Apple has just taken the wraps off the eagerly awaited Apple Watch Ultra 2, a worthy successor to the top-tier model introduced just a year ago. This latest addition boasts significant improvements under the hood, akin to the enhancements featured in the recently launched Apple Watch Series 9. Additionally, Apple has introduced an exciting all-black color option for style-conscious users.
A Look Back: The Original Apple Watch Ultra
The original iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra, which has garnered a strong following since its debut, was initially rumored to be an Apple Watch Pro. However, it proudly carried the moniker of the Apple Watch Ultra. Sporting the largest-ever Apple Watch face at 49mm, it set a new standard for smartwatches. The display, with its impressive 2000 nits of brightness, delivered double the luminance of the standard model.
A standout feature was the customizable Action button, a precursor to its adoption in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The Ultra also boasted remarkable battery life, capable of lasting up to 36 hours, with a low-power mode extending it to an impressive 60 hours. Apple amped up the speaker and microphone for optimal performance in noisy environments, even including an 86dB siren for emergencies. The ultra-precise GPS ensured accurate location tracking.
Notably, the Apple Watch Ultra doubled as a dive computer for scuba enthusiasts, functioning reliably at depths of up to 40 meters, surpassing the typical 30-meter limit for recreational diving.
The Power of Progress: Apple Watch Ultra 2
With the arrival of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, users can expect to experience the same cutting-edge features as the Apple Watch Series 9. This year’s Ultra model inherits the powerful S9 processor, ensuring super-smooth animations and responsive performance. The heart-rate monitor has been further enhanced for precise health tracking, and the U2 ultra-wideband location chip provides advanced spatial awareness.
Siri has received a significant upgrade, as it is now processed on-device thanks to the new neural engine embedded within the S9 chip. Siri’s capabilities will soon extend to accessing your health data, a feature set to debut “later this year.”
The U2 chip, a notable addition to the Ultra 2, offers ultra-precise iPhone locating capabilities, along with convenient media suggestions when in proximity to a HomePod. It even provides Now Playing controls if the speaker is already in use.
Another noteworthy enhancement is the introduction of a double-tap gesture, which simplifies actions like answering or ending phone calls and snoozing alarms. This feature aligns with the functionality found in the S9 model.
Battery life in low-power mode has seen a substantial boost, now lasting up to 72 hours, ensuring your Ultra 2 remains reliable even during extended usage.
Elevating Style: The All-New All-Black Option
In addition to these exciting updates, the original raw titanium color is joined by an all-new all-black color option, providing users with even more choices to match their personal style. Apple’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction is on full display with the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, a smartwatch that combines cutting-edge technology with a touch of sophistication.
