The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, featuring rugged construction with MIL-STD 810H certification. PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo praised its brighter display and enhanced durability, while reviewer Jamie Balfour highlighted the innovative Action Button and flat display design. The device offers dual-frequency GPS and emergency siren capabilities, making it ideal for extreme conditions. However, its premium pricing and limited band options may deter casual users. This watch is best suited for active individuals who need a durable smartwatch for adventure sports rather than general daily use.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 represents a significant departure from Apple's standard smartwatch lineup, embracing a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic that prioritizes durability over sleekness. Reviewers consistently noted the titanium construction, which, while heavier than stainless steel, offers superior resistance to impacts and environmental stress. TechRadar's review emphasized that the Ultra 2 is "designed as a rugged device first," and this philosophy is evident in its MIL-STD 810H certification, which ensures it can withstand drops, dust, and water immersion. The watch's flat display, a notable change from the curved screens of Series models, was praised by Jamie Balfour for its protective qualities and visual clarity, though he noted it took him a year to adapt to the new form factor. The protruding bar housing the Digital Crown and right-side button adds to the overall robustness, though it creates an asymmetrical look that some find unappealing. The International Orange Action Button, introduced with the Ultra, was particularly highlighted by Balfour as a game-changing feature that improves the device's balance and functionality, offering a customizable shortcut button that enhances workflow for outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoorgearlab's review gave the Ultra 2 a 9.5/10 for everyday use, citing its "elegant and high-quality" physical design and "super bright display" as standout features. The 49mm case size was noted as a significant upgrade over the Series 10, offering a more substantial presence that's better suited for athletes and adventurers. However, the same reviewer criticized the battery life, scoring it only 4.2/10, which reflects the device's tradeoff between functionality and power consumption. The build quality was also scrutinized by PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo, who appreciated the titanium construction but noted that the watch's bulkiness might not appeal to users with smaller wrists. The waterproof rating of 100ATM was praised across multiple reviews, with Outdoorgearlab and Runners' World both highlighting the Ultra 2's ability to handle extreme conditions, including deep water immersion and high-impact activities.
Performance and Features
Apple Watch Ultra 2's performance is marked by a suite of advanced features tailored for outdoor and athletic use, with dual-frequency GPS and enhanced heart rate monitoring being key differentiators. Runners' World's Kieran Alger noted that the watch's GPS accuracy was "nearly perfect," with readings matching a Polar H10 chest strap within +/-0.02 BPM, and GPS measurements deviating by only +/-0.07 miles over a 2.80-mile distance. The dual-frequency GPS chip, upgraded from the first-generation Ultra, allows for better satellite connectivity and more precise tracking, which is particularly beneficial for runners and hikers. The watch's ability to maintain connectivity and provide accurate data during extended outdoor activities was a recurring theme in reviews, with Outdoorgearlab's testing in Utah's canyons confirming its reliability in challenging environments. The Ultra 2 also features a 3,000 nits peak brightness, which PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo described as "brighter than ever," making it highly visible even in direct sunlight.
The watch's interface and software integration were also praised, with TechSpot's review highlighting the "great new cycling and hiking features" brought by WatchOS 10, and the "helpful haptic features" that enhance user interaction. The double-tap gesture introduced in recent updates was noted as particularly useful for hands-free operation during workouts, according to Outdoorgearlab. However, the device's reliance on an iPhone for full functionality was a point of contention. The Verge's reviewer noted that the Ultra 2's "codependency with the iPhone skews the wearable's value proposition," particularly when comparing it to competitors like Garmin, which offer more independent functionality. The Action Button, while appreciated by many reviewers, was also criticized for not being available on the Series 10, which some felt was a missed opportunity for users seeking more customization.
Battery Life and Power
Battery life remains one of the most significant limitations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, with reviewers consistently noting that it falls short of industry standards for sports watches. Outdoorgearlab's review gave the Ultra 2 a paltry 4.2/10 for battery life, citing its "drastically less battery life" compared to its predecessor and other competitors. Runners' World's Kieran Alger reported that the watch's battery life in smartwatch mode was only 1.5 days, and when GPS is in use, it drops to just 12 hours, which is significantly less than what users expect from high-end outdoor devices. The battery life was also criticized by TechSpot, which noted that "battery life still nowhere near industry standard for sports watches." The device's power consumption was particularly evident during extended outdoor activities, where users reported needing to charge the watch more frequently than expected. This limitation was further emphasized by the fact that the Ultra 2's battery life is shorter than that of the Apple Watch Series 10, despite its more advanced features.
Despite these shortcomings, the Ultra 2's battery performance was seen as a tradeoff for its advanced features and rugged design. The watch's ability to deliver 36 hours of everyday use was noted as a significant improvement over the Series 10, which only lasted 18 hours. However, this still falls short of what users expect from dedicated fitness devices. The fast charging capability, which reaches 80% in an hour, was seen as a mitigating factor by some reviewers, though it was not enough to offset the overall battery anxiety. The need for frequent charging was particularly highlighted in outdoor scenarios, where users might not have access to a power source for extended periods. The lack of offline maps without an iPhone connection was also noted as a significant drawback, especially for adventurers who rely on GPS navigation in remote areas.
User Experience and Interface
The user experience of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is largely shaped by its integration with the iOS ecosystem, which provides a seamless experience for iPhone users but can be limiting for those who prefer more independent functionality. The watch's interface, powered by WatchOS 10, was praised by TechSpot for its "great new cycling and hiking features" and the "helpful haptic features" that enhance interaction. The double-tap gesture, introduced in recent updates, was noted as a useful hands-free feature for users during workouts, according to Outdoorgearlab. However, the device's reliance on an iPhone for full functionality was a recurring criticism, with The Verge's reviewer pointing out that "the Watch Ultra 2's codependency with the iPhone skews the wearable's value proposition." This dependency becomes particularly evident when comparing the Ultra 2 to competitors like Garmin, which offer more independent features and offline capabilities.
The Apple Health app, which is central to the Ultra 2's functionality, was lauded by Outdoorgearlab for its ability to efficiently organize exercise, sleep, and daily heart rate data. The app's clean design and intuitive layout were noted as strengths, with reviewers appreciating the way it presents metrics without feeling cluttered. However, the lack of offline mapping and the need for an iPhone to access full features were seen as drawbacks. The Action Button, while appreciated by many reviewers for its customization capabilities, was also criticized for not being available on the Series 10, which some felt was a missed opportunity for users seeking more personalization. The watch's ability to handle complex workouts and track detailed metrics was praised, but the overall user experience was seen as being somewhat constrained by its reliance on Apple's ecosystem.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Apple Watch Ultra 2's robust design, exceptional brightness, and advanced GPS capabilities. Outdoorgearlab's review gave it a 9.3/10 for accuracy and a 9.5/10 for everyday use, citing its "incredible interface" and "feature set" as standout qualities. The watch's ability to handle extreme conditions, with its 100ATM waterproof rating and MIL-STD 810H certification, was highlighted by multiple reviewers, including Runners' World's Kieran Alger, who noted its suitability for long-distance running and outdoor adventures. The 3,000 nits peak brightness was particularly praised by PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo, who described it as "brighter than ever," making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The dual-frequency GPS and enhanced heart rate monitoring were also frequently mentioned as key improvements over previous models, with Runners' World's Kieran Alger noting that the GPS accuracy was "nearly perfect," closely matching a Polar H10 chest strap.
The Action Button was another feature that received widespread praise, with Jamie Balfour calling it "one of the most interesting and useful features" of the Ultra. The button's ability to launch shortcuts and trigger emergency siren alerts was noted as a significant improvement over the Series 10, which lacks this functionality. The watch's ability to provide comprehensive training insights, including new Training Load guidance, was also highlighted as a major upgrade. The integration with Apple's ecosystem, particularly the Health app, was praised for its ability to organize and present data in a clean, user-friendly manner. The watch's ability to handle complex workouts and track detailed metrics was seen as a major strength, with reviewers noting that it offers "a huge array of apps and tools" that make it a powerful fitness companion.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not without significant drawbacks that have been widely documented by reviewers. The most prominent criticism centers on its battery life, which many reviewers found to be insufficient for extended outdoor use. Outdoorgearlab's review gave it only a 4.2/10 for battery life, citing its "drastically less battery life" compared to its predecessor and other competitors. Runners' World's Kieran Alger noted that the watch's GPS runtime was only 12 hours, which falls short of what users expect from dedicated sports watches. The device's reliance on an iPhone for full functionality was another major point of contention, with The Verge's reviewer pointing out that "the Watch Ultra 2's codependency with the iPhone skews the wearable's value proposition." This dependency becomes particularly evident when comparing the Ultra 2 to competitors like Garmin, which offer more independent features and offline capabilities.
The lack of offline mapping and the need for an iPhone to access full features were also seen as significant limitations. TechSpot's review criticized the device for not offering offline maps without the phone, which is particularly problematic for adventurers who rely on GPS navigation in remote areas. The watch's bulkiness was another criticism, with some reviewers noting that the 49mm case size might not be suitable for users with smaller wrists. The lack of Precision Start for workout modes, which is available on the Series 10, was also noted as a missed opportunity. Additionally, the device's price point of $799 was seen as steep for those upgrading from the first-generation Ultra, especially since the improvements over the original model are modest. The need for frequent charging, particularly during extended outdoor activities, was a recurring theme in reviews, with many users reporting that the battery life was not sufficient for their needs.
Who It's Best For
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is best suited for users who prioritize ruggedness, advanced GPS capabilities, and outdoor performance over battery life and independence from an iPhone. Runners' World's Kieran Alger and Outdoorgearlab's Matthew Richardson both emphasized its suitability for athletes and adventurers who need a device that can handle extreme conditions and provide accurate tracking. The watch's 100ATM waterproof rating, MIL-STD 810H certification, and dual-frequency GPS make it ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts who demand reliability and precision. The Action Button, which allows for customizable shortcuts and emergency alerts, is particularly valuable for users who engage in high-risk activities or need quick access to specific functions. TechSpot's review noted that the Ultra 2 is "a phenomenal smartwatch with very decent battery life" for those who appreciate connectivity and phone-like features on their wrist.
However, the watch is not recommended for users who are primarily concerned with battery longevity or who prefer more independent functionality. The Verge's reviewer pointed out that the Ultra 2's "codependency with the iPhone skews the wearable's value proposition," which makes it less appealing for users who want a device that can operate independently. The device's price point of $799 is also a barrier for those who are upgrading from earlier Apple Watch models, especially since the improvements over the original Ultra are modest. The lack of offline maps and the need for frequent charging make it less suitable for users who spend extended periods in remote areas without access to power. For iPhone users who are looking for a premium outdoor smartwatch with advanced tracking features, the Ultra 2 is a strong contender, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking maximum battery life or independent functionality.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to its direct competitors, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 holds its own in terms of GPS accuracy and feature set, though it falls short in battery life and independence from an iPhone. Runners' World's Kieran Alger noted that while the Ultra 2 offers "increasingly comprehensive running credentials," it still lags behind dedicated running watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED and the Garmin Enduro 3 in terms of battery longevity. The Ultra 2's 12-hour GPS runtime is significantly less than what these competitors offer, making it less suitable for long-distance adventures. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at £499, offers a more affordable alternative with a similar feature set, though it lacks the seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. Outdoorgearlab's review gave the Ultra 2 a 9.3/10 for accuracy, which is on par with the Garmin Fenix 8, but the Ultra 2's battery life was rated much lower at 4.2/10 compared to the Fenix 8's more robust endurance.
The Apple Watch Series 10, while lacking the rugged design and advanced features of the Ultra 2, offers a more balanced approach with better battery life and a more streamlined design. TechSpot's review noted that the Series 10's "fast charging" capability, which reaches 80% in 30 minutes, is a significant advantage over the Ultra 2's hour-long charge time. However, the Series 10 lacks the Action Button and the enhanced GPS capabilities that make the Ultra 2 more appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The Ultra 2's 3,000 nits peak brightness and 49mm case size were praised by reviewers as superior to the Series 10's 2,000 nits and 42mm/46mm sizes. The Ultra 2's ability to handle more extreme conditions and provide more detailed metrics was seen as a major advantage, though it came at the cost of battery life and independence from an iPhone.
Strengths
- +MIL-STD 810H certified for rugged durability
- +Flat display design for enhanced protection
- +Action Button offers customizable functionality and emergency siren
- +Dual-frequency precise GPS for accurate location tracking
- +Brighter display than previous models
Watch-outs
- −Premium price point
- −Limited band selection and design
- −Not suitable for everyday casual wear
How it compares
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for extreme conditions and outdoor use, unlike the Apple Watch Series 11, which is more suited for daily wear. Compared to the Garmin Venu 3, it offers better integration with the Apple ecosystem and more advanced GPS capabilities, though it lacks the long battery life of the Garmin. It's not ideal for casual wear due to its premium price and limited band options, but it excels in ruggedness and emergency features.
Who this is for
At a glance: Outdoor adventurers needing rugged smartwatch.
Why you’d buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2
- MIL-STD 810H certified for rugged durability.
- Flat display design for enhanced protection.
- Action Button offers customizable functionality and emergency siren.
Why you’d skip it
- Premium price point.
- Limited band selection and design.
- Not suitable for everyday casual wear.
Rating sources
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
