The Apple Watch Ultra packs a rugged, athletic-focused design with innovative features specially made for explorers, divers, triathletes, and extreme sports enthusiasts.
With a durable titanium casing, bright retina display, built-in emergency siren, precision GPS tracking, and an impressive 60-hour battery life, the Ultra watch promises to thrive through wilderness treks, underwater excursions, mountain climbs, and rigorous training.
But with a staggering $799 price tag – over 3X the cost of a standard Apple Watch – does the Ultra provide enough utility to justify the premium pricing? This comprehensive guide examines all aspects of Apple‘s extreme sports watch to determine ideal buyers.
Apple Watch Ultra Overview – Specs and Notable Features
Before analyzing the Apple Watch Ultra‘s capabilities, let‘s recap the vitals around pricing, launch timing, and core hardware:
Release Date: September 23, 2022
List Price: $799
Colors: Gray titanium casing with various band options
Sizes: 49mm casing; Fixed single size
Weight: 2.15 ounces
Battery Life: 36 hours (60 hours in low power mode)
Water Resistance: EN13319 certified to 100M depth
Beyond those basics, the Ultra watch packs a mix of new technologies and extreme sports-centric features including:
- Rugged titanium casing for 2x scratch resistance
- 49mm flat retina display with 2000 nits peak brightness
- Built-in 86 decibel emergency siren
- Dual-frequency GPS for precision tracking
- Action button providing shortcuts to tools like backtrack, compass, and pre-set messages
- Three microphones with beamforming and wind reduction for improved calls
- watchOS 9 software powering new advanced running metrics, mapping, and adventure-focused faces
Now let‘s examine those capabilities and hardware design elements through an in-depth Ultra review assessing real-world performance.
Hands-On Review: Testing Apple‘s Ruggedized Smartwatch in the Wild
After subjecting the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra model to various intense fitness routines and outdoor endurance challenges, I can firmly vouch for its durability claims.
The titanium casing emerged unscathed from rock wall scrambles that surely would have scratched stainless steel models. Underwater testing confirmed the 100M depth rating as I plunged well below surface level in a lake without issues.
Apple‘s bold promises of creating their most rugged watch yet unambiguously passed muster from my testing regime.
But practical resilience only scratches the surface of what sets the Ultra apart. Let‘s analyze how Apple built this watch from the ground up for athletes and adventures.
Extremely Bright Display for Any Conditions
The flat sapphire front crystal Retina display spanning the Ultra‘s 49mm face makes interacting with the watch a pleasure even in direct sunlight thanks to an awesome 2000 nit max brightness.
By comparison, the 45mm Series 8 only reaches 1000 nits. So a major upgrade here facilitates superior outdoor utility.
Ultra buyers choose from a geometric "Wayfinder" watch face or various graphical options all optimized for glanceable insights. Paired with the high brightness levels, I had no issues checking mileage and coordinates mid-hike under blazing sun.
Rugged Construction + Handy Action Button
Aside from scratch resistance, the aerospace-grade 100% titanium casing brings lightweight durability essential for athletic wearables. I barely noticed the Ultra on my wrist during rigorous exercise compared to bulkier Garmin or Suunto sports watches.
A unique Action button along the Ultra‘s left side lets users program shortcuts to various functions via hard presses or long holds. I appreciated having instant access to the built-in compass,Emergency SOS, backtrack, and preset messages.
The 100% titanium casing and Action button underscore the Apple Watch Ultra‘s athletic priorities
The included Trail Loop band proved both remarkably soft against skin yet durable holding up through mud, dirt, water exposure, and more. Apple clearly put great thought into purpose-built wearing options.
Battery Built to Last Through Ultra Endurance Challenges
While up to 36 hours of normal usage battery life trails cheaper Garmin watches, I appreciated getting nearly a day and half during full workout days without charging. Low power mode further extends that to 60 hours by disabling non-vital features.
So multi-day excursions fully relying on the Ultra for vitals tracking, navigation, and emergency use poses no issue provided you budget some battery conservation downtime.
Health Sensors + Emergency Tools to Keep Explorers Safe
Even as Apple optimized this watch for athletes, they didn‘t neglect incorporating the full suite of health and safety capabilities intrinsic to the Apple Watch lineage.
Blood oxygen sensors provided helpful acclimation insights when scaling up to high altitude hiking terrain. Cardio health notifications helped me better understand workout strain on my body too.
I fortunately didn‘t need to test the fall detection or Emergency SOS via the built-in siren during my outings. But it‘s reassuring having those options available just in case the worst happens off the beaten path.
Core Apple Watch health & safety features maintain your overall wellness during challenges
Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin & Polar Grit X – How Does It Compare?
Loyalists of established sports watch player like Garmin or Polar‘s high-end models rightfully wonder how much crossover the Apple Watch Ultra provides compared to traditional multi-sport gadgets.
I evaluated Apple‘s watch against the Garmin Fenix 7X and Polar Grit X – both selling for $700 to $1,000 targeting hardcore athletes via a more utility-focused design.
Battery life clearly remains a Apple shortcoming – even with 60 hours of low power longevity, the Fenix 7X and Grit X last weeks not days during ultra endurance challenges.
However, the Ultra posts markedly smoother software, more intuitive controls, and richer smartwatch features compared to the utilitarian UI of old-school sports watches.
Advanced running metrics and deeper cross-training modes give the Ultra greater finesse tracking hardcore workouts as well. Ultime triathletes who also want a stylish, lightweight smartwatch will love blending the Apple Watch‘s capabilities seamlessly into daily life.
But explorers cravingevery last GPS and sensor bell & whistle for 48-hour excursions sans charger need to stick with a flagship Garmin. The Ultra promises outstanding athletic performance blended with smartwatch versatility – yet battery reserves remain its single glaring weak point.
Apple Watch Ultra: Ideal Users Spanning Athletes to Military & More
Apple wisely designed the Ultra model to appeal to both extreme athletes craving advanced performance tracking as well casual smartwatch owners wanting a more durable, high-end option.
By pricing the watch at a staggering $799, Apple unambiguously signals the Ultra as a halo product catering to folks who want the very best tech and build quality without compromise.
Extreme environment athletes stand out as obvious beneficiaries of the Ultra‘s impressive durability and sensors purpose-built for their needs.
I‘d also suggest military personnel, first-responders, and field operatives consider the Ultra for seamlessly blending mapping, communications, health tracking, and safety tools while avoiding delicate tech vulnerable in the field.
Interestingly, during my testing several cross-training "weekend warrior" athletes commented on the Apple Watch Ultra unprovoked – seemingly intrigued after eyeing the watch‘s imposing size and angular design.
So while pricing remains restrictive for mainstream buyers, the Ultra exudes a striking style and feature set catering to several niche demographics spanning lifestyles and professions.
Apple Watch Ultra Review Verdict – Excels for Adventure Yet Too Costly for Most
If you frequently adventure across glaciers, windsurf along rocky shorelines, or run 100-mile ultra marathons through wilderness, the Apple Watch Ultra presents a compelling high-tech companion able to thrive alongside your extreme lifestyle.
Top-notch navigation, wide safety tool integration, and extreme environment resilience justify the staggering $799 price tag for a subset of athletic power users.
But smartwatch fans seeking robust daily health metrics, notifications, and activity tracking find better value in the $399 Series 8 or $249 Apple Watch SE paired with a protective case.
So in the final analysis, I suggest approaching the Apple Watch Ultra with eyes wide open to both its trailblazing capabilities yet still significant limitations before swiping a credit card.
Within the company‘s portfolio, the Ultra succeeds brilliantly serving thrill-seeking athletes and rugged specialists. But most buyers don‘t require this level of hardcore performance and as such are better served by Apple‘s mainstream models.
The Apple Watch Ultra ultimately carves an impressive niche as a halo product rather than mass-market juggernaut. admiring its construction and innovations while acknowledging its niche.
