Apple Watch Ultra Review

Loop Rated: Excellent

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most premium smartwatch yet, packed with features designed for adventurers, athletes, and those who demand the best from their wearable tech. But with a price tag to match its ambitions, is it a worthy investment? We’ve reviewed its key features and put it through rigorous testing to help you decide.

• Pros and Cons

• Key Features

• Specifications

• Ease of use

• Screen Quality

• Battery

• Health Tracking

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Rugged and durable design with aerospace-grade titanium casing.

• Bright and responsive Always-On Retina display (2000 nits).

• Comprehensive health tracking, including temperature sensing for ovulation insights.

• Innovative safety features, including crash detection and an 86-decibel siren.

• Dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking in challenging environments.

• Water resistance up to 100 meters, with diving-specific features.

Cons

• Expensive compared to competing smartwatches.

• One size (49mm) may be too large for smaller wrists.

• No material or size customisation options.

• Limited battery life compared to some competitors.

Test Results and Performance

Battery Life

• Score: Moderate

• Why?: Lasts 36 hours in standard use; some competitors offer significantly longer battery life from a single charge.

Smart Notifications

• Score: High

• Why?: Handles calls, messages, and app notifications seamlessly. Integrated with Apple’s ecosystem for easy management.

Screen Quality

• Score: Exceptional

• Why?: Bright, high-resolution display with excellent readability in all conditions.

Health Tracking

• Score: Excellent

• Why?: Accurate step, distance, and heart rate tracking. Sensors provide consistent data across sessions.

Ease of Use

• Score: High

• Why?: Intuitive menus and navigation, seamless setup, and deep integration with iPhone apps.

Key Features

1. What Is the Apple Watch Ultra?

The Ultra is Apple’s most advanced smartwatch, designed for extreme conditions and outdoor use. Built to meet MIL-STD 810H durability standards, it’s made to withstand shocks, extreme temperatures, and water immersion.

2. What Can It Do?

• Health Tracking: Includes advanced sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature monitoring, and an ECG app.

• Safety Features: Crash detection, fall detection, emergency SOS, and a loud siren for emergencies.

• Fitness and Adventure: Dual-frequency GPS, a Depth app for divers, and precise altitude tracking.

3. What’s the Setup Like?

Setting up the Apple Watch Ultra is seamless for iPhone users. The pairing process is intuitive, and the watch integrates with Apple’s Health and Fitness apps. First-time users will appreciate the guided walkthrough for customising settings and notifications.

4. What’s It Like to Wear and Use?

The 49mm titanium case is lightweight but feels substantial on the wrist. The display is bright and easy to read in various lighting conditions, and the interface is fluid and user-friendly. However, the larger size may not appeal to those with smaller wrists.

5. How Accurate Is It?

The Ultra excels in accuracy, whether it’s tracking steps, distance, or heart rate. Its dual-frequency GPS is a standout, providing precise navigation even in dense urban areas or remote wilderness.

6. What’s the Battery Life Like?

Battery life is solid but not industry-leading. The Ultra delivers up to 36 hours of regular use, with Low Power Mode extending this to 60 hours. While it’s sufficient for most users, endurance athletes may find themselves needing a recharge during extended adventures.

7. How Secure Is It?

With robust encryption and seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem, the Ultra is a secure choice. It supports biometric authentication and offers encrypted communication with other Apple devices.

8. Is There Anything Else to Know?

• The Action Button is fully customisable, allowing users to personalise their experience.

• Band Options: The Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band cater to different activities.

• The Ultra includes third-party app compatibility for extended functionality.

Apple Watch Ultra Specifications

Ease of Use: A Closer Look

Overall

The Apple Watch Ultra is designed to provide a seamless user experience, particularly for those already embedded in the Apple ecosystem. Its intuitive interface and responsive controls make it easy to navigate for both first-time smartwatch users and seasoned Apple enthusiasts. However, its expansive feature set may require some learning for those new to advanced wearable technology.

Setup

Setting up the Apple Watch Ultra is straightforward, especially if you’re pairing it with an iPhone:

1. Quick Pairing: The watch automatically connects to your iPhone during setup. A QR-like animation on the watch pairs it in seconds when scanned with the iPhone's camera.

2. Guided Configuration: Users are walked through setting up Apple ID, permissions, health tracking, and notifications. This process ensures the watch is ready to use without the need for additional setup steps.

3. Customisation: During setup, users can customise their watch face, decide which notifications to enable, and choose preferred apps for syncing.

4. Software Updates: The watch prompts you to install the latest watchOS version, ensuring access to the most recent features and security updates.

Ease of Navigating Menus

1. Digital Crown and Action Button: The combination of the Digital Crown and the customisable Action Button simplifies navigating through menus. Users can scroll, zoom, or select without obstructing the screen.

2. Touchscreen Responsiveness: The Ultra’s display is highly responsive, even in wet or cold conditions, ensuring functionality during activities like swimming or hiking.

3. Menu Structure: Apple’s menu design is clean and user-friendly, with a grid or list view option for apps. The side button provides quick access to frequently used apps and features.

4. Customisation: Menus and quick actions can be tailored to your preferences, making it easier to access the tools you use most often.

5. Voice Navigation: Siri integration allows for hands-free operation, including opening apps, setting reminders, and checking notifications.

App

The Apple Watch Ultra is tightly integrated with the broader Apple ecosystem, enhancing its usability:

1. Apple Watch App on iPhone: This companion app provides a central hub for managing watch settings, downloading apps, and customising notifications.

2. App Store: The watch has a dedicated App Store, allowing users to browse, download, and manage apps directly from their wrist.

3. Health and Fitness Apps: Preloaded apps like Apple Fitness+ and Health are optimised for the Ultra, offering real-time metrics and guided workouts.

4. Third-Party Apps: The Ultra supports a wide range of third-party apps for fitness, navigation, productivity, and more, making it highly versatile.

Comfort

Despite its large 49mm size, the Apple Watch Ultra is surprisingly comfortable to wear:

1. Weight: Its lightweight titanium build ensures it doesn’t feel heavy, even during prolonged use.

2. Bands: Apple’s selection of bands caters to different needs:

• Trail Loop: Thin, flexible, and ideal for all-day wear.

• Alpine Loop: Rugged and secure, designed for outdoor activities.

• Ocean Band: Snug fit for water sports, with an extendable design to fit over wetsuits.

3. Ergonomics: The flat sapphire crystal display and contoured edges ensure the watch sits comfortably on the wrist without digging in.

4. Adjustability: All bands are adjustable to suit various wrist sizes, with secure fastenings that hold up during vigorous activities.

Smart Features

The Apple Watch Ultra offers an array of smart features that are intuitive and practical:

1. Notifications: Users can easily manage calls, texts, emails, and social media alerts. The notifications are actionable, allowing you to respond or dismiss them directly from the watch.

2. Smart Home Integration: With HomeKit support, the Ultra can control smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, and locks, directly from your wrist.

3. Voice Commands: Siri is deeply integrated, enabling voice-activated tasks like setting timers, making calls, and retrieving information.

4. Navigation: The Ultra includes advanced navigation features such as waypoint tracking, backtracking, and detailed maps, making it highly useful for outdoor activities.

5. Fitness and Health Tracking: Features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and ECG capabilities are complemented by personalised coaching and real-time metrics for workouts.

6. Music and Media: Stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from the watch. Pairing with AirPods makes media playback seamless.

7. Apple Pay: The Ultra supports Apple Pay, allowing for secure and contactless payments.

Ease of Use Summary

The Apple Watch Ultra excels in ease of use thanks to its intuitive setup process, responsive interface, and seamless app integration. Its comfort, customisation options, and robust smart features make it a versatile choice for users across different needs and lifestyles. Whether you’re an adventurer or someone seeking a premium everyday smartwatch, the Ultra delivers a polished and user-friendly experience.

Screen Quality: A Detailed Look

Overall

The Apple Watch Ultra's display is one of its standout features, offering a high level of brightness, sharpness, and durability. With its Always-On Retina display and a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels, the screen delivers crisp visuals, vibrant colours, and excellent readability in various conditions. The flat sapphire crystal screen ensures both usability and durability, making it resistant to scratches and impacts.

Readability in Bright Light

1. Brightness: The Ultra boasts a brightness of up to 2,000 nits, which is double that of the standard Apple Watch models (e.g., Series 8). This ensures exceptional visibility in direct sunlight, whether you’re checking metrics during a run or navigating trails.

2. Contrast: The high contrast ratio ensures that text and graphics remain legible even against bright, reflective backgrounds like snow or water.

3. Real-World Performance: Users have reported being able to read notifications, maps, and activity metrics effortlessly in harsh sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Readability in Low Light

1. Adaptive Brightness: The Ultra’s display automatically adjusts to low-light conditions, dimming appropriately to reduce strain on the eyes. This is particularly useful for night-time activities like camping or evening workouts.

2. Night Mode: The Wayfinder watch face includes a dedicated Night Mode, which turns the screen red to preserve night vision while maintaining legibility. This feature is perfect for stargazing or using the watch in dark environments.

3. User Feedback: The screen remains crisp and easy to read even in dimly lit settings, making it versatile for both day and night use.

Scratch Resistance

1. Sapphire Crystal Display: The screen is made from sapphire crystal, which is second only to diamond in hardness. This provides outstanding scratch resistance compared to standard glass displays.

2. Lab Testing: Rigorous testing has shown the display to withstand scratches from common materials like metal, sand, and keys, maintaining its clarity over time.

3. Real-World Durability: Adventurers and athletes have reported minimal wear and tear on the screen even after prolonged use in rugged conditions, such as rock climbing or mountain biking.

Screen Quality Summary

The Apple Watch Ultra’s screen is a major selling point, combining exceptional readability in all lighting conditions with robust scratch resistance. Its adaptive brightness and innovative Night Mode enhance usability, while the sapphire crystal ensures long-term durability. Whether you’re using the Ultra in bright sunlight, low-light settings, or harsh environments, the screen consistently delivers a premium experience.

Battery Life

Overall Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra offers a significant improvement in battery life compared to other Apple Watch models. It delivers up to 36 hours of regular use on a single charge, which is extended to 60 hours with Low Power Mode enabled. This makes it suitable for multi-day adventures, endurance events, and extended outdoor activities.

How We Test Battery Life

1. Standard Use Test: Testing includes regular usage scenarios such as fitness tracking, notifications, music playback, and GPS navigation to determine how long the battery lasts under typical conditions.

2. Low Power Mode Test: Evaluating battery performance with features like GPS and Always-On display disabled to simulate extended usage scenarios.

3. Fast Charging Test: Assessing how quickly the battery charges, including how much power is restored in a 15-minute quick charge.

4. Intensive Use Test: Testing includes continuous GPS tracking, workout monitoring, and media playback to see how the battery performs under heavy loads.

Test Results

• Standard Use: Achieves Apple’s claimed 36 hours of battery life.

• Low Power Mode: Consistently provides up to 60 hours, making it ideal for extended hikes or trips.

• Fast Charging: A 15-minute charge provides enough power for approximately 6 hours of use, offering a convenient solution for quick top-ups.

• Comparison: While the Ultra’s battery life surpasses other Apple Watch models, it falls short of some competitors which can last several weeks on a single charge.

Battery Life Summary

• Pros: Offers reliable, multi-day performance with fast charging capabilities.

• Cons: While impressive for an Apple Watch, it falls behind some competitors for ultra-endurance events.

Health Tracking

Overall Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra excels in health tracking, offering a wide range of metrics with high accuracy. Its advanced sensors provide detailed insights into your fitness and wellness, catering to casual users and professional athletes alike.

Accuracy of Step Tracking

1. Performance: The step counter is highly accurate, with only minimal deviations during lab tests and real-world usage. It maintains consistent readings across different terrains, from flat roads to hiking trails.

2. Testing Methodology:

• Steps are manually counted over various distances and compared to the watch’s step count.

• Tested in different environments (e.g., indoors, outdoors, on treadmills) to evaluate consistency.

3. Results: Step tracking accuracy is within a 2-3% margin of error, making it one of the most reliable on the market.

Accuracy of Distance Tracking

1. Performance: With its dual-frequency GPS, the Ultra delivers unparalleled precision, particularly in challenging environments such as dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings.

2. Testing Methodology:

• Pre-measured distances are compared to the watch’s readings over a variety of routes.

• Tests include straight-line paths, complex trails, and urban areas to assess GPS performance.

3. Results: Distance tracking accuracy exceeds 98%, with minimal drift or deviations.

Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring

1. Performance: The Ultra’s optical heart rate sensor is highly accurate during both rest and active states, offering reliable readings for fitness tracking and health monitoring.

2. Testing Methodology:

• Heart rate readings are compared to medical-grade devices during low-intensity and high-intensity activities.

• Variability is measured across different conditions, such as during workouts, while resting, and in cold environments.

3. Results: Heart rate tracking accuracy is within a 1-2 BPM (beats per minute) margin of error, even during dynamic activities like running or interval training.

Health Tracking Summary

• Step Tracking: Reliable with high accuracy across different environments.

• Distance Tracking: Industry-leading precision, thanks to dual-frequency GPS.

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Delivers near-clinical accuracy during both rest and activity.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life and health tracking capabilities make it a strong contender in the premium smartwatch category, catering to both adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts.

Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?

The Apple Watch Ultra is not just a smartwatch; it’s a highly specialised tool designed for users who demand durability, advanced features, and exceptional performance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who should (and shouldn’t) invest in the Ultra:

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?

1. Adventurers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

• Why It’s Perfect: The Ultra’s rugged build, dual-frequency GPS, and enhanced battery life make it ideal for hiking, mountaineering, trail running, and other outdoor pursuits. Its MIL-STD 810H certification ensures durability against harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, and shocks. The Waypoint and Backtrack navigation tools are essential for navigating unfamiliar terrains.

• Additional Features: The integrated 86-decibel siren and crash detection provide safety measures for those venturing into remote areas.

2. Divers and Water Sports Enthusiasts

• Why It’s Perfect: With EN13319 certification and water resistance up to 100m, the Ultra is tailored for diving, snorkelling, and other water activities. The Depth app and temperature sensor deliver real-time underwater metrics, ensuring it performs as a reliable dive companion.

• Additional Features: The Ocean Band is specifically designed to stay secure during aquatic activities and fit over wetsuits.

3. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts

• Why It’s Perfect: The Ultra’s precise dual-frequency GPS, advanced health tracking (heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG), and multi-sport capabilities make it a top choice for triathletes, runners, and cyclists. Its longer battery life ensures it lasts through marathons or endurance events without needing a recharge.

• Additional Features: The Fitness+ integration and detailed metrics like stride length, cadence, and elevation help athletes refine their performance.

4. Tech Enthusiasts Seeking the Best

• Why It’s Perfect: For users who value having the latest technology, the Ultra offers unmatched features, including a 2000-nit display, a highly accurate GPS system, and the versatility of the Action Button. It represents Apple’s most advanced wearable yet.

Who Might Not Need the Ultra?

1. Casual Users

• If your primary use is for notifications, basic fitness tracking, and occasional health monitoring, the Apple Watch Series 8 or SE might be better suited. These models provide essential smartwatch features at a more accessible price point.

2. Users Seeking a Smaller or Lighter Design

• The 49mm size of the Ultra is significantly larger than other Apple Watch models. While it’s lightweight for its size (61.3g), those with smaller wrists or who prefer a sleeker design may find it cumbersome.

3. Those Concerned About Price

• With a starting price of £849/$799, the Ultra is one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market. Alternatives like the Series 8 (starting at £419/$399) offer many features at nearly half the cost.

What Are the Alternatives?

• Apple Watch Series 8: Ideal for users who want a versatile, everyday smartwatch with advanced health tracking and ecosystem integration, but without the rugged features.

• Apple Watch SE: A budget-friendly option that covers all the essentials, perfect for first-time smartwatch users or those with lighter needs.

The Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra is a luxury device that justifies its price for a specific audience:

• If you’re an adventurer, athlete, or tech enthusiast who thrives in challenging conditions and values advanced features, the Ultra is unmatched.

• However, if you’re looking for a more casual smartwatch, the Series 8 or SE may be a better fit for your lifestyle and budget.

• For those who demand the best in durability, technology, and versatility, the Apple Watch Ultra is a worthy investment. Explore the Ultra at Loop Mobile to experience its features firsthand.