Hey there! As a long-time Apple fanatic and avid hiker always on the move, I‘ve been buzzing with excitement about the new Apple Watch Ultra. I couldn‘t wait to strap this rugged wrist companion on for my backcountry excursions to put all its groundbreaking new features through their paces in the real world!
In this epic 4,000 word guide, I’ll serve as your friendly Apple nerd-in-chief breaking down exactly why I believe the Ultra watch deserves a spot not just on extreme athletes’ wrists but on ANY active person‘s wrist who prioritizes cutting-edge technology and outdoor safety.
Stick with me while we explore my top 10 favorite additions making the Ultra unlike any prior Apple Watch model…
Meet the Ultra – Built for Adventure Without Limits
Before reviewing the upgrades that set it apart feature by feature, it helps to understand exactly why Apple launched this unique product and who it‘s for.
In a nutshell, the Apple Watch Ultra represents a radical new Watch design intended specifically for extreme environment use cases no standard model could withstand before.
We‘re talking mountaineering, diving to ocean depths up 100 meters, wilderness hiking off-grid for days, cross country skiing, and multi-day endurance tests. This watch was engineered from scratch to provide advanced navigation, fitness metrics, and safety tools previous generations lacked.
While beloved for daily activity tracking and smartphone connectivity, most Apple Watch models simply couldn’t hold up or last long enough for hardcore athletics or outdoor expeditions miles from power outlets.
The Ultra changes all that thanks to innovations like extended battery saving modes, titanium construction, dual-band GPS, Waypoint mapping, and much more. Let’s get hands-on examining how this rugged activity tracker pushes limits!
No terrain too tough! The Apple Watch Ultra conquers land and sea. Image: Hadrian/Shutterstock
Quick Stats Comparison: Ultra vs Series 8
| Metric | Ultra | Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 49mm | 41mm / 45mm |
| Material | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Display resolution | 410 x 502 | 352 x 430 |
| Max brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Battery life (low power) | 60 hours | 36 hours |
| Water resistance rating | WR100 | WR50 |
| GPS bands | Dual L1 + L5 | Single L1 |
| Emergency features | Siren, Waypoints | Crash detection |
| Price range | $799 | $399+ |
1. Massive Bright Display
The very first thing you’ll notice when strapping on the 49mm Ultra is the generous nearly 2-inch screen dwarfing all other standard Apple Watch displays.
At a iPhone 14 Pro Max-rivaling 2000 nits maximum, it’s incredibly easy to view metrics and mapping data even in direct sunlight thanks to the brightest panel Apple’s ever shipped. Glancing mid-activity is effortless.
For technical nerds like me, that ambient light sensor can dynamically adjust between 1000 and 2000 nits automatically by analyzing current conditions. Automatically ramping brightness helps conserve battery when brighter output isn’t essential.
Additionally, the entire watch face adopts a flat edged design reminiscent of latest iPhone models instead of rounded corners for a bolder, optimized appearance.
Everything from texts to alerts to fitness data pops impressively with the Ultra’s high-resolution screen. It handily trounces my Series 6 and keeping track on-the-go has never been simpler.
2. Nearly Indestructible Titanium Construction
Rather than aluminum, the Ultra edition utilizes premium aerospace-grade titanium for its casing, buttons, and rear shell. The result is an extraordinarily rugged yet featherlight body able to withstand drops, dings, temperature swings, and general abuse that would dent lesser models.
I immediately noticed how much slimmer and more low profile its curvature sits on my wrist thanks to titanium‘s immense strength-to-weight physical properties. It pairs wonderfully with Apple’s brand new Action button and textured crown offering similarly bulletproof controls.
Rest assured the Ultra provides water resistance up to 100 meters thanks to hardened titanium front crystal protecting the display. Forget babying this watch! It thrives with rough handling.
Nearly scratch-proof titanium casing resists all types of damage during extreme activities. Image: Hadrian/Shutterstock
3. Customizable Brilliant Action Button
Easily my favorite hardware upgrade is the all-new intuitive Action button with a built-in LED light pip for instant visibility. It offers quick single press access to designated functions customizable right on the watch.
By default, hitting it launches a useful shortcut menu to start/stop workouts or timers with one hand mid-activity. Clever! However power users can reprogram it to tag laps, capture health data, trigger emergency alerts, mark trail checkpoints, and much more.
I love having one-touch control to flag waypoints on long hikes, switch sports modes biking, or take pulse ox readings climbing without fumbling through apps. It’s genius adapting on the fly. Apple nailed it with user-defined Action button functionality exclusive to the Ultra.
4. 100 Meters of Water Protection
Here’s an eye catching spec that clearly sets the entire Ultra lineup apart…water resistance down to 100 meter depths! No Apple Watch before could safely plunge anywhere near such underwater conditions.
A titanium crystal front and rear sapphire glasses provide formidable water protection from pressure found 33 stories underwater. Finally divers, water skiers, surfers, and open water swimmers can utilize an Apple Watch without fear or limitations during aquatic activities.
An awesome Depth app displays current submersion in real time, water temperature, duration under, and max depth reached. Trust me it’s mesmerizing watching metrics rack up descending into sea or lakewaters wearing the Ultra on my wrist fully operational the entire time!
5. Dual Frequency GPS Pinpoints Positioning
Nailing precise positional accuracy is mandatory for serious backcountry explorers, ultra-marathoners, and off the grid athletes wanting maps, coordinates, elevation, and more spot on regardless of environment.
That’s why the Ultra introduces dual-frequency GPS support never before included in any Apple Watch. It taps into satellites using both L1 and the new L5 frequencies to pinpoint locations far more accurately than single frequency L1 models can manage.
By comparing multiple timing signals from two networks, the Ultra reliably triangulates movements minimizing positional errors that hamper distance, pacing, mapping, and navigation. It‘s ideal for dense forests, steep canyons, and tricky terrain where signals bounce erratically.
I noticed far fewer GPS glitches and inconsistencies tracking long trails where my older watch previously struggled. two networks are better than one!
Stay on track with the Apple Watch Ultra in unfamiliar environments using Backtrack and Waypoints. Image: Apple
6. Backtrack Lifesaver to Retrace Steps
My adventures often involve long spur of the moment treks “off trail” beyond established paths and campsites. As amazing as the journey out feels, finding my way back once landmarks become unfamiliar can get dicey!
That’s why the Ultra’s all-new Backtrack capability brings such peace of mind in unfamiliar environments. It lets you mark specific Waypoints then shows precise directional guidance required to retrace your original path there step-by-step.
I simply press the Action button at peaks, trail divergences, or other key points to drop virtual breadcrumbs mapping my outbound hike or ski. Then if needed, I can activate Backtrack to see directions, distance, and compass headings guiding me straight back the same way I came earlier.
Talk about a lifesaver for wandering souls like me who occasionally get geographically misplaced! I haven’t touched my handheld GPS device since.
7. Over 60 Hour Battery Life Possible
Let’s be honest – for all its strengths, battery runtimes have always been a weak spot for Apple Watch owners resigned to charging nightly. Not so anymore thanks to battery boosting concessions built specifically into the Ultra!
Via an innovative low power setting, the Ultra squeezes up to 36 hours of regular usage from its battery or an amazing 60 hours by limiting select battery draining features. For comparison, my Series 6 Watch poops out below 18 hours reliably.
Optimized power management plus a larger battery size explains the drastic endurance improvements. I can finally go multiple days and nights without worrying about my watch dying mid-hike. Game changer for multi-day excursions off the grid!
8. Built-In 86 Decibel Safety Siren
Adventure always carries risks – it’s inevitable. From twisted ankles miles from help to stunning sunset views that distract you into darkness, the wilderness makes its own rules. So Apple built Ultra models with a handy emergency alarm system to summon assistance when you need it most.
Holding down the side button triggers a blaring 86-decibel siren – as loud as a motorcycle passing by! It sends an unmistakable distress signal audible over 600 feet away playing a clear SAR emergency tone pattern rescuers worldwide recognize.
While I hope to never use it, having a backup safety net if injured, lost, or endangered late into a solo trip is tremendously reassuring. My days of reckless underprepared adventures are over! This siren can be a real lifesaver.
9. Wayfinder Watch Face Specially for Exploration
The Ultra introduces an awesome new watch face called Wayfinder designed specifically for backcountry trips, long-distance endurance challenges, and general outdoor navigation. It prominently displays key data needed for athletes and explorers on the move.
Configurable metrics include compass headings, incline grade, current elevation, latitude/longitude coordinates, distance traveled, start/end times, weather, and moon phase. The Ultra can overlay this or standard health vitals onto maps for at-a-glance situational awareness mid-activity no distracting taps or swipes required.
I really appreciate having my current bearing, progression, weather radar, and topo maps visible without toggling away from other running data monitoring my performance. It keeps critical environmental context easily accessible.
10. Rugged New Sport Band Designs
You can’t conquer tough terrain sporting a dainty wristpiece prone to damage! To better match the Ultra’s rugged exterior improvements, Apple created two brand new band types built for resilience including the Trail Loop and Alpine Loop.
The lightweight Trail Loop weaves durable textile yarn both stretchy and fast-drying ideal for long runs. I love its handy integrated loops letting you attach the Ultra to backpack straps keeping it accessible when not on the wrist.
Alpine Loop models utilize thick interlocking G-hooks tucked into a flexible rubberized casing able to withstand tremendous stretching force when climbing or mountaineering. Either option works wonderfully resisting moisture, debris, and general outdoor abuse that would trash previous Apple Watch bands quickly.
The new Trail Loop band lets Ultra users affix the watch safely onto packs and straps when not worn. Image: Apple
After several weeks hitting trails wearing my new Ultra paired with the Trail Loop band, I can firmly say Apple delivered an exceptional adventure companion watch that lives up to its rugged reputation!
I’ve quantified my outdoor activity for years but often longed for more resilience, precision sensors, and extended battery to unlock multi-day trips fully monitored. The Ultra finally bridges that gap in very impressive style.
Some may balk at its lofty $799 starting price given decent fitness trackers cost a quarter as much nowadays. It does demand quite a premium over regular Apple Watch models to unlock this degree of sustainability and niche specialization.
However niche products command niche pricing! For hardcore explorers, endurance athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts wanting cutting edge performance Apple can’t cram into its sleeker smartwatches, I happily declare the Ultra a fantastic value investment.
It tackles activities and environments no Apple Watch before could withstand while retaining all the connectivity, health tracking, apps, and alert capabilities that make the brand so beloved. Catering specifically to adventurers simply gives it greater purpose than merely an accessory for my daily commute.
The Ultra speaks directly to MY passions wanting a watch built for the wild. If you similarly prioritize backcountry usage over boardroom wearability, don‘t hesitate adding one of these titans to your gear bag!
I’m happy to keep answering any questions or addressing feedback in the comments from fellow Apple fans and outdoor junkies like me about why this watch rocks. Just drop your thoughts below!
