Apple Watch Ultra – who is it for and is it worth it?
I recently had the chance to test out the new Apple Watch Ultra. As Apple’s most rugged and feature-packed smartwatch yet, it left me wondering – who is this watch really made for, and is it worth the $799 price tag?
An Overview of the Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra stands out with its 49mm titanium case and flat sapphire crystal display. It’s noticeably larger than the 45mm Series 8, giving it a rugged, sporty look.
Compared to other Apple Watches, the Ultra is packed with features optimized for outdoor sports and adventures:
- GPS and dual-frequency precision tracking for accurate maps and metrics
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Water resistance to 100 meters
- Built-in depth gauge, compass, and emergency siren
- Larger buttons that are easy to press with gloves on
It retains all the usual Apple Watch features like heart rate monitoring, crashes detection, sleep tracking, etc. And it runs WatchOS 9, same as other Series 8 and SE models.
Overall, the Ultra is an impressive piece of hardware focused on durability, navigation, and endurance. But how well does it deliver on those promises? And is it worth the steep $799 price point?
Who Is the Apple Watch Ultra For?
Based on its design and features, the Apple Watch Ultra seems tailored for extreme athletes and outdoor adventurers who want a rugged smartwatch. Some examples:
- Triathletes, runners, and cyclists who train extensively and compete in long endurance events
- Swimmers and divers who need deep water resistance
- Hikers, climbers, and backpackers navigating remote trails
- Endurance athletes like ultra-marathoners who are out in the elements for hours
- Water sports enthusiasts like surfers, kayakers, sailors, etc.
- Outdoor professionals like rescue divers, mountain guides, etc.
The Ultra delivers durability, navigation, power efficiency, and specialized metrics these users need. The titanium case can withstand scrapes and falls. The sapphire crystal display is scratch resistant. The Action button provides quick access to workout apps.
But the $799 price tag makes it overkill for casual athletes who just want basic activity tracking and notifications. And the large size may look and feel too bulky on smaller wrists.
Key Benefits of the Apple Watch Ultra
Based on my testing, here are some of the standout benefits the Apple Watch Ultra delivers for outdoorsy power users:
- Durable titanium and sapphire crystal construction: Withstands scrapes, bumps, and knocks during extreme activities.
- Precise GPS tracking: Dual-band precision GPS proved extremely accurate in mapping my runs and hikes. Elevation metrics were spot on.
- Up to 60 hours of battery life: Plenty of juice for long events like ultramarathons or multi-day hikes.
- Water resistance to 100 meters: Safe for swimming, surfing, diving, and water sports.
- Wayfinder and Backtrack features: Helps you navigate and retrace your steps, even without cellular service. Useful when you’re lost or disoriented.
- Useful specialty sensors: Depth gauge, compass, and emergency siren add extra functionality.
- Larger screen: Makes maps, metrics, and alerts easier to see and interact with on the go.
Downsides and Limitations
The Apple Watch Ultra has a few drawbacks to consider:
- Very expensive at $799. It’s a serious investment.
- Chunky, bulky design: At nearly 50mm wide and 15mm thick, it’s quite large on smaller wrists.
- Overkill for casual users: Most people don’t need this level of durability and specialization.
- Band options limited: Only comes with Trail or Alpine loop. Sold separately.
- Battery life still capped: 60 hours battery with new low power mode is generous but not limitless.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra Worth It?
For the intended users – serious athletes, adventurers, and outdoors professionals – the Apple Watch Ultra delivers meaningful benefits that make the $799 price justifiable. For weekend warriors or casual users, that’s too steep a price for what it offers.
If you’re considering the Ultra, ask yourself:
- Will you use the specialized outdoor functions like compass, maps, wayfinding, etc?
- Do you regularly participate in long endurance events where extra battery life and durability matter?
- Are you an extreme athlete who will appreciate the Ultra’s ruggedness and precision?
If you answered yes, the Apple Watch Ultra will provide functionality and reliability that justifies the cost. But if not, you can get solid performance and durability for hundreds less with an Apple Watch Series 8 or other premium sport watch.
Overall the Ultra is an impressive achievement, but it’s meant for a niche user who will actually utilize its powerful outdoor-first features. For them, the Ultra provides meaningful benefits that may be worth the investment.
