Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: Peak Performance Meets Premium Design
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn’t just a beefed-up Series 9—it’s a category-defining smartwatch purpose-built for endurance athletes, outdoor explorers, and data-hungry fitness users. Priced at $799, it’s the most rugged and capable Apple Watch ever, blending advanced health tracking with precision GPS, military-grade durability, and powerful training tools.
It features Apple’s brightest display yet (up to 3000 nits), dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for unmatched route accuracy, and a customizable Action button for instant access to workouts, waypoints, or dive mode. With a 36-hour battery (up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode), it finally closes the gap on competitors like Garmin and Coros in the battery game.
What truly sets it apart is its software sophistication. Running watchOS 10, it offers triathlon support, running dynamics, cycling power meter pairing, heart rate zones, and automatic workout transitions. All this while retaining smart features like Siri, on-device dictation, crash detection, offline Apple Maps, and music storage.
But it's not perfect. Battery life still doesn’t touch the multiday endurance of Garmin's top-tier devices. It's iPhone-only, has no native Recovery or Training Load metrics, and leans heavily on third-party apps for advanced planning. Still, for Apple users who train hard and go long, the Ultra 2 is easily the most complete wearable available.
MSRP (when available or best estimate): $799
Price: Check Price on Amazon
✅ Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros
✅ Brightest display ever in an Apple Watch
Up to 3000 nits, ultra-visible in direct sunlight and underwater.
✅ Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5)
Precision tracking for runners, triathletes, hikers, and backcountry explorers.
✅ Rugged, premium build
Aerospace-grade titanium, sapphire crystal, WR100 + EN13319 diving certification.
✅ Customizable Action button
Lets users instantly start workouts, log waypoints, or trigger safety features.
✅ Advanced workout features
Heart rate zones, VO₂ max, triathlon support, running dynamics, and cycling power meter pairing.
✅ Battery life supports endurance use
36 hours of regular use, 72+ hours in Low Power Mode with workout tracking.
✅ Excellent smart feature set
Siri, Apple Pay, crash detection, offline Maps, on-device dictation, and more.
✅ WatchOS app ecosystem
Access to third-party tools like Strava, WorkOutDoors, TrainingPeaks, and Komoot.
❌ Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cons
❌ Premium price at $799
Costs more than many multisport-focused competitors with better battery life.
❌ Still trails Garmin in raw endurance
Battery life, training readiness, and offline mapping aren’t as robust.
❌ iPhone-only
Completely incompatible with Android, limiting its versatility.
❌ No native recovery metrics or training load
Lacks the physiological insight offered by Garmin or Polar.
❌ Heavier than standard Apple Watches
May feel bulky for users with smaller wrists.
❌ Requires extra app setup for full utility
Advanced navigation and planning often rely on third-party apps.
❌ Limited watch face customization
Some users report wanting more flexibility for glanceable data screens.
Smart Features & Core Tech
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Health & Wellness Sensors
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes equipped with Apple’s most advanced sensor suite yet. It includes a second-gen optical heart sensor, skin temperature sensing (for sleep and cycle tracking), a blood oxygen sensor, ECG capabilities, and continuous background SpO₂ monitoring. These tools offer a full range of wellness insights, from heart rate trends and variability to respiratory rate and menstrual cycle tracking.
It also includes a depth gauge with water temperature readings and dive certification to 40 meters—making it one of the only mainstream smartwatches usable for recreational diving. Skin temperature tracking works overnight, and is primarily used for wellness correlations, not real-time feedback.
For those focused on safety and health emergencies, the Ultra 2 supports fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS, as well as high/low heart rate and irregular rhythm notifications.
Smart Health Insights
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports heart rate zones, VO₂ max estimation, cardio fitness levels, and training feedback via the Workout app. New to watchOS 10, it now includes metrics like vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time, and running power natively.
However, it lacks true native features for training load, recovery time, or HRV-based readiness scoring—metrics common in Garmin and Polar ecosystems. These can be added via third-party apps like Training Today, Athlytic, or HRV4Training, but it’s not out-of-the-box.
It’s a powerful fitness companion, especially for athletes who want detailed run or ride data, but it’s best suited to users comfortable curating their insights from multiple sources.
Voice Assistant & Productivity Features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features on-device Siri with enhanced capabilities in watchOS 10. Thanks to the new S9 SiP chip, Siri requests are processed locally, which speeds up commands and reduces dependence on internet connections for tasks like starting workouts or checking health data.
You can dictate messages, control smart home devices, ask for weather updates, and set reminders—all with fast, responsive voice recognition. It’s one of the best voice assistant experiences in any smartwatch.
The Ultra 2 also supports full phone call handling, dictation, walkie-talkie mode, calendar access, Apple Pay, email previews, and smart notifications. No third-party assistant options (like Alexa or Google Assistant) are available.
Display & UX Enhancements
The 1.92" LTPO OLED Retina display is Apple’s brightest ever at up to 3000 nits. It’s sharp, fast, and legible in any lighting condition—including full sun, underwater, or night mode. Touch response is instant, and UI navigation is fluid thanks to the new S9 chip.
The Action button adds a tactile shortcut to key features: start a workout, activate the siren, launch a dive, or drop a waypoint. You can even customize it per app.
watchOS 10 brings redesigned app layouts and Smart Stack widgets, giving you fast access to contextual information like weather, calendar events, or fitness metrics. It’s a clean, intuitive interface tailored for active users.
Additional Tools & Bonuses
Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a host of extra features that enhance its fitness and adventure appeal:
- Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) with advanced route mapping and backtrack
- 86-decibel emergency siren for outdoor safety
- Offline Apple Maps (in select regions) and elevation-aware navigation
- Customizable watch faces with real-time data fields
- Water resistance to 100 meters and WR100 rating
- Up to 64GB storage for music, maps, and apps
- Native cycling power meter and cadence sensor support
- 36-hour battery life (up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode)
- On-device dictation, crash detection, and car crash auto-alerting
Performance & User Experience
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Health & Fitness Accuracy
When it comes to fitness tracking accuracy, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is among the best in the smartwatch category. Its dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) significantly improves route precision—especially in urban canyons, dense forests, or mountainous terrain. Compared to Garmin's multiband systems, the Ultra 2 performs on par in most real-world scenarios, often with less satellite drift than earlier Apple models.
Heart rate tracking is also top-tier. During steady-state activities like running or cycling, it delivers highly consistent readings. Independent testers have shown that the Ultra 2 closely matches chest strap monitors in both HR averages and variability, though—as with all wrist-based devices—accuracy dips slightly during rapid HIIT changes or heavy resistance training.
Apple’s native metrics like heart rate zones, VO₂ max, and running dynamics (stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time) are a welcome addition for runners. While they don’t reach the coaching depth of Garmin or Polar ecosystems, they’re accurate and useful, especially when paired with third-party apps like Athlytic or WorkOutDoors.
Sleep tracking has improved with watchOS 10 but still trails Fitbit and Oura in terms of granularity. You get time in bed, sleep stages, and trends, but no sleep score or recovery readiness. Skin temperature, SpO₂, and HRV tracking are passive—visible in the Health app, but not actively interpreted by Apple’s software.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is more accurate than ever—but users seeking in-depth physiological insights will still need to supplement it with third-party apps or external sensors for the full picture.
Notifications & App Integration
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers one of the best notification experiences available on any smartwatch. You can receive, read, and interact with messages, calls, emails, app alerts, and calendar events—either by voice, preset replies, or dictation. Whether you're running, climbing, or in a meeting, it keeps you seamlessly connected.
On-device dictation is fast and reliable thanks to the S9 chip and on-board Siri, allowing for quick responses without your phone. iMessage, WhatsApp, Slack, and Gmail all integrate well, with full notification previews and support for smart replies. You can even answer calls directly through the watch, thanks to its built-in mic and speaker.
Integration with Apple’s broader ecosystem is a huge strength. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 syncs effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and works with apps like Apple Maps, Calendar, Reminders, and HomeKit. It also supports Find My, Wallet, and Apple Pay.
While Android compatibility is nonexistent (as expected), iOS users benefit from tight, reliable sync across all Apple devices. Third-party app support is extensive through the App Store, including fitness apps like Strava, WorkOutDoors, Komoot, and TrainingPeaks.
In short, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 nails the basics and then some. It’s one of the few rugged fitness watches that doesn’t compromise on smart notifications—giving it a real edge over competitors in usability.
Smart Assistant & Voice Control
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features on-device Siri with upgraded speed and functionality, thanks to the S9 SiP chip. Unlike previous versions that relied on cloud processing, the Ultra 2 processes many Siri requests locally—meaning you can set timers, start workouts, log health data, or send texts even when you're away from your phone or Wi-Fi.
Voice dictation is also much faster and more accurate than on older Apple Watch models. You can reply to messages, control HomeKit devices, launch apps, or ask for weather updates directly from the watch. Siri also handles queries like “Start an outdoor run” or “What’s my heart rate?” with little to no lag.
This is especially helpful for fitness users who need hands-free interaction mid-workout or while wearing gloves. For example, you can start a cycling session or activate navigation simply by saying it—no need to swipe or scroll through menus.
That said, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not support third-party voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa. If you're not already part of the Apple ecosystem, this may feel limiting. But for iPhone users, it’s among the most fluid and powerful voice implementations available in any fitness wearable.
Between Siri, offline processing, and seamless speech-to-text, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sets the standard for voice-enabled productivity in a rugged fitness smartwatch.
Battery Life
Battery life has long been Apple’s Achilles' heel in the fitness watch space—but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a significant step forward. Apple claims up to **36 hours of standard use** and **up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode**, and in most real-world scenarios, it delivers.
With all-day heart rate monitoring, GPS workouts, notifications, and the always-on display enabled, most users report 2–2.5 days between charges. That may not sound revolutionary compared to Garmin or Coros, but it’s more than double the runtime of a standard Apple Watch Series 9.
Low Power Mode further extends life by limiting background tasks while maintaining GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring during workouts. In long events or multi-day adventures, it’s enough to get through without a recharge—as long as you're mindful of screen usage and connectivity.
Charging is fast, too. Using the included USB-C magnetic cable, you can go from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes and hit 100% in roughly 75–90 minutes. This is crucial for athletes who want to top off the device quickly before heading out again.
While it can’t yet match the weeklong stamina of dedicated multisport watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 closes the gap enough to be viable for most endurance users—especially those training for marathons, triathlons, or hiking weekends.
Comfort & Design
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 strikes a balance between ruggedness and comfort. It’s larger than a typical smartwatch at 49mm, but surprisingly wearable thanks to its contoured titanium case, lightweight materials (61.4g), and smooth, ergonomic edges.
Users with smaller wrists may find it slightly bulky, especially compared to a standard Apple Watch. However, for those used to sport watches like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Coros Vertix 2, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 actually feels more refined and manageable.
The Digital Crown is larger and textured for glove-friendly use, and the raised edge helps protect the sapphire crystal display from bumps. The Action button is tactile and customizable, allowing users to instantly start a workout or log a waypoint with one press—especially useful during trail runs, open water swims, or interval training.
Apple’s strap ecosystem also shines here. The Ultra 2 ships with one of three adventure-ready bands: the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, or Ocean Band. Each is tailored for a specific use case, and the quick-swap design means you can easily switch between them for training, daily wear, or diving.
Visually, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is distinctive. The flat screen, exposed crown, and bold lines give it a purposeful, technical aesthetic. It’s not subtle—but for many users, that’s part of the appeal. This is a watch that looks like it’s ready for anything, because it is.
Companion App & Ecosystem
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. All health, fitness, and activity data are synced through the Apple Health and Fitness apps—both of which have improved dramatically over recent watchOS and iOS updates.
The Fitness app delivers a daily Activity ring summary, workout history, heart rate zones, and awards for milestones. It’s clean and intuitive, ideal for users who want at-a-glance progress without diving into spreadsheets. For deeper data, the Health app captures trends in sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), SpO₂, skin temperature, and more—although interpretation is still fairly limited unless supplemented with third-party tools.
Unlike Garmin or Polar, Apple doesn't natively offer training load, recovery time, or readiness scores. However, apps like Athlytic, Training Today, Zones, and HRV4Training fill this gap and integrate directly with Apple Health. For navigation and route planning, WorkOutDoors, Komoot, and Gaia GPS offer excellent compatibility.
The App Store is also a huge advantage. No other smartwatch ecosystem matches Apple’s app variety and developer support. You can download everything from interval timers and diving logs to hiking maps, workout planners, and even guided breathing sessions.
That said, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is completely iPhone-dependent. There’s no Android compatibility, and setup, syncing, and updates all require an Apple device. But for iPhone users, this is the most flexible, well-integrated smartwatch ecosystem available—especially for those who want a performance-focused tool without giving up lifestyle features.
Final Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most capable, rugged, and fitness-focused smartwatch to date—and it shows. From its blisteringly bright display and dual-frequency GPS to its dive-grade durability and precise training metrics, it checks nearly every box for endurance athletes, outdoor explorers, and data-conscious fitness users.
Is it perfect? Not quite. Native training load, recovery scores, and detailed physiological feedback still lag behind Garmin and Polar. Battery life, while massively improved, won’t last through a multi-day trail race without power-saving tweaks. And at $799, it sits firmly in premium territory.
But if you're an iPhone user who trains seriously—and wants a watch that performs in the wild but still nails lifestyle features like calls, messaging, voice dictation, and third-party apps—the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is unmatched. It bridges the gap between rugged performance watch and all-day smartwatch in a way no other device can.
Yes, it’s bold. Yes, it’s big. But for many, it’s exactly what a top-tier fitness wearable should be.
FAQ
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 work with Android phones?
No. Like all Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 is only compatible with iPhones. You need an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 17 or newer to use it.
What is the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Up to 36 hours with typical use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Expect around 2–2.5 days in real-world conditions with full features enabled.
Is the Ultra 2 suitable for swimming and diving?
Yes. It is water resistant to 100 meters and certified to EN13319 for recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters. It also includes a depth gauge and a built-in Dive app.
Can it track triathlons or multisport events?
Absolutely. The Workout app supports triathlon mode with automatic transitions, and the Action button can be used to switch activities on the fly.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 support recovery or training readiness scores?
Not natively. You’ll need third-party apps like Training Today, Athlytic, or HRV4Training to estimate recovery or readiness metrics.
What GPS technology does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 use?
It features dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for enhanced location accuracy, especially in dense urban or mountainous areas.
Is Siri usable without an internet connection?
Yes. Thanks to on-device processing via the S9 chip, many Siri tasks—like setting timers, starting workouts, or checking health data—work offline.
Can I download maps or use offline navigation?
Yes, Apple Maps offers offline functionality (in iOS 17+), and third-party apps like WorkOutDoors or Komoot provide more robust topographic and route planning tools.
Additional Information
Apple Watch Series 10 Review Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review Apple AirPods Max ReviewThis review is based on research, expert analysis, and user feedback. AI Reviews HQ does not conduct hands-on product testing. We may earn a commission from the links in this review. We do our best to provide accurate product details, however AI is not perfect and may make some mistakes in research. Please double-check with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.