Apple Watch Ultra 2 In-Depth Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Here's everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra 2, how it's different, and whether it's worth the upgrade. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 here (amzn.to/3ZutYzw), which helps support the channel!
0:00 Quick Intro
0:23 Band Options & Pricing
0:36 Ultra 1 vs Ultra 2 Display Brightness
1:50 Is the new S9 chipset faster?
2:15 Double Tap hands-on
3:42 UWB FindMy on watch
4:06 Offline Siri
4:44 Siri and Apple Health
5:06 Daily Activity Tracking
5:30 Sleep Tracking Tests
6:20 Workout Tracking
7:13 Topographic Maps
8:33 Cycling Companion App (for iPhone)
9:17 Cycling Power Meters
10:08 Battery Life Tested
11:30 The Emergency Siren
12:21 GPS Accuracy Testing
13:53 HR Accuracy Testing
14:30 Is It Worth Upgrading?
•New Apple Silicon S9 chipset, which Apple says has 5.6 billion transistors and is 60% more than before
•New GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which Apple states is 30% faster, allowing for faster rendering
•New 4-core neural engine, which Apple states is twice as fast in machine learning applications
•New far brighter 3,000 nit display (previously the Apple Watch Ultra was 2,000 nits, and the previous Series 8 is 1,000 nits)
•New display can also go down to just 1 nit, versus the previous 2 nits. Apple says that in turn drives a big savings in battery consumption due to the always-on side of things (of course, that battery savings is then spent on the faster processor bits)
•New UWB 2 (Ultrawideband) chip, which increases finding of things (like your phone), including exact distance and direction, but also increased Homepod integration
•New watch bands
•Updated case made from 95% recycled aluminum (versus 0% prior)
Next, we’ve got the software features that are new to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and require/leverage the new S9 chipset:
•New Double tap: This allows you to double-tap your index and thumb together, acting as a virtual button. You can answer a call, hang-up a call, snooze an alarm, take a picture from the camera, or any number of other custom actions (more on this down below)
•New Flashlight boost: This leverages the brighter display for a brighter virtual flashlight option
•Siri now newly processes requests entirely offline (without cellular/WiFi) for things it can do locally
•Siri can now log Apple Health metrics (purely via voice), including weight, period information, as well as respond to Health requests (e.g., asking for last night’s sleep stats) - available later this year in English and Mandarin.
Some links Amazon affiliate links, for which I may earn a commission.
#AppleWatchUltra2 #Ultra2 #AppleWatchUltra

[@anthonycraig274]

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.

[@sevendaysin8374]

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!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@donwooss]

exercising is the reward ;)

[@yartriesthis]

@@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!

[@Anakena3]

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!

[@TechWiz1983]

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.

[@AlexGTech]

Thanks man, nice to see a review that doesn't feel like an Apple ad 👏

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - much appreciated!!

[@uttam1405]

Absolute star for doing this in-depth! Thanks for the effort, commitment and going to depth! Excited to be using an ultra for the first time tomorrow! :)

[@dinterowski]

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

[@VMAdventures88]

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.

[@LJ-jq8og]

THX for an EXCELLENT REVIEW 💪

[@xander0901]

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.

[@przemysawmarciniec5180]

I bought used ultra 1 after ultra 2 release. I am super satisfied, in full sun light while surfing the screen was clearly visible.

[@speedbird737]

Its a free upgrade with my UK service provider so I will upgrade from my ultra 1 and get a new watch band

[@DJsparky2008smm-electrical]

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

[@Todestelzer]

Questionable if the Ultra is worth the price in the first place. Maybe for divers I would say.

[@MrJMHP]

Do you hear a wetsuit?!... If so you use it under or on top?.. Isn't to bulkit to wear it if wetsuit?@@przemysawmarciniec5180

[@tkircos]

@DC Rainmaker - Love your content and all the time and effort you put into testing and staring the best persecutive on the review and amazing data to back it. Thank you! I do have a question to you and the community here, I was using Garmin Coach to teach me to run and be able to do a 10k ... busy summer with work and injury put me back to the beginning with months off, I am not a runner but was enjoying it. I am now looking to start a path to 10k on my apple watch ultra 2 instead, can you recommend a good learn to run app/coach for Apple Watch tracking?

[@kundansingh914]

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.

[@runebinder]

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 :)

[@xKILLAxCAMx]

I’m about to do this upgrade too!

[@runebinder]

Enjoy :)@@xKILLAxCAMx

[@SINBREAKER24]

@@xKILLAxCAMxwas it worth it?

[@ShaneOSullivanky]

Upgrading from a series 4 to Ultra 2 (arriving tomorrow). Thanks for the video. Wonder was radar support mentioned at the Wanderlust event?

[@mmcewen9789]

Oooh, that's a good question. But I think the radars rely on the ANT+ radar implementation.

[@chrisennis1915]

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.

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

Nice video. Almost started regretting I bought series 9 instead of UW2, although don’t need them in my cycling training.

[@ojrosas8718]

Thx for the in-depth review.. Now I dont regret the impulse buy ( Ultra 1) vs waiting the two months for the newer version lol. Doubt I'll ever find a need to use the double-tap feature..

[@emilievaneps8858]

super nice video, thanks!

[@JD-lv3oo]

Fantastic as always 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@HoratioBannister]

You are the best! Great job. As always, thx for providing useful reviews, Data and opinions. 👍

[@davidandhometech]

DC Rainmaker: the only person with watch tan lines on both wrists ;-) Great stuff as always, thank you!

[@Dcrainmaker]

:)

[@matthiassventoest6800]

very thorough.., well done

[@peterpayne2219]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@hobblyjig]

I really hate the increasing number of features being marketed but not yet available year over year.

[@mattmcmullen8244]

It would be a little ridiculous to have a huge feature dump only once per year, with nothing in between.

[@catbranchman01]

@@mattmcmullen8244why?

[@DoLNet142]

Good video! i already bought two devices from your reviews!

[@hossromani]

Amazing ! Just what I was looking for - let’s go!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@jamesgraham8386]

I have a series 6 watch. I just ordered the Ultra 2, mainly for the battery life.

[@neliobetdejesus3380]

I went from a series 3 to the ultra 2. I know it’s a major jump but I absolutely love this watch

[@cjlondon720]

I’m about to do the same thing myself, can’t wait to get mine!

[@Frell1982]

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.

[@chirsd666]

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.

[@Obi-Wan-Jackobi1996]

The double tap is legit amazing

[@zahirkhan778]

Excellent review

[@0xeb-]

Great review. Thank you.

[@surreytrailgoat5469]

Great video - any ideas when structured workouts will start being pushed down to the Apple Watch from Training Peaks. I don't think this is available yet.

[@ttttt7026]

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?

[@paulmitchell4544]

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.

[@01bigtrev]

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

[@Sailing_JP]

Excellent review, as usual. I am interested in the Bike Computer feature. Is that exclusive on the Ultra 2? Or is a iWatch OS 10 feature that will be in the Ultra 1? Thanks, JP

[@Millicente]

Watch os 10 feature

[@billmichaud]

Jumped from my Apple Watch Ultra to Garmin Epix Pro Zero regrets.

[@morbozim]

Is that more vibrant colour and background theme you have in the movement rings app a new feature or also available for the Ultra 1?

[@user-lg4zm5nj8t]

Thank you for all your reviews . They are detailed and very informative. Every time i think i narrowed down a smath watch to get i find somethingni in your reviews that halts me. Damm, you.. lol. What is the best smarth watch with solar hands down? Also, what is the best cellular smathwatch hands down? Please answer from your perspective as your likes and dislikes are similar to my own. Thank you again

[@jamah84]

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.

[@marekbrabec4002]

Great video, thank you! I have a question related to Strava and automatic import from Health app. Everything went well after the first workout and I can see the activity on Strava. There is just one thing and that is the device shown in Strava. It says "Apple Health" instead of Apple Watch Ultra. Is there a way how to fix that? Thank you in advance!

[@RussellFoodTravel]

I have an series 4 and is looking for an upgrade… might jump on it

[@MrBaker88]

Thanks for these videos, keep coming back here! Was hoping for a tad of info on the Workout pushing option in OS10 (Especially from Trainingpeaks). Doesnt seem to be working as of yet. Have any info on that? Updates this year are so minor, even coming from an Series 5 im very much considering a Garmin FR965 or even an Epix.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Unfortunatrly TrainingPeaks hasn't launched it yet. TrainerRoad did though, so I'm gonna give that a whirl here over the coming days.

[@dnice362]

The garmin are far superior choice for workout and running if that’s your main focus then it’s garmin

[@Outdoor_MED]

I wanted to ask what your thoughts are about upgrading to a Garmin 965 from a series 6 or get the AWU? Garmin says that their watches are compatible with IOS.

[@212Hasse]

Great Segment.

[@user-yo5lz7bh7l]

In a previous video you mentioned that with indoor cycling, distance was not shown as a metric even when paired speed and cadence sensors. Is this still the case or has it been added in?

[@rosscoursey4979]

If I hadn’t broken my series 4, I would’ve never upgraded to the ultra 1. But I’m so glad that I did. The ultra 2 is not worth an upgrade for me or anyone with the first one, but when the third generation comes out, I may have to get it if it has new features.

[@jfvincent3750]

Funny, I was watching your review thinking, "Wow, the east coast trails look exactly like what I have in my backyard..." Then, latter in your review when you zoom in and out showing new new "topo" feature I realized you were at Rancho San Antonio (my backyard....) Somehow, probably because of your username, I assume you were based and did all reviews from the east coast. Hope you enjoy the trail all the way to the top of Black mountain, there is a really nice view from there. you can see the Apple spaceship and the Googleplex! Merci pour la review!

[@iggyman83]

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

[@seanhenretta2888]

Body temperature also helps to verify whether or not a patient is asleep as well as which sleep stage they may be in

[@sethhinton5260]

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?

[@adams7043]

Amsterdam. My home town 😊 Nice that you tested the watch around the world!

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's where I live. :)

[@darylrue3347]

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?

[@jacksonj3082]

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.

[@ashleyjohansson230]

I already have a garmin enduro 2 but now I want to get the ultra and wear it on my other wrist at the same time so I can get the best of both worlds 🤭

[@CanInelli]

Open Water Swim tracking of Ultra 1 was not reliable, sometimes it gave great data, sometimes had bad gps points and recorded extra distances. I wrote about this numerous times to Apple and also posted on Reddit, Macrumors etc. I bought a new Ultra 1 to compare and try it and had the same issue. Did you have that issue with Ultra 1? Does it seem to be fixed with Ultra 2?

[@Anonymous-mu5bl]

Just bought the ultra 2 coming from Apple series 3

[@JRMillion]

I assume yes, but is the super fragile antenna band still identical?

[@aznbro5559]

Man I’m thinking about getting this I have the series 6 right now 🤣

[@robobass25]

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

[@texasjmd]

Do you plan to do an updated video comparing the Apple Ultra 2 to the Garmin Epix standard and pro additions?

[@fatguy9]

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

[@LearnEnglishWithMatta]

This was such a comprehensive review. Thanks brother 💪🏽🤠🇺🇸

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@victorhannestad7137]

Thanks to this review, I just bought the Ultra 2 and retired my Series 6 44m 🥳

[@mlcalache]

nice to see you running around my neighborhood and the amsterdamse bos in Amsterdam :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha…that’s MY neighborhood! 🤣

[@howardhankins6216]

I just got that watch for my iPhone 15 pro max I can't wait until I get it

[@bison2014]

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.

[@daniellimaribeiro7387]

Thanks for the vid! On Reddit people say that OWS sucks. You mentioned it really in a couple of seconds. This is a deal breaker for me. Perhaps you could do a dedicated video with a thorough test?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Generally Apple is pretty good on OWS performance actually. That said, you can see the full tracks in my written review here: www.dcrainmaker.com

[@dimi-88]

Best watch ever.Nothing compares this beauty.

[@johnson4523]

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

[@77molecola]

Is it possible to upload a trail course and then follow it with map and indications? Like Garmin fenix and forerunner 9xx...

[@dnice362]

I’m interested in the ultra 2 I use a garmin. How is the ultra for runners?

[@BrendanEvan]

I ignored the other reviews of this watch and came to you because I knew he would review it brutally

[@user-zd8gv6kk1s]

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 .

[@KamekazeKuban]

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.

[@JerelMcCollum]

Thank for this excellent review. I really want to like the Ultra, but with the lack of longevity with the battery life, I’m still more interested in the Garmin even with its limitations compared to Ultra/other Apple Watch features.

[@SirEddNL]

Went from a series 5 to a forerunner 965 but i miss the conveniences the Apple Watch brings. The ultra is delivered between now and 2 hours.. can’t wait!

[@anthonyrampino7734]

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?

[@nostoneunturned6291]

I remain curious as to what Apple will do with the Apple Watch’s low power GPS mode. If they truly do have a large chunk of the US trails mapped out, I can see them having one of the best “ultratrack” equivalent GPS modes on the market because it will leverage Apple Maps data for distance accuracy. I hope you can test this feature when we finally have a complete US map!

[@Dcrainmaker]

I think there's a difference between having topo maps, versus having trails, versus having precise trails. Topo maps are more about the terrain. And while Apple Maps has tons of data for trails, I'm not sure if it's quite accurate enough to correct GPS based on it.

[@Jimbo83h]

I would like to ask you if you use Glonass gps or gallileo to to your Garmin.

[@crowehar]

I am curious what software you use to compare the fit files.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

So, is the maps/ navigation better on the Suunto and Garmin?

[@iemu]

looking forward to your Coros Pace 3 review

[@Dcrainmaker]

Working on it...

[@iemu]

​@@Dcrainmakernice ❤

[@bikin_n_dronin]

Thanks for the review, for now I think I’ll stick with my Garmin 530 and Fenix 5X for now. Apple has a long way to go.

[@xkingbreezyx]

I’m coming from the series 6 is the ultra 2 worth it for me?

[@time_traveller3]

Great in-depth and detailed video. Most helpful. I have an Ultra 2 on the way. Thanks so much!! 😁👍🇦🇺

[@elimax1261]

Which app for the maps? so I can see where I was running.

[@harlo1622]

Should I get the ultra 2 or a Garmin 965? I basically run and bike

[@danielcable5363]

Ray I need some help from the expert. I am currently using the Apple Watch ultra and I am a cyclist (yes i miss my Garmin) but even with the most recent updates pertaining to cycling they are still missing a major component in my opinion. I am looking for the capability of broadcasting HR to my Garmin 1040 heat unit. I dont believe apple does that currently, correct? Are you aware of any 3rd party app options that offer a work around? TIA

[@patrickschwab2128]

I see the Elevation Bug on the Video, think only i have this. i fix it with uninstall Compass App and reinstall. The next Bug is than you cant take a Waypoint on Compass ... 🙂 thx love this Videos

[@jordychinchin]

Still getting it but I’m just bummed the leaks about a black variant ended up not being true

[@briangeyer9312]

I really wish I could have my heart rate zones on the same page as my pace like Garmin watches support..

[@86309]

with cell data ,can you use the watch to run amazon music to the apple AirPods Pros without lugging your phone around the gym?

[@Rowiiexx]

Is it really worth it over the series 9 considering it’s double the price?

[@jaredweb]

The bike computer thingy is really cool. Does anyone know if it will work on an iPhone 12 Pro with the Ultra 2?

[@AnarchyThirtySeven]

Never had an Apple Watch before. I just purchased this one today.

[@trumani13]

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.

[@CyWebbII]

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.

[@speedbird737]

Its a free upgrade from my Ultra 1 to Ultra 2 with my UK service provider so will get it anyway with new watch band

[@ilhamdepmilum2223]

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

[@aussiebobb]

Unless my ultra 1 breaks or I lose it, definitely no reason to update to the ultra 2.