September 12, 2023, 9:19 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Just last year, Apple introduced the Watch Ultra, a completely new outdoor model for its smartwatch lineup. Now, the Apple Watch Ultra has a successor.
The Apple Watch Ultra was well-received in 2022. The outdoor smartwatch is even suitable for diving and boasts features like a particularly long-lasting battery. At the Apple Keynote 2023, the U.S. company unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2. While the model doesn’t make huge leaps, it does include some sensible updates. TECHBOOK introduces the new smartwatch.
Overview
Design and Display of the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Visually, Apple sticks to the predecessor with the Watch Ultra 2. It is primarily one thing: large. The new model measures an impressive 49 millimeters. The display offers significantly higher values with 3000 nits–the highest of all previous Apple Watches. In dark environments, the brightness adjusts, as with the Apple Watch 9, down to 1 nit to save energy and protect the eyes. However, brightness can also be individually adjusted via the Digital Crown.
Additionally, there is a new, customized watch face called Modular Ultra. This provides comprehensive activity data and utilizes the entire display. Real-time data without delay–such as the altitude you are at–is also displayed.
Otherwise, Apple places special emphasis on sustainability; the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is no exception. Recycled materials are used, and notably, no carbon is involved.
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More Power and New Controls
Like in the Apple Watch 9, the new S9 chip is also used in the Watch Ultra 2. This provides more power with increased efficiency. It allows the outdoor smartwatch to run for up to 72 hours in power-saving mode. A better broadband chip is also installed. This increases the range of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and ensures that devices can be found more easily using the “Find My” function.
Apple’s voice assistant Siri becomes more independent with the new smartwatch. For some functions, the cloud is bypassed, which increases speed and enables voice control in offline mode. This includes starting a specific workout–the data is then transferred to the iPhone afterward when a connection is reestablished.
One of the biggest innovations is the control via “Double Tap.” For this, you press your thumb and index finger together twice on the hand wearing the Apple Watch. This way, you can control a range of functions. Is the smartwatch alarm annoying? You can simply deactivate it with Double Tap. Are you receiving a call but carrying a bag in one hand? With the new control, you can easily answer the call.
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Features of the New Outdoor Smartwatch
In addition to these features, which the Apple Watch 9 also receives, there are further updates specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Depth app, especially for divers, receives an update. It can determine the depth you are at quite precisely. With the update, you can now also view the exact course of your dive along with the GPS starting point.
Moreover, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, like its predecessor, has an action button on the side. This can be customized according to personal preference.
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Updates from watchOS 10
Complementing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the software update to watchOS 10, which Apple officially announced at the WWDC. New features include:
- new app design (including for activities)
- interface adjustments, with widgets gaining more focus (“Smart Stack”)
- customized button assignments (on Apple Watch Ultra 2, individual assignment of the Action Button)
- better connectivity to other Bluetooth devices and optimized training views (especially for cyclists; clustering possible)
- new view in the Compass app and route information for hikers
- mood tracking for mental health and daylight tracking
Detailed information on the new watchOS 10 features can be found in our comprehensive overview article.
Availability and Price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available in stores starting September 22. The price is 899 euros. Buyers can choose from various types of bands. Options include the lightweight fabric Alpine Loop in blue, indigo, and olive, the Trail Loop with pull tab in green/gray, blue/black, and orange/beige, as well as the Ocean Band for water sports enthusiasts in blue, white, and orange.
A brief summary of all the innovations presented at the Apple Keynote can be seen in the video: