Apple has taken the wraps off its latest creation: the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This remarkable smartwatch not only builds on the success of its predecessor but also takes significant strides towards environmental sustainability.
Let’s dive into the impressive features that make the Apple Watch Ultra 2 a must-have in the world of wearable technology.
A Carbon Neutral Milestone
For the first time, consumers can opt for a carbon-neutral version of any Apple Watch, marking a significant stride towards Apple’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire operation, manufacturing supply chain, and product lifecycle by 2030.
Availability
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available for order starting today, with in-store availability commencing on September 22nd.
The Power of S9 SiP
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the S9 SiP, custom Apple silicon that brings significant systemwide improvements and groundbreaking features. This includes the new double-tap gesture and on-device Siri with private and secure access to health data. The addition of a 4-core Neural Engine makes machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the original Apple Watch Ultra.
Double Tap Gesture
Apple’s commitment to user-friendliness shines through with the introduction of the double tap gesture. This innovative feature allows users to effortlessly control their Apple Watch Ultra 2 with just one hand and without touching the display. A double tap on the index finger and thumb performs various common actions, from stopping a timer to answering phone calls or even switching to the new Elevation view in the Compass app. Enabled by the faster Neural Engine, this feature will be available in an upcoming software update.
A Brighter Display
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a state-of-the-art display architecture that delivers a maximum brightness of 3000 nits, making it 50 percent brighter than its predecessor and the brightest display ever crafted by Apple. It also adapts to low-light conditions, reducing brightness to one nit to avoid disturbing those nearby. Additionally, the flashlight function benefits from this enhanced display, providing temporary doubled brightness when needed.
Modular Ultra Watch Face
To fully utilize the expansive display, Apple has designed a new watch face, Modular Ultra. This face leverages the outer edge to display real-time data, including seconds, altitude, or depth, making it highly customizable for sports, outdoor adventures, and water activities.
Tested for Extremes
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has undergone rigorous testing, making it suitable for use in extreme conditions. It can function seamlessly from 500 meters below sea level to 9,000 meters above sea level, covering a vast range of altitudes.
Water Adventures Galore
For water sports enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a dream come true. It supports a wide array of aquatic activities, including recreational scuba diving (up to 40 meters) and freediving, thanks to the updated Oceanic+ app from Huish Outdoors. The Depth app now logs each session, offering users a comprehensive overview of their diving experiences.
On-Device Siri with Health Data Access
Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces on-device processing for Siri requests, resulting in faster and more reliable responses for activities that don’t require internet access. Moreover, Siri can now access health data from the Health app, allowing users to retrieve health and fitness-related information effortlessly.
Precision Finding
Apple Watch users have long appreciated the ability to locate their iPhone, and the Ultra 2 takes this feature to the next level. Equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, it offers Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 family, providing precise distance and directional guidance, even if your iPhone is in another room or a tricky-to-remember location.
Featuring watchOS 10
Running on watchOS 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces several exciting updates, including redesigned apps, new watch faces (such as Snoopy, Palette, Solar Analog, and Nike Globe), Night Mode that activates automatically in low-light conditions, and expanded connectivity for cyclists. It also offers enhanced tools for mental health and the ability to measure time spent in daylight to help combat myopia.
Carbon Neutral Models
Select combinations of cases and bands for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch SE, and the new Apple Watch Series 9 are now carbon neutral, marking a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. Apple achieved this through reductions in materials, electricity, and transportation emissions and offsetting the remaining emissions through nature-based projects.
Lineup and Pricing
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available in a 49 mm size and becomes carbon neutral when paired with the new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop bands. New band colors are available for the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band.
Customers in numerous countries can order the Apple Watch Ultra 2 today, with in-store availability starting on September 22. The price for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is $799 (U.S.).
watchOS 10 and Apple Fitness+
WatchOS 10 will be available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later on September 18 and requires iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17. Keep in mind that not all features are available on all devices and in all regions. Plus, those who purchase Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra 2, or a new Apple Watch Series 4 or later will receive three months of Apple Fitness+.
