This time last year I had my new Apple Watch Ultra strapped to my wrist, ready to take on a 15K Tough Mudder obstacle course. Twelve months later, the Watch Ultra has proven to me to be the most complete watch Apple has ever made. And one of the best “smartwatches”.
Over the past week, I’ve exercised, traveled, and slept with the new version of the Apple Watch Ultra to see exactly what’s new from Apple.
But I’ll get straight to the point. If you already own an Apple Watch Ultra, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade to the Ultra 2. But if you’re one of those planning to buy an Apple Watch Ultra for the first time, you won’t be able to do so. better with this model. Here’s why.
A very reasonable price
Given the current economic environment and rising prices, I’m a little surprised that Apple was able to lower the price of the new Watch Ultra 2 in France compared to last year. When you factor in the titanium build, built-in 4G, and sapphire crystal display, the €900 price tag is very reasonable for a high-performance sports watch. This is even more true when comparing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to other high-end GPS sports watches.
As for the new features of the model, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 incorporates a faster S9 processor, a brighter screen, twice the internal storage (64 GB instead of 32 GB) and recycled materials which, one way or another, take nothing away from its qualities as a connected accessory.
WatchOS 10 was released at the same time as the Watch Ultra 2 announcement and made the Apple Watch a joy to use, with new features for the side button and digital crown (Smart Stack), as well as watch faces. spacious and information-rich watch, optimized precisely for the Watch Ultra format.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
More light outside
I naturally placed the Watch Ultra 2 next to my first generation Watch Ultra. And it is practically impossible to distinguish one from the other. After increasing the brightness of both, I could barely tell the difference in standard lighting conditions. For what ? Because Apple uses the same ambient light sensor on both models. But outdoors, that is to say where you will make the most of the Watch Ultra’s technologies, it is obvious that the Ultra 2 is significantly brighter (3,000 nits compared to 2,000 nits).
Before the launch of the Watch Ultra 2, I had some expectations about this new version. And one of my wishes was granted. Indeed, the LED flashlight on Garmin watches is a tool that I use daily. On the Watch Ultra 2, once the flashlight is on, simply turn the digital crown for maximum brightness, allowing the extra nits to be used.
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It still doesn’t beat the Garmin’s LED, but it’s much more practical than last year’s brightness feature for finding things in a dark garage or under a bed, lighting up rooms at night, and finding your way around. the darkness.
Cartography still limited
Mapping is unfortunately still limited on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The most notable change is support for offline maps, provided you have an iPhone running iOS 17. However, the Compass app has also received a subtle but significant update thanks to watchOS 10.
On the Watch Ultra 2, it now shows the last identified cellular network connectable location or SOS call transmission point (possibly via satellite), so you know exactly where to return if you find yourself in an area without connectivity when ‘an outing (for example a hike). The Compass app also lets you mark your campsite, parking spot, and other useful waypoints.
Alongside the Watch Ultra 2, Apple launched new carbon neutral bands. The Boucle Alpine and Boucle Trail Loop bracelets are available in three colors. I had the opportunity to test the gray/green Boucle Loop strap with the Watch Ultra 2, and all I can say is that it is extremely comfortable. I bought my Watch Ultra with an Ocean strap last year, but it’s likely I’ll choose the Loop this time around for its ease of velcro attachment. For more casual outings, this is the ideal bracelet.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Mental health apps welcome
Finally, while I appreciate the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its long battery life, its brighter screen, its extended connectivity and its new bracelets, I am also delighted with the improvement in mental health functionality thanks to the Mindfulness application (Mindfulness). It now occupies a place of choice in my list of apps, and going through these meditation sessions is part of my daily ritual.
I now frequently use the Think and Breathe utilities, which are slowly but surely reducing my stress and proving to be welcome additions to my use of the Apple Watch.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice for the Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will stay on my wrist for a long time, probably until the next version of the watch comes out. Apple’s improvements this year aren’t crazy, but they’re balanced enough to keep the Watch Ultra as the best premium sports watch for enthusiasts.
If you don’t have an Apple Watch Ultra but want to buy one, the Ultra 2 is the best option. If you can live with a dimmer screen and technically slower performance, buying last year’s version isn’t a bad idea either.
For me, the built-in flashlight is a nice tool, as is the faster processor that supports Siri. Apple’s adoption of carbon-free products is also good for the environment.
Source: “ZDNet.com”