There are now two Apple Watch Ultra models available, which are not all that different from each other. There is a big difference between the Apple Watch Ultra models on the one hand and the other Apple Watch models on the other. Of course, the looks are different between the Apple Watch Ultra and the regular Apple Watches, but you can actually do more with it. The Apple Watch Ultra has several functions that you will not find in the regular Apple Watch, mainly intended for people who go out or do active (water) sports.
In this guide you can read about the functions that you will only find on the Apple Watch Ultra models. We do not focus on the other differences, such as the size and material of the cabinet. Read our extensive Apple Watch comparison.
#1 Apple Watch Ultra has a larger and brighter screen
Not necessarily a feature, but a clear distinction: the screen of the Apple Watch Ultra models. At 49mm, it is a lot larger than the other models, making the screen easier to read. Especially if you spend a lot of time outside or actively participate in sports. In those cases, the brighter screen also comes in handy. The first Apple Watch Ultra has a maximum brightness of 2000 nits (compared to 1000 nits on the Apple Watch Series 8 and older), while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a whopping 3000 nits display brightness (compared to 2000 nits on the Apple Watch Series 9).
#2 Action button for easier operation
The Apple Watch Ultra models have a special action button. This button can be found on the left side (or right if you turn the Apple Watch the other way around) and you can use it to perform all kinds of additional actions. Such as immediately starting a favorite workout, running a stopwatch or activating the flashlight. The function is especially useful if, for example, you cannot touch the screen of the Apple Watch due to gloves. But it also makes a difference in everyday use, because you no longer have to manually operate the screen for certain tasks. You can read more about it in our tip about the action button on the Apple Watch Ultra.
#3 Longer battery life
A useful ‘function’ of the Apple Watch Ultra is that you can use it for much longer without having to recharge. If you are very active, do several workouts a day, often go out without an iPhone (thanks to the Cellular connection in the Apple Watch) and also wear it while you sleep, then that extra battery life really makes a difference. The Apple Watch Ultra models have a battery life of up to 36 hours (even up to 72 hours with power saving mode), while the regular Apple Watches only last up to 18 hours (36 hours with power saving mode). In other words: the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra is roughly twice as long.
#4 Apps and features for diving and water sports
The Apple Watch Ultra models have a water resistance of up to 100 meters and are therefore also suitable for water sports. Divers can even use the Apple Watch Ultra underwater thanks to the standard Depth app and the optional Oceanic+ dive computer app. You can dive up to 40 meters recreationally and measure depth, check water temperature and more. The other Apple Watch models only allow you to record swimming workouts, but diving and active water sports are not suitable.
#5 Better GPS for more accurate workouts
Every recent Apple Watch has built-in GPS as standard, which records the route of your workouts. But the Apple Watch Ultra models work with dual-frequency GPS. This GPS works with so-called L1 and L5 frequencies, so your workouts are recorded much more accurately during a run, for example. You will especially notice this in places where GPS reception is poor, for example in heavily built-up cities. In the Netherlands you will never notice that difference very much, because the Netherlands is very flat and has relatively few densely populated high-rise buildings.
#6 Altimeter with longer range
Speaking of high: the Apple Watch Ultra has a better always-on altimeter. This has a range of -500m to 9000 meters, which is ideal for mountain climbers. You can then see exactly what altitude you are on the Apple Watch. With the regular Apple Watch models, the range is 0 to 3000 meters.
#7 Siren for when you’re lost
The Apple Watch Ultra models have a special Siren app thanks to the extra powerful speakers. The siren emits a loud tone of up to 86 decibels, so that you can be heard from afar in a forest or elsewhere in nature, for example. The function is therefore mainly intended for anyone who likes to go into the wilderness, but is afraid of getting lost. This makes it mainly a useful extra, because it is really not a function that you need every day. But if you’re really in need, you’re glad it’s there.
#8 Exclusive dials
Finally, an additional software feature on the Apple Watch Ultra models: the exclusive watch faces. Thanks to the larger screen, there are the exclusive Modular Ultra and Signpost dials. These show more info, even in real time. This way you can adjust the height in real time on the Modular Ultra dial on the sides. These watch faces also have an exclusive night mode on the Apple Watch Ultra, which turns everything red and black. You can have this turned on automatically, based on ambient light, but you can also leave it always turned on.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently the most current model and is available from both Apple and other stores. The first generation Apple Watch Ultra is only available at other retailers. In our Apple Watch comparison you can read what the exact differences are. Also read our article about buying an Apple Watch for the most current prices and models.
Prices Apple Watch Ultra 1
