The Apple Watch Ultra was originally introduced last year, and today, Apple is updating the Ultra for the very first time. Dubbed the “Apple Watch Ultra 2,” it features all of the improvements that you’ll find on the Series 9 but also brings a lot more enhancements to the table.
Performance and Ultra Wideband
Just like the Series 9 that was also introduced today, the Ultra 2 features the same all-new S9 SiP that allows faster machine learning processing, on-device Siri, and a new intuitive double-tap gesture that’s coming in a later software update. The double-tap feature will give users instant access to several common actions on Apple Watch such as answering a call or playing your music. Additionally, the Ultra 2 features the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which enables Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and tighter HomePod integration.
Display
The display on the Ultra 2 can now get up to 3,000 nits of brightness, which is 1,000 nits more than on the original model at 2,000 nits, so everything can be easier to read even in the harshest sunlight. Additionally, with the built-in ambient light sensor, the display can automatically activate night mode and dim down to just one nit for dark nights and early mornings. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also features an all-new watch face called “Ultra Modular,” which takes full advantage of the massive display by showing real-time data on the outermost edges (pictured below), and watchOS 10 brings even more watch faces such as Solar Analog and Nike Globe.
Made for Extremes
Thanks to the rugged titanium design, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for adventurers who take on the extremes, whether it’s diving up to 500 meters below sea level or climbing peaks up to 9,000 meters above sea level. For underwater activities, the updated Oceanic+ app now enables freediving and the built-in Depth app now saves a log for each session.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Environment
As part of Apple’s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2030, the Ultra 2 now uses 95% recycled titanium, compared with no recycled titanium in the original model. Both the Trail Loop and Alpine Loop bands are now carbon-neutral, so when paired with either of those bands, Ultra 2 is one of Apple’s first carbon-neutral products.
Lineup, Pricing & Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available in a 49 mm natural titanium case. All of the bands that you can configure come in all-new colors:
- Alpine Loop – blue, indigo, olive
- Trail Loop – orange/beige, green/gray, blue/black
- Ocean Band – blue, orange
Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799. Just like the Series 9, the Ultra 2 features 64 GB of onboard storage. Orders for the Ultra 2 start today, and it will be available on September 22. watchOS 10 will also be available to the public on September 18 for Apple Watch Series 4 or later when paired with an iOS 17 device.
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