Apple Watch Ultra 2! HONEST One-Year Long Term Review!

Summary

In this long-term review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the reviewer discusses their year-long experience with the device, highlighting key features such as its rugged design, the action button, diving support, and the impressive battery life that lasts up to two days. They also explore software updates like double tap, speaker playback, and sleep apnea detection, along with the addition of the new black titanium model. The review reflects on the value of the Ultra 2, especially for those upgrading or picking it up for the first time, and praises Apple's decision to enhance the existing model rather than releasing a new one.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been out for over a year, and its value has improved for both new and existing users.
• 😀 Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a rugged design with a large 49mm flat display, orange action button, and titanium build.
• 😀 The new black colorway for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a standout feature, offering a sleek matte black finish that pairs well with orange accents.
• 😀 The modular Ultra watch face is exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra and offers significant customization options.
• 😀 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not just about style but is designed for sports, with specialized features like scuba and free diving support.
• 😀 Despite the watch's diving features, the user mentions limited use of these features due to living in a landlocked area.
• 😀 The Action Button on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is underused by the reviewer, who forgets to activate it despite trying various shortcuts.
• 😀 The double-tap gesture, introduced in watchOS 11, has become a game-changer, allowing users to interact with apps and control functions with ease.
• 😀 Apple Watch Ultra 2’s new software features include speaker playback, sleep apnea detection, and a tide app for water sports.
• 😀 Sleep apnea detection on the Ultra 2 is FDA-approved and provides real health insights, especially for users who may not have known about sleep issues.
• 😀 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to two days without needing a charge, which sets it apart from other models like the Series 10.

Q & A

What makes the Apple Watch Ultra 2 unique compared to other Apple Watches?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed to be the sporty model within Apple's lineup. It features a 49mm flat display, rugged digital crown, orange action button, and exclusive watch faces like Modular Ultra, which can take advantage of the large screen. Its design and rugged features cater to sports enthusiasts and outdoor activities.

What physical changes were made to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compared to the original Ultra?

The only physical change to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 from the original model is the introduction of a new black titanium colorway. The matte black finish is both visually striking and durable, enhancing the appeal of the watch, especially with the orange accents.

What are some unique features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for divers?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports recreational diving, including free diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Although its depth limits are not as deep as specialized diving equipment, it is adequate for casual diving. However, there’s a desire for air integration and an Apple-made diving app for better functionality.

How does the action button on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 work, and how often is it used?

The action button is intended for quick functions, such as triggering shortcuts or the flashlight. However, the reviewer mentions they don’t use it often, as they forget it exists, even though they’ve set it to various shortcuts. While some users may regularly use it, it wasn't a hit for the reviewer.

How did the double-tap feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 evolve with watchOS 11?

The double-tap feature, which initially had limited use, became more functional with watchOS 11. The update allowed it to be used for controlling playback, answering calls, and responding to messages across both stock and third-party apps. The feature has been a game-changer for the reviewer, who now misses it when switching back to older models.

What significant features were added with watchOS 11 for the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

WatchOS 11 brought several new features, including speaker playback, sleep apnea detection, and the Tides app. The speaker playback allows users to listen to music or podcasts directly from the watch, and the sleep apnea detection is FDA-approved, providing valuable health insights.

What does the sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 do?

The sleep apnea detection feature is FDA-approved and monitors users during the night to detect potential signs of sleep apnea. This can help users gain insights into their health, even if they don't realize they have a condition. It is a non-invasive way to monitor sleep quality and potentially catch sleep disorders.

Why did Apple remove the blood oxygen sensor from newly sold models of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The removal of the blood oxygen sensor was due to a patent dispute with Mimo, which owns the rights to the technology. Apple was forced to remove the feature from any models sold after a certain deadline, despite the hardware still being present in the watch. This is a temporary setback, and there’s speculation Apple may reintroduce the feature in the future.

How does the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compare to other models like the Series 10?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers impressive battery life, lasting up to two days without needing a charge. This is a significant advantage over the Series 10, which requires daily charging. The reviewer prefers the longer battery life of the Ultra 2, especially for activities like overnight wear and outdoor usage.

What is the overall conclusion about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 from the review?

The review concludes that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an excellent product, especially after the updates introduced with watchOS 11. The watch has a solid design, features great battery life, and offers valuable tools like sleep apnea detection. The black titanium color and new software features make it an even better value for existing users, rather than needing to upgrade to an Ultra 3.