The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the Premium Smartwatch that I prefer – here is why

The large number of upgrades, from its hard outdoor area to a variety of functions, enables the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to deliver the definitive smartwatch experience.

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At this time last year it was just a day since I received my new Apple Watch Ultra and it was already strapped to the wrist and ready to fight a 15 -km ranking list. For 12 months with the Ultra -Ultra later it has proven to be the most complete smartwatch Apple that was ever made, and one of the best smartwatches in general for me.

Last year I trained, traveled and slept with the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 To find out exactly where the company advanced this time.

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I will cut directly onto the chase: If you already have an Apple Watch Ultra, there is no mandatory reason to update the Ultra 2. However, if you are one of the many to buy an Ultra Wearable for the first time, this is as good as possible. Here is the reason.

In view of today's economic environment with increasing consumer prices, I am a bit surprised that Apple was able to keep the price of the new Watch Ultra 2 at the same level as in the previous year. If you look at the titanium construction, the integrated LTE radio and the Sapphire Glass display, $ 779 is very reasonable for a high-performance sports watch. This is more true if you compare the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with other flagship -GPS sports clocks.

With regard to the new with the model, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 contains a faster S9 processor, a brighter display, twice as high as the internal storage and a number of recycled materials that somehow do not make the portable feeling terrible.

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Watchos 10 was published when the Ultra 2 clock was announced, and the Apple Watch experience has made it absolutely happy. It has new functions for the side button and the digital crown (smart stack) as well as spacious and information-rich watch faces that are optimized for the ultra models of the watch. Since then, Watchos 11 has been published with improvements to movement and fitness modes and modes. Watchos 26, which is expected to be published in autumn, will make it an even stronger device for health care.

Of course I placed the Ultra 2 clock next to my first generation Ultra and they were practically not distinguishable. After I had accumulated the brightness of both, due to the implementation of the same ambient light sensor, I could hardly see the difference in the standard lighting conditions. But outdoors, where they use the technologies of the Ultra, it was obvious that the Ultra 2 was significantly brighter (3,000 nits compared to 2,000 nits).

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Before the start of Watch Ultra 2, I listed three functions that I wanted to see to justify an upgrade, and while Apple did not provide it, I went into one of my wishes in a unique way. The LED flashlight at Garmin Watches is a tool that I use every day. When you turn on the flashlight, turning the digital crown now increases the maximum brightness and uses the additional nits.

The Garmin -LED still does not strike, but it is much more practical than the last year when it comes to finding things in the garage or under the bed, taking up the rooms at night and finding their way outside in the dark.

Unfortunately, the mapping is still limited on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, whereby the most remarkable change in the offline card support, provided you have an iPhone on at least iOS 17. However, the Compass app has also received a subtle but significant upgrade thanks to Watchos 10. On the Ultra 2 clock, it now shows that you deal with the load-det zone. With the Compass -app you can also mark your campsite, your parking lot and other useful waypoints.

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In addition to Watch Ultra 2, Apple published new carbon-neutral watch bands, with three colors offered over the alpine loop and trail loop strips. I had the chance to test the gray/green trail loop with the Ultra 2 clock, and I can only say that it is extremely comfortable. I bought my clock with an Ocean Band last year, but this time will probably record the trail loop because it has simple support for Velcro fasteners. It is the ideal watch band for more casual excursions.

As much as I also enjoy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its long battery life, a brighter display, the expanded connectivity and the new watch bands, I also enjoyed improved mental health functions via the mindfulness app. It has now brought an outstanding place in my app list and I have entered my state of mind every day.

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I now often use the reflective and breathing uses that have reduced my stress slowly but surely, as a welcome addition to my Apple Watch use. (Of course you only need an Apple watch that is executed on Watchos 10 to use the mindfulness app. I just like using it on the larger display of the ultra!)

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With my mainimle, who now lives as an essim in the iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 Will stay on the wrist for a longer period of time – probably until the next Ultra version comes out. Apple's improvements last year did not promote the envelope in a certain way, but they are good enough to make the Ultra clock the best flagship sports watch that should buy enthusiasts.

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If you don't have Apple Watch Ultra, but are interested in buying one, the Ultra 2 is the best option. If you can live with a dimmering display and a technically slower performance, take up last year Watch Ultra with a discount It's not the worst idea either.

For me, the Boost flashlight is a welcome addition and the faster processor that Siri supports on board. The move of Apple to carbon -free products is also a good step for the environment and we can all support.

This article was originally published on September 29, 2023 and updated on July 17, 2025.