The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a premium smartwatch designed for athletes, outdoor adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts. With an upgraded processor, enhanced display brightness, and improved connectivity, it aims to be one of the best high-end GPS watches on the market. But is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the price?
As a runner, my main needs for a GPS watch are something that can track time, distance, pace but also do workouts. I dabble in other sports like swimming (by dabble I mean I once swam competitively and now as a burned out girly I get in the pool from time to time). Before trying the Apple Watch Ultra 2 I had a few questions:
- Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 released? Yes, it was released in September of 2023 and it’s anticipated the third version will come out in September of 2025.
- Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 really worth it? It depends on your goals. If you are strictly using the watch for running, then maybe. It does not do workout mode as well as brands like Garmin or Coros, but it does have extremely accurate GPS.
- Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 good for running? Yes and no. It is great if you are doing a regular run (or race) in which you need to stop and end the watch but you aren’t doing a workout where you need splits. You can add workouts in there, but it’s a lot less user friendly. It handles about 80% of the runs I like to do. Plus, unlike older Apple watches it’s great at logging actual GPS distance.
- What’s the difference between Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2? The biggest difference between the first and the second versions of the Apple Watch Ultra is the brighter 3,000-nit display in the Ultra 2. This is a big increase over the 2,000-nit display of the first version.
- How much is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US? Is there an Apple Watch Ultra 2 discount? It retails at $799 but it’s currently on sale on Amazon for $741. You rarely see any Apple products on sale, so this is a good deal.
- Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 good for sports? If you’re an iPhone user who values smart features along with fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a top-tier choice. However, if you need multi-day battery life for endurance sports, a Garmin or Coros watch might be a better fit.
Let’s continue on to this honest review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Quick Facts
- Product: Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Price: $799 USD
- Display: 49mm Always-On Retina Display (3000 nits peak brightness)
- GPS: Multi-band dual-frequency GPS
- Battery Life: Up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode)
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Processor: Apple S9 chip
- Health Features: Heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Siri voice control
- Best For: Runners, triathletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts
About Apple
Unlike many “about” paragraphs I’ve done lately, it’s very easy to find information about Apple. Apple is a global leader in technology, known for its innovation and user-friendly products. Since launching the first Apple Watch in 2015, the company has continuously improved its smartwatch lineup, blending fitness tracking with advanced health monitoring and seamless smartphone integration. The Apple Watch Ultra series is designed to compete with high-performance GPS watches like those from Garmin, Suunto, and Coros.
About the Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 is a rugged smartwatch built for extreme environments. Based on the bulk alone, it’s easy to tell that. I’m someone who likes a watch that looks good and I can wear casually and if we are being honest, I’m not sure about that with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I have bigger female wrists, but whew it’s like a mini tank on my wrist.
The 49mm titanium case ensures durability, while the ultra-bright 3000-nit display provides excellent readability in all conditions. It features Apple’s new S9 chip, which improves speed and responsiveness.
Key Features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Hardware Upgrades
- Updated Case: Now made from 95% recycled titanium
- New Apple Silicon S9 Chipset: Features 5.6 billion transistors, 60% more than before.
- New GPU: 30% faster for improved rendering.
- New 4-Core Neural Engine: Twice as fast in machine learning applications.
- Brighter Display: Up to 3000 nits (previously 2000 nits).
- Lower Minimum Brightness: Can dim down to 1 nit for better power savings.
More new features Available on All Recent Apple Watches
- Offline Topographic Maps: Displays trails, terrain, and waypoints.
- Last Known Cellular Location: Auto-saves the last place with cell signal
- New Modular Watch Face: Exclusive to Ultra series.
- Widgets from Watch Face: Accessed via the Digital Crown.
- Cycling Sensor Support: Bluetooth power meters, speed, and cadence sensors.
- Cycling Power & FTP Estimation: Requires power meter and heart rate tracking.
My Experience with the Apple Watch Ultra 2
As mentioned, my specific question is: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 good for running?
The answer is mostly yes. Of any GPS watch I’ve used, including Coros and Garmin, it’s better at tracking distance. However, it’s not as user-friendly when it comes to creating workouts. Anyway, let’s get back to an honest review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
I’m not new to the Apple Watch life, but I haven’t used anything recently. I was curious about all the updates in the last few years to make it more of an athletic watch. Right off the bat, I noticed how heavy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is. It’s not heavy by any means, but compared to the Coros Apex 2, it’s just a lot bigger and bulkier. I can’t say I love the look of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it’s not the worst watch I’ve worn.
I found it harder to scroll through than other smartwatches. Maybe it’s because my primary goal for my sports watch is to use it for activity tracking, and I don’t need all the smart notifications and extras, but there is just a lot. Compared to other smartwatches, there is a much longer and more in-depth learning curve. After a week or two, it was much easier to use, but during the first few runs, I think I spent a minute or two just trying to scroll through and pause the watch. (Although I guess it makes it more likely I won’t stop and pause the watch… HA.) I don’t love having a lot of touchscreen buttons because it can be hard to scroll when you’re sweaty.
After spending several weeks testing the Apple Watch Ultra 2, I found it to be a highly capable smartwatch that delivers on its promises. The display is incredibly bright, making it easy to read in direct sunlight during runs. The GPS accuracy is actually better than almost every other smartwatch I’ve tried. This was not the case with previous versions. I guess I’m used to Coros, where it can take a while to actually connect to satellites, whereas Apple does it quickly.
I also appreciated the seamless connectivity with my iPhone, allowing me to answer calls and reply to messages on the go. Let me be the first to say…I do not do that, but I appreciate the option if I wanted to. (I just hate being notified in the middle of a run). However, the battery life remains a challenge for me, requiring daily charging if using GPS tracking frequently. I’m not running ultramarathons, but I do find it needs to be charged regularly. While it’s a fantastic option for short- to mid-range workouts, I wouldn’t rely on it for all-day adventures without a power source.
Outdoor Runs:
I’ve noticed it’s great at tracking mileage and GPS. It’s accurate, but it can be a struggle to pause the watch and it sometimes takes me a good 10 seconds just to pause (talk about skewing the data).
Indoor Runs:
It’s more accurate inside than Coros and Garmin, but you aren’t able to manually update the distance after you are done. In a perfect world, that would not be a problem but sometimes the Apple watch is anywhere from a quarter mile to a half mile off.
Lap Swimming:
I take mine lap swimming sometimes and it’s accurate minus if you do a kick set. That shouldn’t be a problem but as someone who occasionally does kick sets, I want it to read that too.
Overall, it’s an excellent smartwatch for iPhone users who prioritize features and functionality over extended battery life. Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 good for running? I think I’ve finally answered my own question…yes. Like I mentioned, programming workouts can be a bit of a challenge, but overall, it’s good for that.
If you’re someone looking for a multisport or athletic watch and can afford the $799 price tag, it’s definitely a cool watch.
Cost
The Ultra 2 is priced at $799 USD, the same as its predecessor. You can currently get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $741 on Amazon.
While expensive, it offers more features than a standard Apple Watch and rivals high-end sports watches in functionality. I’m not sure if the Apple Watch is worth it for those who are exclusively looking for a sports watch. There are some other options (like the Coros Pace 3) that are one third the cost that are much easier to use when working out.
Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Enduro 3
- Smart Features: Apple Watch Ultra 2 is superior with its app ecosystem, messaging, and calls.
- Battery Life: Garmin Enduro 3 lasts weeks, while Ultra 2 needs daily charging.
- GPS Accuracy: Both are excellent, but Apple’s multi-band GPS is slightly better in urban settings.
- Verdict: Garmin is better for ultra-endurance athletes, while Apple wins in smart features and multisport categories.
Ultra 2 vs. Coros Pace 3 (Review of Pace 3 here)
- Price: Coros Pace 3 costs $229, significantly cheaper than the Ultra 2.
- Battery Life: Coros lasts 20 days, far exceeding Apple’s 36-hour limit.
- Fitness Tracking: Both excel, but Coros lacks Apple’s smart features.
- Verdict: If you need a budget-friendly GPS watch that has a MUCH LONGER battery life, the Coros Pace 3 is a great choice. The Coros Pace 3 has more features for those who are looking exclusively for a running watch, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has more features for a multisport and “athletic” watch.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great option that excels in connectivity, tracking, and usability. However, its short battery life and high price tag might deter serious endurance athletes. I have been pleasantly surprised with the watch and it’s been good to me.
Who Should Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
- iPhone users looking for the most advanced smartwatch.
- Multi-sport athletes who want a watch with premium fitness tracking.
- Hikers and adventurers needing a rugged, water-resistant GPS device.
- Cyclists and runners who prioritize smart features over extreme battery life.
Who Should Not Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
- Ultra-endurance athletes who need a watch that lasts days, not hours.
- Those looking for a stylish watch: At the end of the day, the Ultra 2 is big and bulky and if you are not looking for a sporty watch, it may not be right for you.
- Android users, as it requires an iPhone for full functionality.
- Budget-conscious buyers who can find cheaper GPS watches with similar fitness tracking features.
You can purchase the Apple Watch Ultra 2 here for a discount and see more gear reviews here.
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here. Love running? You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter or read more about running shoes in my ebook.
Questions for you:
Have you tried an Apple watch before?
What is your watch of choice for workouts?