters (with third-party app) |
| Buttons | Digital Crown, Side Button, and customizable Action Button |
| Colors | Natural Titanium finish only |
(source: Apple Support)
🩺 Health and Fitness Sensors
| Sensor | Function |
|---|---|
| Optical Heart Sensor | Continuous heart rate monitoring |
| Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG) | Electrocardiogram readings |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | SpO₂ monitoring |
| Temperature Sensor | Tracks wrist temperature during sleep |
| Accelerometer | Up to 256 g-forces (Crash Detection) |
| Gyroscope | Motion and fall detection |
| Compass | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) |
| Altimeter | Always-on for elevation tracking |
| Depth Gauge | Measures water depth and temperature |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Adjusts display brightness automatically |
🗺️ GPS and Navigation
- Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for high-accuracy location tracking.
- Backtrack feature to retrace your steps in remote areas.
- Compass app with waypoints and elevation data.
- Precision Start for workout timing accuracy.
(source: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review – PCMag)
🔋 Battery and Charging
| Mode | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Normal Use | Up to 36 hours |
| Low Power Mode | Up to 72 hours |
| Workout with GPS | Up to 17 hours |
| Charging Time | ~1 hour to 80% with fast charging |
📡 Connectivity and Features
- LTE and UMTS (cellular models only)
- Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 & 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precise device location
- Siri on-device processing (faster and more private)
- Apple Pay and Emergency SOS support
- Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and later
🧠 Performance Upgrades (vs. Ultra 1)
| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Display Brightness | Increased from 2,000 → 3,000 nits |
| Processor | New S9 SiP with Neural Engine |
| Gesture Control | Supports Double Tap |
| Siri | On-device processing (no internet needed for basic tasks) |
| Storage | Doubled to 64 GB |
| UWB Chip | 2nd-generation for precise location tracking |
(source: Tom’s Guide, Mashable)
🎒 Ideal Use Cases
- Outdoor adventurers: Hiking, climbing, and diving.
- Athletes: Advanced workout metrics and dual-frequency GPS.
- Health-conscious users: ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature tracking.
- Everyday users: Long battery life and rugged design.
💰 Price and Availability
- Starting Price: $799 USD
- Available Bands: Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band
- Availability: Apple Store, authorized retailers, and carriers worldwide
🧩 Summary Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.92″ Retina OLED, 3,000 nits |
| Chipset | Apple S9 SiP |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (72 in Low Power Mode) |
| Water Resistance | 100 m / Dive up to 40 m |
| GPS | Dual-frequency (L1 + L5) |
| Build | Titanium, Sapphire Crystal |
| OS | watchOS 10+ |
| Connectivity | LTE, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB |
| Sensors | ECG, SpO₂, Temperature, Depth, Compass |
Design and Build
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a rugged yet refined design. It combines durability with style making it suitable for extreme conditions and everyday wear.
Materials and Durability
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a titanium case. This material offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio making the watch both robust and lightweight. The titanium used is 95% recycled enhancing the device’s eco-friendly credentials.
A flat sapphire crystal display protects the screen. This material resists scratches and impacts effectively. The watch meets the Mil-STD 810H certification. This military-grade standard ensures it can withstand extreme temperatures shocks and vibrations.
Water resistance is a key feature. The Ultra 2 is water-resistant to 100 meters. You can use it for recreational scuba diving with compatible apps. This makes it versatile for various water activities.
Dimensions and Display
The Ultra 2 maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 49mm |
| Width | 44mm |
| Depth | 14.4mm |
The watch fits wrists ranging from 130mm to 210mm. This wide range ensures a comfortable fit for most users.
The display is large and clear. It offers excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The screen’s size allows for easy reading of notifications and health data. You can customize the watch face to display the information most relevant to your needs.
Health and Safety Features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers advanced health monitoring and safety capabilities. These features provide comprehensive health tracking and emergency assistance.
Advanced Sensor Suite
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a third-generation optical heart sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring. This sensor works with the Electrical Heart Sensor to enable the ECG app. Users can take an electrocardiogram anytime to check for signs of atrial fibrillation.
The watch also has a temperature sensor. It tracks your wrist temperature while you sleep. This data can help you understand your overall well-being and menstrual cycles.
For blood oxygen measurement, the Ultra 2 uses a built-in sensor. However, this feature may not be available on all units sold in the United States after January 18, 2024.
The Irregular Rhythm Notification feature alerts you to potential heart arrhythmias. This can help you detect issues early and seek medical advice when needed.
Safety and Emergency
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes several safety features to help in emergencies. Fall Detection uses advanced sensors to detect if you’ve taken a hard fall. If you’re unresponsive, it can automatically call emergency services.
Crash Detection is another key safety feature. It can sense severe car crashes and alert emergency responders if you’re unresponsive.
The Emergency SOS function allows you to quickly call for help. You can activate it by pressing and holding the side button. This feature can be crucial in dangerous situations.
For outdoor adventurers, the Ultra 2 offers additional safety features. These include a built-in compass and international emergency calling. These tools can be lifesaving in remote areas or while traveling abroad.
Performance and Connectivity
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts impressive capabilities in terms of processing power, battery life, and connectivity options. These features enable seamless integration with your digital lifestyle while supporting extended outdoor adventures.
Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes equipped with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It offers up to 36 hours of normal use on a single charge. This extended battery life supports multi-day adventures without needing frequent recharging.
For longer expeditions, you can activate Low Power Mode. This setting extends battery life up to 72 hours.
The watch is fast-charge capable. You can reach about 80% charge in just 45 minutes. A full charge takes approximately 1.5 hours from 0%.
Apple provides a USB-C magnetic fast charging cable in the box. This cable supports quicker charging times compared to older models.
Wireless Connectivity
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a range of wireless connectivity options. These include:
- LTE and UMTS cellular connectivity
- Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Bluetooth 5.3
Cellular models allow you to make calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone nearby. The watch uses eSIM technology for cellular connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity enables faster data transfer when in range of a network. This is useful for larger file transfers or software updates.
Bluetooth 5.3 provides improved connectivity with accessories like wireless headphones or fitness equipment.
Navigation and Location Services
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features advanced navigation capabilities:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Precision Dual-Frequency GPS | L1 and L5 GPS for accurate location tracking |
| Multi-GNSS Support | Works with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou |
| Compass | Built-in compass app with waypoints and backtrack |
| Ultra Wideband | Precise short-range location for device finding |
These features combine to provide highly accurate location data. This is crucial for outdoor activities like hiking, running, or water sports.
The dual-frequency GPS uses both L1 and L5 bands. This improves accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests.
The compass app allows you to set waypoints and use the backtrack feature. This helps you navigate back to your starting point in unfamiliar terrain.
Fitness and Sports Tracking
Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers advanced fitness and sports tracking capabilities. It caters to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with a range of specialized features and precise metrics.
Workout and Activity Metrics
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 tracks a wide variety of workouts. It monitors heart rate, calories burned, and distance for activities like running, cycling, and swimming. The device uses GPS to provide accurate pace and route information for outdoor workouts.
For swimmers, it records laps, stroke count, and SWOLF scores. Runners benefit from cadence tracking and ground contact time measurements. Cyclists can view real-time speed and elevation data.
The watch’s always-on altimeter helps hikers track elevation changes. Its compass app supports waypoints and backtracking for navigation during outdoor adventures.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| GPS | Accurate distance tracking |
| Altimeter | Elevation monitoring |
| Compass | Navigation support |
| Water resistance | Suitable for water sports |
Specialized Features for Athletes
Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes tools for serious athletes and adventurers. Its depth gauge and water temperature sensor make it suitable for recreational diving up to 40 meters.
The device supports offline maps, allowing you to navigate without cellular connectivity. Its high-G accelerometer and high dynamic range gyroscope provide precise motion tracking for intense activities.
For triathletes, the watch offers a multisport workout mode. It transitions seamlessly between swimming, cycling, and running segments. The GymKit feature lets you sync data with compatible gym equipment for more accurate indoor workout tracking.
The Workout app includes customizable data screens. You can tailor the displayed metrics to your training needs. The watch’s large, bright display ensures easy readability during outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 brings several enhancements over its predecessor. It offers improved features, better battery life, and advanced health monitoring capabilities.
What are the new features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compared to the previous model?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces a brighter display and faster processor. It also includes the new Double Tap gesture for easier one-handed use.
The updated S9 chip enables on-device Siri processing, improving response times and privacy.
How does the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compare to the first Apple Watch Ultra?
Battery life remains consistent with the original Ultra model. You can expect up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in low power mode.
Can the Apple Watch Ultra 2 detect blood oxygen levels?
As of January 18, 2024, blood oxygen measurement is no longer available on new Apple Watch units sold in the United States. This change affects models with part numbers ending in LW/A.
What is the water resistance rating of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. You can use it for recreational scuba diving to 40 meters and high-speed water sports.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 support cellular connectivity without an iPhone?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports cellular connectivity. You can make calls, send messages, and use data without your iPhone nearby.
What health monitoring capabilities are included in the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers comprehensive health monitoring features. These include heart rate tracking, ECG, fall detection, and sleep tracking.
It also provides temperature sensing and cycle tracking for women’s health. The watch can detect irregular heart rhythms and notify you of potential issues.
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours |
| Cellular | Yes |
| GPS | Precision dual-frequency |
| Compass | Yes, with waypoints |
