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Apple Watch Ultra 2 In-Depth Review: Worth the Upgrade?
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 In-Depth Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Overview of Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the second generation of Apple's outdoor-focused smartwatch, priced at $799, maintaining the same price as its predecessor.
  • All models come with built-in cellular capabilities, enhancing connectivity for users.

Display Enhancements

  • The new model features a significantly brighter display at 3000 nits compared to the previous model's 2000 nits, improving visibility in bright conditions.
  • Despite high brightness levels, practical benefits are most noticeable when using the flashlight feature or during nighttime settings due to reduced minimum brightness (1 nit).

Performance and Chipset Improvements

  • The watch incorporates the new S9 chipset which enhances performance but does not visibly change user experience in daily tasks like app navigation.
  • A notable feature of the S9 chipset is "double tap," allowing users to interact with their watch more intuitively by tapping fingers together.

User Experience and Accessibility Features

  • The double tap feature is designed for ease of use and works consistently better than previous accessibility options like Assistive Touch.
  • Unlike older features that were reactive, double tap operates continuously, providing a more seamless interaction experience.

New Functionalities and Siri Capabilities

  • The updated ultra-wideband chipset allows precise location tracking for devices within Bluetooth range, enhancing usability for finding lost items.

Overview of Apple Watch Ultra 2 Features

Basic Features and Health Tracking

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will soon support weight management features, including tracking weight via a bathroom scale, expected to be available in English by the end of the year.
  • Users can access their activity rings, which represent three categories: Move (red), Exercise (green), and Stand (blue). Standing is tracked hourly by standing for at least one minute each hour.
  • Sleep tracking remains automatic, providing data on sleep duration and times. However, the "in bed" time feature has been inconsistent across models.
  • The watch tracks wrist temperature primarily for historical data related to female ovulation cycles; it establishes a baseline over five days before providing insights.

Workout Features

Starting Workouts

  • To initiate a workout, users tap the runner icon and can select from various workout profiles. Goals can be set or structured workouts created through preferences.
  • Data pages during workouts are customizable; users can add or remove metrics as needed. Post-workout summaries are accessible in the Apple Health app.

New Sports Features

  • Topographic maps allow offline map downloads to phones with contour details visible on the watch. Currently limited to California's national parks but expected to expand nationwide by year's end.
  • Apple's initial timeline for broader map availability has shifted from September to late December, with no specific timeline for international releases.

Cycling Enhancements

Screen Mirroring and Metrics

  • A new cycling feature allows screen mirroring from the watch to an iPhone, transforming the phone into a bike computer that displays metrics from the watch.
  • This feature is particularly useful for bike commuters who may have their watches covered while riding but want easy access to data displayed on their handlebars.

Sensor Support

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Features and Performance

Cycling Power Data and FTP Detection

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 allows users to calibrate crank links, effectively recording power data that matches other devices accurately.
  • However, the functional threshold power (FTP) detection feature has been inconsistent, failing to detect many rides and often reporting lower thresholds than expected.
  • Despite these issues, most cyclists can perform an FTP test manually, making the automatic detection less critical.

Battery Life Claims

  • The watch claims a battery life of 36 hours in everyday smartwatch mode and up to 72 hours in low power mode by disabling the always-on display.
  • During a 14-hour hike through challenging terrain, the watch retained 15% battery life while using full GPS functionality.
  • General usage shows consistent battery performance with workouts averaging between 60 to 90 minutes every other day.

Siren Feature for Safety

  • A notable safety feature is the siren that can be activated easily; it produces a loud sound reaching up to 86 decibels.
  • This sound is designed to be recognizable from long distances, potentially traveling over a kilometer in quiet conditions.

GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy Testing

  • Initial tests showed excellent GPS accuracy along beaches and forested areas; however, performance declined in urban environments with tall buildings.
  • In city tests, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 struggled significantly with tracking accuracy compared to previous models.

Open Water Swim Performance

  • The watch performed well during open water swims despite being one of the more challenging scenarios for most devices.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Worth Upgrading?

Overview of Performance and Features

  • The Apple Watch Ultra shows solid heart rate performance, with GPS functioning well but some outliers needing further investigation.

Upgrade Considerations

  • If upgrading from the original Ultra model, it may not be worthwhile as changes are minor; waiting another year is advisable.
  • For those moving from an older Apple Watch series to the Ultra, the decision hinges on a desire for additional hardware features or improved battery life.

User Perspectives on Features

  • Users generally fall into two camps: those who prioritize battery life over outdoor features and those who value enhanced outdoor functionalities like a larger digital crown and action button.

Software vs. Hardware Enhancements

  • The software upgrades in WatchOS 10 are significant compared to minor hardware improvements; this could influence user satisfaction based on their specific needs.

Targeted Improvements for Different Activities

  • Cyclists and runners may find substantial new features beneficial, while hikers might feel disappointed due to lacking offline maps and routing capabilities.

Future Expectations for Navigation Features

  • Anticipation exists for future updates focusing on navigation enhancements tailored for hiking and outdoor activities, potentially improving usability in challenging conditions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Video description

Here's everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra 2, how it's different, and whether it's worth the upgrade. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 here: https://amzn.to/3ZutYzw (which helps support the channel!) 0:00 Quick Intro 0:23 Band Options & Pricing 0:36 Ultra 1 vs Ultra 2 Display Brightness 1:50 Is the new S9 chipset faster? 2:15 Double Tap hands-on 3:42 UWB FindMy on watch 4:06 Offline Siri 4:44 Siri and Apple Health 5:06 Daily Activity Tracking 5:30 Sleep Tracking Tests 6:20 Workout Tracking 7:13 Topographic Maps 8:33 Cycling Companion App (for iPhone) 9:17 Cycling Power Meters 10:08 Battery Life Tested 11:30 The Emergency Siren 12:21 GPS Accuracy Testing 13:53 HR Accuracy Testing 14:30 Is It Worth Upgrading? •New Apple Silicon S9 chipset, which Apple says has 5.6 billion transistors and is 60% more than before •New GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which Apple states is 30% faster, allowing for faster rendering •New 4-core neural engine, which Apple states is twice as fast in machine learning applications •New far brighter 3,000 nit display (previously the Apple Watch Ultra was 2,000 nits, and the previous Series 8 is 1,000 nits) •New display can also go down to just 1 nit, versus the previous 2 nits. Apple says that in turn drives a big savings in battery consumption due to the always-on side of things (of course, that battery savings is then spent on the faster processor bits) •New UWB 2 (Ultrawideband) chip, which increases finding of things (like your phone), including exact distance and direction, but also increased Homepod integration •New watch bands •Updated case made from 95% recycled aluminum (versus 0% prior) Next, we’ve got the software features that are new to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and require/leverage the new S9 chipset: •New Double tap: This allows you to double-tap your index and thumb together, acting as a virtual button. You can answer a call, hang-up a call, snooze an alarm, take a picture from the camera, or any number of other custom actions (more on this down below) •New Flashlight boost: This leverages the brighter display for a brighter virtual flashlight option •Siri now newly processes requests entirely offline (without cellular/WiFi) for things it can do locally •Siri can now log Apple Health metrics (purely via voice), including weight, period information, as well as respond to Health requests (e.g., asking for last night’s sleep stats) – available later this year in English and Mandarin. Some links Amazon affiliate links, for which I may earn a commission. #AppleWatchUltra2 #Ultra2 #AppleWatchUltra