Is the Apple Watch Ultra Worth It?
Apple's adventurous Watch may look radical, but its biggest benefits are a larger, brighter display and longer battery life
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The Apple Watch Ultra is the most radical reimagining of the Apple Watch since the original model launched in 2015. But while it looks and feels different, once you get it on your wrist, the device actually works very much like other Apple Watches. So do you need to buy one?
The Ultra does have some new tricks. If you read Apple’s adrenalized marketing materials, the model seems to be targeted at hard-core athletes (and those who aspire to be), with adventure-minded features like an 86-decibel siren for backcountry rescues and a built-in scuba dive computer.
Photo: Apple Photo: Apple
Notable Features
- Action button: A new, large orange button can be customized to start different functions, from compass waypoints to beginning a cardio workout without the normal 3-2-1 countdown.
- 86-decibel siren: In an emergency, the Ultra can activate a very loud siren that alternates between a generic-sounding distress signal and the universal SOS message.
- Improved mic array: The Ultra has three mics, plus a noise-suppressing algorithm that’s designed to improve call quality in noisy situations, whether you’re on a windswept ridge high in the Rockies or just a noisy train platform.
- Backtrack: This feature automatically begins dropping digital breadcrumbs when you start a hike or a ride and you’re off the Apple Maps grid.
- Temperature sensors: The Watch Ultra has the same skin temperature sensors as the Series 8, which is used to help the Period Tracker app estimate when ovulation has occurred, and refine predictions of your next period.
- High g-force sensor: Apple says that, like its Series 8 Watches, the Ultra can detect when you’re in an auto accident and, if necessary, call for help. Like previous Apple watches the Ultra also has lower-force sensors designed to detect falls while you’re walking, running, or cycling.
