Everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra 2: price, technical sheet and reviews

What's new in the Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is primarily powered by a faster processor, the S9. This two-core CPU has no less than 5.6 billion transistors, or 60% more thanthe first generation Apple Watch Ultra. But that's not the only difference between the two, since the new Apple Watch Ultra is also a hundred euros cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 1 (respectively 899 euros versus 999 euros).

With this, you should know that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a screen that is brighter than ever. This is in fact capable of reaching a maximum brightness of three thousand nits: this is a record. No other smartwatch can achieve this score. But that's not all, since the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has sixty-four gigabytes of internal storage – compared to thirty-two gigabytes for its predecessor. Finally, note that the UWB (ultra wideband) chip is moving to the second generation, for the first time in the range.

Focus on the screen

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen has a diagonal of 1.92 inches, with maximum brightness 50% better than previously. The resolution is 502 by 410 pixels, the equivalent of 338 pixels per inch. The screen has the functionalityAlways onto display information constantly, such as the time.

With this, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen is scratch-resistant – up to a point, of course. It is a rectangular screen, with rounded corners and fairly thick borders between the panel and the case. The interface is tactile and offers the highest quality contrasts, with excellent rendering in direct sunlight. Only one size is available at this time.

What is the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Apple explains that the Apple Watch Ultra can last up to thirty-six hours on, in a row and without power saving mode activated. With this option, however, the duration increases to seventy-two hours. Fast charging is included, for those in a hurry. Benefiting from it will mainly depend on the power of the current you have at home, but also on the adapter. The one provided in the box is already quite efficient, it is with this one that the previous estimates were obtained.

The autonomy of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, like any connected watch, also depends on the apps used, whether the screen is in modeAlways onor not, or even the loudspeaker power during calls.

Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is equipped with an S9 processor, but the manufacturer does not specify how much RAM is under the hood.

Despite everything, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is undoubtedly the most efficient of all the Apple Watches available on the market today. This is explained in particular because the chip is designed by the company which is also responsible for developing the operating system, with optimizations not found among the competition.

For comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 positions itself as a serious competitor to the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch 6 – in terms of raw power.

A sophisticated operating system

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the watchOS 10 operating system. This is equipped with numerous native apps. Among these, we can notably cite the case of Messages, which as its name indicates allows you to exchange SMS messages via the mobile network. The eSIM format allows the Apple Watch Ultra to communicate even without an iPhone nearby. You can also use the connected watch to make calls, chat with FaceTime or even communicate with those around you on WhatsApp.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also focuses particularly on health. A heart rate sensor is included, and can warn when an arrhythmia is detected. Sometimes this can save lives. With this, an alert is sent to you if you stay inside too long or don't move around enough. Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra can be used to track many different types of sports like step or yoga. And by using the paid Apple Fitness+ service, you receive on-demand classes to perfect your skills in different types of physical activity.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs 899 euros. Or 100 euros less than the previous version. Unlike other Apple Watches, the price does not change depending on the configuration.

A fairly limited design

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available with three different types of straps: Alpine buckle, trail buckle, or ocean strap. Three colors are available for each bracelet, so that nine combinations can be created in total. This is much less than what is proposedl’Apple Watch Series 9, with hundreds of different possibilities.

The case of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made of titanium, and is not only water-resistant but also dust-resistant. Moreover, the connected watch is used as a scuba diving computer: the pressure supported is sufficiently high.

Our opinion on the Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an example of the best in connected watches. However, you will have to deal with a fairly imposing forty-five millimeter case, and with limited design options. But the lower price (one hundred euros less) is a real plus, especially at a time of crisis.

With an Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can monitor your physical and emotional health, concerns that are at the heart of current issues. Finally, you should know that integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem is obviously ideal. On the other hand, if you have an Android smartphone, then Wear OS will be much better suited to everyday use.