This has to be the most complete Ultra review out there who actually does the sports as well as understanding the tech, which most couch tech’s reviewers fall short.
The Ultra 2 is probably not worth the upgrade from an Ultra 1, but it's definitely a sweeter deal for people who were interested in the Ultra 1 and were holding out.
I feel all the new features on the new ultra 2 would work with a software update on the ultra 1 like the clock screen update 🤣 that was in the latest update
@@Dcrainmaker 14:05 whats the software you used to get the line chart for HR? I am a crossfitter and I would like to see the entire time line of my HR during WODS. Thank YOU!
We got the same watch with minor changes that no one asked for. The lack of significant improvement in battery life is a huge gift from Apple to Garmin, which has gained an extra year to introduce esim cards and further improvements to epix and fenix
Damn, still no cellular on the fenix 8. Not many huge changes either. I’m thinking the ultra 3 and watch x won’t have big changes based on the garmin having not too many but I hope im wrong
Read my post. Garmin cannot save your life - Ultra just did for me. Battery life is not as important as real life. (This is not a HR range that even a Fitbit can do, this is AF - a real life issue that will kill you). I considered Garmin, wont ever change now (guess why the Ultra has shorter battery life? It is monitoring 24/7 to protect you. Go with Garmin at your peril. I don't have a heart issue, I had a virus)
The Garmin app doesn’t work without cellular. It’s just totally blank. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily.
I charge the battery every four days. I have the brightness of the screen set to about 2000 nits and the AOD always on. All health functions are on and I cycle indoors twice a day. I also use the watch with Apple car play and to read messages and emails, and occasionally if I don't have the phone at hand I make calls with it. I bought the straps from Ali Express and the screen protectors too. This year I bought the Samsung 6 and the 6 Classic, the Huawei GT4 and the Huawei 4 Pro, the Garmin Venu 3, but the Apple watch Ultra 2 is really the best watch I have tested this year..
I live in Alaska. We have winter for 9 months. The spec’s state the watch is only operational on wrist if temperatures are -4 to 130. For 800$ the watch probably doesn’t work for 4-5 months for me.
Got a Series 4, battery is not great now and have been thinking of upgrading and just taken the plunge with a Ultra 2. Apart from walking the dog, not a major outdoors (or fitness in general type), but the battery, sapphire screen (lots of micro scratches on my current one) and larger screen has won it for me. Should feel like a very nice upgrade :) Update, had the Ultra 2 for a couple of weeks now and it’s a huge upgrade. Love it :)
Also have the 4 and the battery life alone makes the Ultras sound worth it. But is the extra $300-$400 you’d have to pay for the Ultra 2 versus the Ultra 1 really worth it? Especially when the Ultra 2 upgrades are more for fitness and you stated you’re not of that type?
I have a Garmin watch, and I hate that the app doesn’t work without cellular. It’s just totally blank. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily… :(
Not true! I have watch tan lines on both wrists. I wear either my Apple Watch Series 10 or my Apple Watch Ultra on my left wrist, and then my Agelocer flying tourbillon skeletonized watch on my right wrist. I love the incredible functionality of the Apple Watch, but also love the look and motion of a more traditional watch. I didn’t want to have to decide, so I wear both! I collect watches (among other things), so I have a nice little collection. That way I can switch off whenever I have the urge.
I think I’ve figured out what Apple is trying to do with the AWU - create the ultimate sports watch, but also the ultimate watch for everyone. I want to buy it so badly, but I don’t know if I can give up my Fenix 7X just yet..
Be interesting to find out if wearing gloves interferes with double-tap. Very useful for my work and cold environments. The latest IOS has solved some problems I have had on my series 7. I am thinking of going Ultra and then using my 7 for sleeping until the battery is done.
It should work as it’s detecting the slight movements through the accelerometer as the fingers tap. You can test the feature in the accessibility settings on your series 7
I've been using the cycling workout app on my Ultra 1 since last year. I love the HRM and GPS accuracy, but the auto-pause feature was never great (~5 sec delay). Auto-pause is worse now with Watch OS 10. I'm getting delays of 10 seconds on average. Then it restarts with any slight movement. Not good. Apple needs to add a user selected speed (like 5 kph) to initiate auto-pause.
My son is a contractor and loves his. Wears it all day and used to use the protective screen with it. After the 3rd one broke, he didn't replace it. I'm a larger guy and I'm curious if they're as tough as they seem. I do tech appliance repair work sometimes and my hand gets into tight places with a lot of metal edges. I worry about breaking the face. Would love to hear from active people how their watches are holding up?
We still have not seen the full on commitment to make the watch independent from the phone. With all connections and downloads on the watch without the need for the phone. There are plenty of people who want to leave the phone behind them and fully move to wrist displays and controls but we're not there yet. Phones will be used as the computer where we use them for more advanced editing and watching and editing videos etc
Also note that in order for sleep tracking you work you have to set your bed time. It will NOT TRACK SLEEP AUTOMATICALLY. You can also manually trigger it by turning on "sleep" in the focus widget on the watch
@@DcrainmakerAnd if you fall asleep at 11pm, you "lose" an hour of sleep, right? I put it in Sleep manually every night, considering that I need my phone and my watch to turn off the display in a darkened room. It seems so easy that I wonder why people bother with setting a bedtime.
@@burjoes Sorry, just to be clear, the setting of the bedtime is more of a silly background thingy. It doesn't impact tracking of sleep once enabled once. So if you fall asleep earlier, it'll still track just fine.
@@burjoes The sleep setting is merely a one-time configuration thing, where basically you tell the watch the daily schedule for when to go into the sleep mode (for backlight savings). It doesn't have anything to do with the actual detection of sleep itself. You can manually enable or disable sleep mode (for the backlight), whenever you want, but it will still track nightly sleeps either way.
They should just add some LEDs on the case for a better actual flashlight instead of relying on the screen brightness, its geared tword “outdoors” but everyone could use a flashlight on their wrist
4:27 if you asked it to CONVERT 3800metres to yards would that work? I’ve noted that how you structure the query can improve your results. Sometimes it’s not intuitive ie hey Siri what is 45 take 30 (sometimes works) vs hey Siri what is 45 subtract 30… which usually works.
@@Dcrainmaker okay cool. Still comment applies elsewhere in Apple eco system. It’s very frustrating at times when ‘she’ doesn’t play nice. Thoughts on Apple Watch vs a dedicated unit like Garmin forerunner for cycling/ walking. I have a edge 1030 too.. Do you have a review somewhere looking at dedicated sport computer vs “fashion” watches. Ps. I don’t follow regularly but do find your stuff most concise when I’m looking for a computer etc ie the 1030.
Love how thorough & informative you are with what you presented. You got a new sub! I desperately want the AW Ultra 2, but I’m super disappointed they don’t offer it in black/space grey. If they did I would have pre-ordered. Fingers crossed they add some colour options ASAP.
From someone that just switched to IPhone 15 PM and works out 4-6 times a week excluding swimming or hikes , is it worth getting the Ultra 2 , it also looks so cool , was deciding between series 9 45mm aluminum or Ultra 2 . Any feedback is appreciated .
If you have neither would the 2 be the way you go or catch the 1 on sake or just go with a Garmin? I want to get one for overall fitness tracking and some outdoor activities.
Outside of the fitness functions, the feature most important to me is the vibrating alarm. I’ve gotten used to auditory alarms and will sleep through them. I realized that vibrating alarms have existed for the deaf community. I could never go back now.
Great detailed review. Why ppl don't wait for the Ultra 3 when features are yet to be available for Ultra 2 is beyond me. The Ultra should be a 2 hr cycle. Let the regular watch be yearly
It should be more than a two-year cycle. There’s not much more that can be added. The ultra 1 is light years ahead of the regular Apple Watch. This new ultra is basically the same with a little bit faster chip, nothing with “sustenance”
I use a power wheelchair, wish there was an option to shut off the steps while in my power wheelchair but able to turn on when using my walker. It says I did over 1,000 steps yesterday pretty good for a high functioning quadriplegic 😂
1) I have a feeling the ultra 2 batter will last longer than ultra 1 just due to watchos 10 and we have yet to realize it. 2) On device siri is enough for me. I often want to speak into my phone like to start a workout and current siri is too high latency.
Thought about getting a Garmin to train for running but I went with the Ultra 2 and have no regrets! Honestly who needs a 20 day battery? I take my watch off when I sleep and charge my watch at night. I’m not doing a 5 day hike in the woods. I download music to it from Spotify, throw on my AirPods and off I run without the bulkiness of my iPhone..I absolutely love it!
Exactly! And let’s not forget, that the Garmin app doesn’t work without cellular. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily.
My problem with apple watch for monitoring resting HR and HRV is that... data it provides is indeed consistent, but almost useless, because of the method it uses.
I’m ex military and do a lot of hiking in areas were cellular is limited. Between the tactix 7, and ultra 2 which have u found to have better sat ability’s? Also do you like the maps in the apple or Garmin better? Have u found any other watches that you could recommend that can hang with these two? Like fenix 7 or epix pro gen 2?
I as well want to know this info. Apple Maps is definitely more user friendly but my tactix delta has gotten me out of some ish. Definitely want to know how good gps is on this. Hope someone responds.
@@lima4282 ok so I’ve recently bought the new Epix gen 2 51mm sapphire. Mainly for the battery life Amolte high resolution screen. Now I’ve found the new mapping system paired with the Garmin explore mapping app to be by fare the best most accurate and easiest duo to use! The ability to follow trails and make your own trails is superior to the tactics and fenix. Not to mention better than suunto and kills the apple programs.
Great video. I would really love to see an athlete like yourself do a video on how they would use this watch as a fitness watch for different sports like running, hiking, biking, swimming, alpine touring, etc. Like, which apps are almost a requirement and how do you use them? How would you aggregate all the activities, etc. Any plans to create something like that?
The apple watch is a very beautiful watch both aesthetically and its functionality. However, l still prefer the Garmin Epix or Fenix because in my eyes the apple watch looks more like a gadget rather than a sport instrument.
I have an old Apple Watch 6 I think it is. I’m wondering if the 2 is worth it now? Or should I wait til whenever the 3 is out? I like that it has a titanium casing and other things like that like the iPhone 15 pro that I got recently
Hi DC, thank you as always for a very well made informative video. I have been a long term garmin user and currently use the 965 for tracking all my activities such as - strength training, yoga, running, cycling. Along with my recovery metrics such as sleep, body battery, HRV, training readiness. These recovery metrics i beleive are very important. From my understanding the Apple watch doesnt have these metrics, even though its heart rate tracking is superior to that of Garmin. Would you say having the Garmin with slightly less accurate heart rate tracking but better metrics is a good trade off ? is it possible to get recovery metrics on the apple watches? thank you.
Battery life is still an issue. My Coros Vertix 2 will last for a month (which is admittedly way more than I need), but I’d need an Apple Watch to last at least 4 days, hopefully a week on a single charge before I consider going back to it. 36 hours only is deal breaker.
Bingo ! At least 4 days (with always on and normal exercise routines) and ideally at least a week. After using watches like the Garmin Epix 51mm etc., which last for around a month, I have no desire to go back to the daily charging routine with the Apple Watch. I had high hopes when they came out with the Ultra-2, but on the battery life front, they did not move at all.
@@rgmALC Exactly. I don’t need a full month in the backcountry, but I do need more than a day or two of GPS workout battery life on one charge. He even mentioned that on a full day workout it will use nearly all the battery in a single day. That doesn’t work for me.
@@marcushecht there’s a give and take. Yeah my Garmins had better battery life, but day to day stuff my Ultra blows them away - in terms of day to day stuff. If I do overnighter’s, I have to charge it, but I have a battery bank anyways. The Ultra has a Ferrari engine for what it does and does NOT sip battery. Garmins really don’t do that much other than HR, barometer, accelerometer and so on. They can sip on battery with a super slow CPU
WatchOS 10 kills the battery on my ultra. It was charged to 94% @ 12pm, and I just got home and put it on the charger @ 35%, and my usage hasn’t changed. In fact I normally track a 3 mile walk to and from work, and today I didn’t, and the battery life still sucked. With tracking my walks I would normally get home from work with around 67-72% battery remaining. Like I said, I did less on my watch today and the battery just catered since 12pm, and the graph in the battery setting reflects that. Hope Apple puts out an update to fix that. Longer battery life is one of the two main reasons why I paid so much for the ultra, which I had to save up for three months to afford. Just putting my experience out there for anyone who is contemplating updating their watch. I love the update, but the battery issue makes me wish I had waited to update.
How are the swimming capabilities for pool and open water? Im a triathlete so swimming functionality and structured workouts have me on the edge between this and say the garmin fenix
Guessing the new S9 chip should allow updates a bit longer into the future than watches with the S8 chip - I like the 64 GB storage upgrade since I want to load all my music and podcasts onto the U2 - in the gym I don’t carry my iPhone with me. Glad I upgraded to the U2 from my series 7 - trade in and 3% cash back, and no sales tax made this workable for me.
I really want to like my ultra 2 but I am not loving Apple health app for data. I was hoping to stop using my whoop but their app is so much better for comparison and recovery. And, this is probably nit-picky but I love whoops auto detect workouts, it’s so accurate… I just feel like that’s all something Apple should be able to do.
Tour de Mont Blanc trail, specifically on the section approaching Couremayer if doing the circuit, coming from France (versus coming into town from Switzerland).
I would love to see your comparison between ultra 2 and epix gen 2. I am in between this choice. I love ultra 2 design and functionality but the battery life keep me away. Epix 2 has the best battery life and map that I need but thr design somehow for me looks not that stylish
My series 4 started freaking out Friday and calling 911 on it own, I reset it and it wouldn’t come back to life. Ordered an ultra 2 today and put my 4 on the charger to see what happened and it started working just fine.🙄
So might be a long shot but do you think that Apple would make a wear profile that accommodates people who wear a watch with the face of it on the inside of their wrist? I’ve tried wearing every type of watch “normally” from my Suunto to my various Apple Watches including the Ultras and it just doesn’t feel right.
How do you know the in-sleep portion of sleep tracking is not that accurate? What is the reference you are using? I have also been watching videos from the Quantified Scientist, and there, Apple watches are the top devices there concerning sleep tracking.
You can simply go read the studies on the devices used. The Dreem device he primarily uses 83% accurate, per published studies on it. If he's using other device, scoring tends to top-out in the 86% range.
Did you happen to check the accuracy for of finding watch via findmy? Is it more precise than the non dual frequency GPS Apple watches? AKA leveraging the dual frequency chips?
Where did you pick up the Western Force shirt! Thats my homeown rugby team - i have a few friends who play/ have played for the force. Just a surprising thing to see!
Years ago I would spend my winters in Perth. I went for a run with a DC Rainmaker reader/subscriber, and he happened to give me the shirt. Love it, still wear it out on runs. Maybe even today!
The fact that Apple will buy back your ultra 1 for $360 now on a trade in really makes the simple upgrades in battery and memory and NITS of 3000 worth it . Plus you get a new. battery and a better chip. This is a simple decision to upgrade.
Love your real world reviews! I know I can count on you to test this thing... Question, is it too big (heavy) and bulky compared to the Series 9 or a Garmin forerunner 255?
After switching from Garmin to Apple due to the resilience promised by the Apple Watch Ultra, I encountered a disappointing issue with the heart rate sensor malfunctioning just a few months post the expiration of its standard warranty. This problem is particularly concerning given the watch's marketing as a durable device for intensive outdoor activities. I had anticipated that the Apple Watch Ultra would offer unmatched reliability for my needs, and this experience has led me to reassess my expectations from Apple. I am now reaching out to Apple Support in hopes of finding a resolution to this issue, despite the warranty period having ended, expecting that the quality and customer service associated with Apple will provide a satisfactory resolution.
Recently took a light step into the world of Garmin with the budget Forerunner 55 and it does MOST THINGS and does them well. Cannot see the value in the AWU when the Fenix 7 is half the price here in Australia. Screen on my Forerunner 55 the main thing that makes it feel budget - otherwise just a fraction of the price and very comfortable. Would consider the S9 Apple Watch but the battery life... I just can't charge each day
Cellular calling with the AW is the main thing I miss. I have a Fenix 7Pro SS, trying to ditch my phone usage, having a device you call with in reach is something Garmin still hasnt widely adopted..
Hi my friend! how r u? can u tell me if the displays goes to 3000 nits just when the torch is on, or always when u put the maximum brightness? and than, by video i dont really understand the difference between the 2 displays...u, having both in your hands, can u say if is so evident the differnce of btightness? thanks a lot!
I currently have series 6, and have been thinking to get ultra 2. Also I have 12 pro, and I wanna upgrade to 15 pro max. I'm not sure which one to get first, I cant afford upgrading both at once.
You do need an iPhone for the Apple Watch. There are a few very limited scenarios around kids & grandparents where you can have a tethered account on someone else's phone, but that's really meant more as a dependent scnario.
@@Dcrainmaker man that kinda blows. I'm so over the iPhone right now. Wish you could just have an android device and use the Ultra Watch as well. It's the best overall smartwatch hands down right now. Been through the gauntlet off android wearables and the Ultra is where it's at right now. Too it's tethered to a smart phone. Kinda nuts considering they have their own cellular
This has to be the most complete Ultra review out there who actually does the sports as well as understanding the tech, which most couch tech’s reviewers fall short.
Thanks man, nice to see a review that doesn't feel like an Apple ad 👏
Thanks - much appreciated!!
The Ultra 2 is probably not worth the upgrade from an Ultra 1, but it's definitely a sweeter deal for people who were interested in the Ultra 1 and were holding out.
I bought used ultra 1 after ultra 2 release. I am super satisfied, in full sun light while surfing the screen was clearly visible.
Its a free upgrade with my UK service provider so I will upgrade from my ultra 1 and get a new watch band
I feel all the new features on the new ultra 2 would work with a software update on the ultra 1 like the clock screen update 🤣 that was in the latest update
Questionable if the Ultra is worth the price in the first place. Maybe for divers I would say.
Do you hear a wetsuit?!... If so you use it under or on top?.. Isn't to bulkit to wear it if wetsuit?@@przemysawmarciniec5180
Thank you for exercising like a madman to actually show us the accuracy of so many of these features as they're being added to Apple Watch! Big up!
Thanks!
exercising is the reward ;)
@@Dcrainmaker 14:05 whats the software you used to get the line chart for HR? I am a crossfitter and I would like to see the entire time line of my HR during WODS. Thank YOU!
We got the same watch with minor changes that no one asked for. The lack of significant improvement in battery life is a huge gift from Apple to Garmin, which has gained an extra year to introduce esim cards and further improvements to epix and fenix
If I was an active sportperson I would probably have picked the Garmin, but for me and 95% of the population, the Ultra is the better buy.
Damn, still no cellular on the fenix 8. Not many huge changes either. I’m thinking the ultra 3 and watch x won’t have big changes based on the garmin having not too many but I hope im wrong
Read my post. Garmin cannot save your life - Ultra just did for me. Battery life is not as important as real life. (This is not a HR range that even a Fitbit can do, this is AF - a real life issue that will kill you). I considered Garmin, wont ever change now (guess why the Ultra has shorter battery life? It is monitoring 24/7 to protect you. Go with Garmin at your peril. I don't have a heart issue, I had a virus)
The Garmin app doesn’t work without cellular. It’s just totally blank. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily.
Body temperature also helps to verify whether or not a patient is asleep as well as which sleep stage they may be in
I have a series 6 watch. I just ordered the Ultra 2, mainly for the battery life.
I really hate the increasing number of features being marketed but not yet available year over year.
It would be a little ridiculous to have a huge feature dump only once per year, with nothing in between.
@@mattmcmullen8244why?
This comment aged very well lol
I charge the battery every four days. I have the brightness of the screen set to about 2000 nits and the AOD always on. All health functions are on and I cycle indoors twice a day. I also use the watch with Apple car play and to read messages and emails, and occasionally if I don't have the phone at hand I make calls with it. I bought the straps from Ali Express and the screen protectors too. This year I bought the Samsung 6 and the 6 Classic, the Huawei GT4 and the Huawei 4 Pro, the Garmin Venu 3, but the Apple watch Ultra 2 is really the best watch I have tested this year..
I live in Alaska. We have winter for 9 months. The spec’s state the watch is only operational on wrist if temperatures are -4 to 130. For 800$ the watch probably doesn’t work for 4-5 months for me.
Upgrading from a series 4 to Ultra 2 (arriving tomorrow). Thanks for the video. Wonder was radar support mentioned at the Wanderlust event?
Oooh, that's a good question. But I think the radars rely on the ANT+ radar implementation.
Man I don't know how people get theirs so fast. I ordered mine today upgrading from Series 6. It won't ship until tomorrow-oct 6th.
Got a Series 4, battery is not great now and have been thinking of upgrading and just taken the plunge with a Ultra 2. Apart from walking the dog, not a major outdoors (or fitness in general type), but the battery, sapphire screen (lots of micro scratches on my current one) and larger screen has won it for me. Should feel like a very nice upgrade :)
Update, had the Ultra 2 for a couple of weeks now and it’s a huge upgrade. Love it :)
I’m about to do this upgrade too!
Enjoy :)@@xKILLAxCAMx
@@xKILLAxCAMxwas it worth it?
Also have the 4 and the battery life alone makes the Ultras sound worth it. But is the extra $300-$400 you’d have to pay for the Ultra 2 versus the Ultra 1 really worth it? Especially when the Ultra 2 upgrades are more for fitness and you stated you’re not of that type?
@@RizzMafia_got mine on contract from my phone provider so 2 was the only option. If I was buying outright I’d have got the 1 and saved some money.
with cell data ,can you use the watch to run amazon music to the apple AirPods Pros without lugging your phone around the gym?
Jumped from my Apple Watch Ultra to Garmin Epix Pro
Zero regrets.
I have a Garmin watch, and I hate that the app doesn’t work without cellular. It’s just totally blank. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily… :(
DC Rainmaker: the only person with watch tan lines on both wrists ;-) Great stuff as always, thank you!
:)
Not true! I have watch tan lines on both wrists. I wear either my Apple Watch Series 10 or my Apple Watch Ultra on my left wrist, and then my Agelocer flying tourbillon skeletonized watch on my right wrist. I love the incredible functionality of the Apple Watch, but also love the look and motion of a more traditional watch. I didn’t want to have to decide, so I wear both! I collect watches (among other things), so I have a nice little collection. That way I can switch off whenever I have the urge.
Never had an Apple Watch before. I just purchased this one today.
I can’t wait to go hiking at night then activate my alarm and scare the hell out of some ppl 😂
I think I’ve figured out what Apple is trying to do with the AWU - create the ultimate sports watch, but also the ultimate watch for everyone.
I want to buy it so badly, but I don’t know if I can give up my Fenix 7X just yet..
Depends if you want a toy or a world class tool watch that will take you anywhere
@@BilloBob1231 AWU is aiming to be both; A category that is lacking in the Garmin lineup.
@@BilloBob1231you’re straight up tech literate to suggest this is a toy
@@CoreyMarlin and fails miserably
Be interesting to find out if wearing gloves interferes with double-tap. Very useful for my work and cold environments. The latest IOS has solved some problems I have had on my series 7.
I am thinking of going Ultra and then using my 7 for sleeping until the battery is done.
It should work as it’s detecting the slight movements through the accelerometer as the fingers tap. You can test the feature in the accessibility settings on your series 7
I've been using the cycling workout app on my Ultra 1 since last year. I love the HRM and GPS accuracy, but the auto-pause feature was never great (~5 sec delay). Auto-pause is worse now with Watch OS 10. I'm getting delays of 10 seconds on average. Then it restarts with any slight movement. Not good. Apple needs to add a user selected speed (like 5 kph) to initiate auto-pause.
11:47 I want to use the siren as a bike bell
😂
@@Dcrainmakercould you set the action button to quick turn it on ?
My son is a contractor and loves his. Wears it all day and used to use the protective screen with it. After the 3rd one broke, he didn't replace it. I'm a larger guy and I'm curious if they're as tough as they seem. I do tech appliance repair work sometimes and my hand gets into tight places with a lot of metal edges. I worry about breaking the face. Would love to hear from active people how their watches are holding up?
I went from a series 3 to the ultra 2. I know it’s a major jump but I absolutely love this watch
I’m about to do the same thing myself, can’t wait to get mine!
Can you at least use Siri offline to control audio? Play/pause/next? Limited use case, but would hope Siri can at least do that.
I ordered it it arrives tomorrow, but I increasingly think that an aftermarket version 1 would be enough- thanks for the great work as usual!
We still have not seen the full on commitment to make the watch independent from the phone. With all connections and downloads on the watch without the need for the phone.
There are plenty of people who want to leave the phone behind them and fully move to wrist displays and controls but we're not there yet.
Phones will be used as the computer where we use them for more advanced editing and watching and editing videos etc
How accurate is the blood pressure app on this thing?
It doesn’t measure blood pressure.
Also note that in order for sleep tracking you work you have to set your bed time. It will NOT TRACK SLEEP AUTOMATICALLY. You can also manually trigger it by turning on "sleep" in the focus widget on the watch
True. My bedtime has been set for years as 12am though, and when you first setup an Apple Watch it walks you through that.
@@DcrainmakerAnd if you fall asleep at 11pm, you "lose" an hour of sleep, right? I put it in Sleep manually every night, considering that I need my phone and my watch to turn off the display in a darkened room. It seems so easy that I wonder why people bother with setting a bedtime.
@@burjoes Sorry, just to be clear, the setting of the bedtime is more of a silly background thingy. It doesn't impact tracking of sleep once enabled once. So if you fall asleep earlier, it'll still track just fine.
@@Dcrainmaker hmm what about the “Sleep” setting? If you don’t put it in Sleep mode, will it detect sleep?
@@burjoes The sleep setting is merely a one-time configuration thing, where basically you tell the watch the daily schedule for when to go into the sleep mode (for backlight savings). It doesn't have anything to do with the actual detection of sleep itself. You can manually enable or disable sleep mode (for the backlight), whenever you want, but it will still track nightly sleeps either way.
They should just add some LEDs on the case for a better actual flashlight instead of relying on the screen brightness, its geared tword “outdoors” but everyone could use a flashlight on their wrist
4:27 if you asked it to CONVERT 3800metres to yards would that work? I’ve noted that how you structure the query can improve your results. Sometimes it’s not intuitive ie hey Siri what is 45 take 30 (sometimes works) vs hey Siri what is 45 subtract 30… which usually works.
In chatting with Apple, they said that conversions are not currently in the offline database.
@@Dcrainmaker okay cool. Still comment applies elsewhere in Apple eco system. It’s very frustrating at times when ‘she’ doesn’t play nice.
Thoughts on Apple Watch vs a dedicated unit like Garmin forerunner for cycling/ walking. I have a edge 1030 too..
Do you have a review somewhere looking at dedicated sport computer vs “fashion” watches.
Ps. I don’t follow regularly but do find your stuff most concise when I’m looking for a computer etc ie the 1030.
Love how thorough & informative you are with what you presented. You got a new sub! I desperately want the AW Ultra 2, but I’m super disappointed they don’t offer it in black/space grey. If they did I would have pre-ordered. Fingers crossed they add some colour options ASAP.
From someone that just switched to IPhone 15 PM and works out 4-6 times a week excluding swimming or hikes , is it worth getting the Ultra 2 , it also looks so cool , was deciding between series 9 45mm aluminum or Ultra 2 . Any feedback is appreciated .
If you have neither would the 2 be the way you go or catch the 1 on sake or just go with a Garmin? I want to get one for overall fitness tracking and some outdoor activities.
Outside of the fitness functions, the feature most important to me is the vibrating alarm. I’ve gotten used to auditory alarms and will sleep through them. I realized that vibrating alarms have existed for the deaf community. I could never go back now.
Great detailed review.
Why ppl don't wait for the Ultra 3 when features are yet to be available for Ultra 2 is beyond me. The Ultra should be a 2 hr cycle. Let the regular watch be yearly
that's why I buy the Garmin Marq. Expensive, but about a 3 year cycle before the new one comes out.
It should be more than a two-year cycle. There’s not much more that can be added. The ultra 1 is light years ahead of the regular Apple Watch. This new ultra is basically the same with a little bit faster chip, nothing with “sustenance”
When you go for a walk does the apple watch telly you how many steps you did on your walk yet?
I use a power wheelchair, wish there was an option to shut off the steps while in my power wheelchair but able to turn on when using my walker. It says I did over 1,000 steps yesterday pretty good for a high functioning quadriplegic 😂
Awesome. Read: Double Tap. Double Tap is the only new or feature difference from the first. That anyone would feel/notice/see anyway.
1) I have a feeling the ultra 2 batter will last longer than ultra 1 just due to watchos 10 and we have yet to realize it.
2) On device siri is enough for me. I often want to speak into my phone like to start a workout and current siri is too high latency.
I really wish I could have my heart rate zones on the same page as my pace like Garmin watches support..
Still doesn’t come close to the epix 51mm
Thought about getting a Garmin to train for running but I went with the Ultra 2 and have no regrets! Honestly who needs a 20 day battery? I take my watch off when I sleep and charge my watch at night. I’m not doing a 5 day hike in the woods. I download music to it from Spotify, throw on my AirPods and off I run without the bulkiness of my iPhone..I absolutely love it!
Exactly! And let’s not forget, that the Garmin app doesn’t work without cellular. So even though the watch has weeks of battery life, you’re still tied to your phone, which you need to charge daily.
My problem with apple watch for monitoring resting HR and HRV is that... data it provides is indeed consistent, but almost useless, because of the method it uses.
The double tap is legit amazing
I’m ex military and do a lot of hiking in areas were cellular is limited. Between the tactix 7, and ultra 2 which have u found to have better sat ability’s? Also do you like the maps in the apple or Garmin better? Have u found any other watches that you could recommend that can hang with these two? Like fenix 7 or epix pro gen 2?
I as well want to know this info. Apple Maps is definitely more user friendly but my tactix delta has gotten me out of some ish. Definitely want to know how good gps is on this. Hope someone responds.
@@lima4282 ok so I’ve recently bought the new Epix gen 2 51mm sapphire. Mainly for the battery life Amolte high resolution screen. Now I’ve found the new mapping system paired with the Garmin explore mapping app to be by fare the best most accurate and easiest duo to use! The ability to follow trails and make your own trails is superior to the tactics and fenix. Not to mention better than suunto and kills the apple programs.
@@lima4282 trying this Epix out for 3 weeks and will decide if I’m keeping it or sending it back. But I love the fact I can sync it too my Garmin 67i!
Great video. I would really love to see an athlete like yourself do a video on how they would use this watch as a fitness watch for different sports like running, hiking, biking, swimming, alpine touring, etc. Like, which apps are almost a requirement and how do you use them? How would you aggregate all the activities, etc. Any plans to create something like that?
How about heart rate measurement speed, any improvement over the original Ultra ?
I saw another video. It was the same the guy said
The apple watch is a very beautiful watch both aesthetically and its functionality. However, l still prefer the Garmin Epix or Fenix because in my eyes the apple watch looks more like a gadget rather than a sport instrument.
I wear both simultaneously. Ultra on my left wrist, Epix Gen2 on my right wrist. They both have features thenother dont have that i need.
Could you expand on this reasoning for me features deep.. thanks.
no shit
I have an series 4 and is looking for an upgrade… might jump on it
Is the ocean band the only strap you can use for swimming
I have an old Apple Watch 6 I think it is. I’m wondering if the 2 is worth it now? Or should I wait til whenever the 3 is out? I like that it has a titanium casing and other things like that like the iPhone 15 pro that I got recently
Should I get the ultra 2 or a Garmin 965? I basically run and bike
Why did they take the lock option out of activities, even worse they just left a blank gap ffs
Hi DC, thank you as always for a very well made informative video. I have been a long term garmin user and currently use the 965 for tracking all my activities such as - strength training, yoga, running, cycling. Along with my recovery metrics such as sleep, body battery, HRV, training readiness. These recovery metrics i beleive are very important. From my understanding the Apple watch doesnt have these metrics, even though its heart rate tracking is superior to that of Garmin. Would you say having the Garmin with slightly less accurate heart rate tracking but better metrics is a good trade off ? is it possible to get recovery metrics on the apple watches? thank you.
Battery life is still an issue. My Coros Vertix 2 will last for a month (which is admittedly way more than I need), but I’d need an Apple Watch to last at least 4 days, hopefully a week on a single charge before I consider going back to it. 36 hours only is deal breaker.
You’d have to strip down most features of the Apple Watch, get a slower chip…then you’d have the battery life of the Coros
Bingo ! At least 4 days (with always on and normal exercise routines) and ideally at least a week. After using watches like the Garmin Epix 51mm etc., which last for around a month, I have no desire to go back to the daily charging routine with the Apple Watch. I had high hopes when they came out with the Ultra-2, but on the battery life front, they did not move at all.
@@rgmALC Exactly. I don’t need a full month in the backcountry, but I do need more than a day or two of GPS workout battery life on one charge. He even mentioned that on a full day workout it will use nearly all the battery in a single day. That doesn’t work for me.
@@marcushecht there’s a give and take. Yeah my Garmins had better battery life, but day to day stuff my Ultra blows them away - in terms of day to day stuff. If I do overnighter’s, I have to charge it, but I have a battery bank anyways. The Ultra has a Ferrari engine for what it does and does NOT sip battery. Garmins really don’t do that much other than HR, barometer, accelerometer and so on. They can sip on battery with a super slow CPU
My Series 3 broke a few month ago, I’ve been using an old Garmin Vivo Active since then as an replacement, this will a nice update.
WatchOS 10 kills the battery on my ultra. It was charged to 94% @ 12pm, and I just got home and put it on the charger @ 35%, and my usage hasn’t changed. In fact I normally track a 3 mile walk to and from work, and today I didn’t, and the battery life still sucked. With tracking my walks I would normally get home from work with around 67-72% battery remaining. Like I said, I did less on my watch today and the battery just catered since 12pm, and the graph in the battery setting reflects that. Hope Apple puts out an update to fix that. Longer battery life is one of the two main reasons why I paid so much for the ultra, which I had to save up for three months to afford. Just putting my experience out there for anyone who is contemplating updating their watch. I love the update, but the battery issue makes me wish I had waited to update.
Thanks for the heads up
Battery will always suffer for 1-2 days following a major update. Should even out in a bit.
How are the swimming capabilities for pool and open water? Im a triathlete so swimming functionality and structured workouts have me on the edge between this and say the garmin fenix
If the next version is going to be better with the navigation/maps does that mean the ultra and ultra 2 will get the update?
Guessing the new S9 chip should allow updates a bit longer into the future than watches with the S8 chip - I like the 64 GB storage upgrade since I want to load all my music and podcasts onto the U2 - in the gym I don’t carry my iPhone with me. Glad I upgraded to the U2 from my series 7 - trade in and 3% cash back, and no sales tax made this workable for me.
You + Desfit = smart/sportwatch world domination.
Thanks!!!
I really want to like my ultra 2 but I am not loving Apple health app for data. I was hoping to stop using my whoop but their app is so much better for comparison and recovery. And, this is probably nit-picky but I love whoops auto detect workouts, it’s so accurate… I just feel like that’s all something Apple should be able to do.
Hi there, so just a quick question, is the option to view your exercise live on your watch and phone only an option with the Ultra watch?
Question outside of the review .. can someone help me with the location @ 12:05 - 12:16 😅?
Tour de Mont Blanc trail, specifically on the section approaching Couremayer if doing the circuit, coming from France (versus coming into town from Switzerland).
@@Dcrainmaker thanks!!
I take it the Ultra 2 still doesn't natively broadcast Heart Rate to Garmin Edge computers then?
I would love to see your comparison between ultra 2 and epix gen 2. I am in between this choice. I love ultra 2 design and functionality but the battery life keep me away. Epix 2 has the best battery life and map that I need but thr design somehow for me looks not that stylish
How about the radiation strength apple watch gives to the users? Heard bad things about the radiation
Great watch just got mine like a week ago absolutely hate how dim it gets at nite and u can’t brighten it up u barley can see the damn thing
My series 4 started freaking out Friday and calling 911 on it own, I reset it and it wouldn’t come back to life. Ordered an ultra 2 today and put my 4 on the charger to see what happened and it started working just fine.🙄
So is it ready to replace forerunner? How is trainingpeaks integration?
That I want to know as well.
TrainingPeaks integration hasn't lit up yet unfortunately.
apple watch ultra supports heart rate variability? i see in your screen shot
So might be a long shot but do you think that Apple would make a wear profile that accommodates people who wear a watch with the face of it on the inside of their wrist? I’ve tried wearing every type of watch “normally” from my Suunto to my various Apple Watches including the Ultras and it just doesn’t feel right.
The bike computer thingy is really cool. Does anyone know if it will work on an iPhone 12 Pro with the Ultra 2?
I’m coming from the series 6 is the ultra 2 worth it for me?
I ignored the other reviews of this watch and came to you because I knew he would review it brutally
How do you know the in-sleep portion of sleep tracking is not that accurate? What is the reference you are using? I have also been watching videos from the Quantified Scientist, and there, Apple watches are the top devices there concerning sleep tracking.
You can simply go read the studies on the devices used. The Dreem device he primarily uses 83% accurate, per published studies on it. If he's using other device, scoring tends to top-out in the 86% range.
Did you happen to check the accuracy for of finding watch via findmy? Is it more precise than the non dual frequency GPS Apple watches? AKA leveraging the dual frequency chips?
I love Mountaneeriny and just got the Ultra 2. It feels like a gimmick. But probably useful for the city dweller who likes to track their steps.
Where did you pick up the Western Force shirt! Thats my homeown rugby team - i have a few friends who play/ have played for the force. Just a surprising thing to see!
Years ago I would spend my winters in Perth. I went for a run with a DC Rainmaker reader/subscriber, and he happened to give me the shirt. Love it, still wear it out on runs. Maybe even today!
The fact that Apple will buy back your ultra 1 for $360 now on a trade in really makes the simple upgrades in battery and memory and NITS of 3000 worth it . Plus you get a new. battery and a better chip. This is a simple decision to upgrade.
Nice video. Almost started regretting I bought series 9 instead of UW2, although don’t need them in my cycling training.
just ordered mine today (free gift from work lol) thanks for this thorough review!
Love your real world reviews! I know I can count on you to test this thing... Question, is it too big (heavy) and bulky compared to the Series 9 or a Garmin forerunner 255?
“Too big” is subjective. That’s up to you. It is definitely bigger than those, but only you can decide if it’s “too much”.
I’m interested in the ultra 2 I use a garmin. How is the ultra for runners?
After switching from Garmin to Apple due to the resilience promised by the Apple Watch Ultra, I encountered a disappointing issue with the heart rate sensor malfunctioning just a few months post the expiration of its standard warranty. This problem is particularly concerning given the watch's marketing as a durable device for intensive outdoor activities. I had anticipated that the Apple Watch Ultra would offer unmatched reliability for my needs, and this experience has led me to reassess my expectations from Apple. I am now reaching out to Apple Support in hopes of finding a resolution to this issue, despite the warranty period having ended, expecting that the quality and customer service associated with Apple will provide a satisfactory resolution.
So, is the maps/ navigation better on the Suunto and Garmin?
Still getting it but I’m just bummed the leaks about a black variant ended up not being true
This comment didn’t age well
@@tommoger Yer
Do you plan to do an updated video comparing the Apple Ultra 2 to the Garmin Epix standard and pro additions?
Recently took a light step into the world of Garmin with the budget Forerunner 55 and it does MOST THINGS and does them well. Cannot see the value in the AWU when the Fenix 7 is half the price here in Australia. Screen on my Forerunner 55 the main thing that makes it feel budget - otherwise just a fraction of the price and very comfortable.
Would consider the S9 Apple Watch but the battery life... I just can't charge each day
Cellular calling with the AW is the main thing I miss. I have a Fenix 7Pro SS, trying to ditch my phone usage, having a device you call with in reach is something Garmin still hasnt widely adopted..
Hi my friend! how r u? can u tell me if the displays goes to 3000 nits just when the torch is on, or always when u put the maximum brightness? and than, by video i dont really understand the difference between the 2 displays...u, having both in your hands, can u say if is so evident the differnce of btightness? thanks a lot!
Amsterdam. My home town 😊 Nice that you tested the watch around the world!
It's where I live. :)
Just bought the ultra 2 coming from Apple series 3
Thanks to this review, I just bought the Ultra 2 and retired my Series 6 44m 🥳
I just got that watch for my iPhone 15 pro max I can't wait until I get it
does it tell you how much of the road you own?
I currently have series 6, and have been thinking to get ultra 2. Also I have 12 pro, and I wanna upgrade to 15 pro max. I'm not sure which one to get first, I cant afford upgrading both at once.
Is it possible to upload a trail course and then follow it with map and indications? Like Garmin fenix and forerunner 9xx...
Does the battery last more than 10 minutes?
Do you need an iPhone at all or can it stand alone from the jump?
You do need an iPhone for the Apple Watch. There are a few very limited scenarios around kids & grandparents where you can have a tethered account on someone else's phone, but that's really meant more as a dependent scnario.
@@Dcrainmaker man that kinda blows. I'm so over the iPhone right now. Wish you could just have an android device and use the Ultra Watch as well. It's the best overall smartwatch hands down right now. Been through the gauntlet off android wearables and the Ultra is where it's at right now. Too it's tethered to a smart phone. Kinda nuts considering they have their own cellular
Which app for the maps? so I can see where I was running.