Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review for Sports and Fitness // Worth the Upgrade?

[@MicrobyteAlan]

I’m an old (73 years old) long distance trail runner. Wish we had this tech back in the day. Anyway excellent episode, lots of good info.

[@mountainheart4244]

I don't think Apple is targeting the owners of the original Ultra to upgrade, but rather they are targeting new users or users of previous generations of the regular apple watch.

[@notleoso]

Exactly

[@TimFilmsCars]

For sure. Looking forward to this after using my Series 4 for five years.

[@dannaboo8517]

Me too!

[@ulisesgil4209]

Just picked up the awu2 coming from an aluminum series 5. I wanted the stainless steel but don't feel too confident about the bodies durability and the shorter battery life so I just went for the ultra.

[@jmharrisjr]

Exactly. I currently have a series 7. Would love to find an in-depth video on the ultra 2 that doesn’t just reference the changes from the ultra.

[@SteelersHomer]

I turned off the always on display and cellular on my Apple Watch ultra 2 and I’m getting 3 days of battery life(was only getting two days with always on display on). Only having to charge it at the end of every third day and that’s even with nightly sleep tracking. Twice a week charging. Beautiful.

[@sachinperuri2249]

Why would you pay $10 per month for cellular and then turn it off?

[@Bubba5100]

I have the ultra 2 and it gets to 5-10% on the 3rd day with always on display and etc .

[@TareqAlebrahim]

I’m new user with ultra 2 and i only use it with the assistive touch functions because of disability ( one hand ) and I’m getting almost 2 full days easy

[@kuau714]

I'm getting mine on Friday also though after watching a few reviews of the new Ultra 2, I'm just going to stick with my original Ultra

[@marino4691]

love that you went into details with garmin and garmin powermeters

[@sahyouni100]

Great Review, however i always wonder why apple does not analyse the data that apple watch collect and translate it into actionable insights like Garmin watch does such as recovery, sleep, workout intesity suggestion rest etc. They only rely on 3rd party applications

[@nathaniel23946]

Me having the S4 Apple Watch, yeah I’m upgrading!!! Finally worth upgrading for me!

[@Ament76]

A few days ago I paired both Garmin sensors V2 (cadence and speed) with my AWU via bluetooth without any problem. However, there is still a bug with the cadence reading because at the end of my every ride all final values (average, min & max) are counted together with zero values. Yesterday I rode my bike with 7X and AWU on both wrists and at the end the 7X showed 74 rpm average - what is correct, when the AWU showed 35 rpm :D For the speed sensor I am even able to set my wheel size etc. but there is no information in Apple Health after the ride at all. So both sensors are useless for me, as well as that watchOS 10 new feature.

[@emanuelsantos]

Thanks great review. I am actually testing my ultra 1 in another perspective witch is how long the battery holds with WOS10. For normal usage with no sport session, I can get 2 days and 2 nights with the new watchface and always on display. With sport session 2 days and 1 night. With a on/off display, no sport activity and black an white display like nike analogically display I got up to 3 days and 2 nights. And that was the maximum time with one charge. cheers!

[@brucelin5842]

Is there anyway to do hiking without have your phone with u? Where u can see maps for navigation etc…

[@KrishnaSingh-rg4qk]

I have the series 4 will upgrade to ultra 2

[@elektrikaura4739]

Costco has the ultra 1 now at $699, is it worth it to pick up the original version or should I opt for the ultra 2? This will be my first upgrade coming from series 4.

[@kannapiranvenugopalan8182]

Better go with U2, For that additional $100, you have powerful chip gives additional 2 more years than U1 for software updates. If you are not tempted for further release, you can keep the U2 for 5 more years easily.

[@josephduckmanton]

I wish they would bring Double Tap to the original Ultra, it clearly has the capability to recognize it as we see through Assistive Touch or Quick Actions. Both of those are a bit more cumbersome though and don't work across all apps

[@DesFit]

It's apparently completely different software for double tap, written for the neural engine specifically

[@ChinhNNguyenBrand]

@@DesFitjust like how stage manager was only supported by m1 iPad u yup there was outcry. Now it’s supported on a16x just the same. It can be supported but then what’s the reason for buying the 9/ultra2?

[@Justin.Danford]

I thought accessibility options already kind of did this though, and that is available on ultra@@DesFit

[@30kk]

Go into accessibility settings ;)

[@michalklucz6907]

I wonder how much I should pay for a refurbished Ultra 1 as clearly I don't need Ultra 2, and I am still not convinced with so expensive watch with up to two days of battery life.

[@stephanoschristou4602]

Please do a comparison between ultra 2 and garmin fenix 7

[@DesFit]

I'll see what I can do 👍

[@tudoriusmaximus]

Are you interested in day to day, technology? Then Ultra 2. Any real interest in sport and endurance? Fenix is the way to go.

[@richired7]

I would love the Apple Watch ultra but rumors keep saying new sensors for blood glucose and such nd I am waiting for that for sure

[@dustink843]

Coming from a series 5, it was a nice update. The battery life so far has been great. I didnt get it for something new. I got it so i didnt have to charge at a 1/2 day and could use the watch for more without the phone.

[@88Kigaa]

Can you use the double tap hand gesture to accept 3rd party MFA push notifications like Duo (push)? I would buy this in a heartbeat if I didn't have to wait for the notification and tap my watch screen to accept. I log into many MFA servers daily and would love to hand double tap my MFA.

[@korporalkarrot]

So basically the people who said (before this was released) that this was going to be an update to skip, and next years version is the one to wait for......were 100% correct. The only positive with this release is that you maybe can pick up the Ultra 1 now at a discount.

[@BigBeauBrown]

LITTERALY the same watch lol. you can get the pinch feature already in accesibility on all watches. BUT I like the offline siri. Seems like everything is almost a software update minus the minor speed updates which i don think are noticable. Awesome video dude! PS my wife needs that find my phone feature lol

[@braddavister137]

Is it though? A new chip compared to a three year old chip will alone add more battery if you have the same settings as the old ultra. I hate how Apple does small updates just like everyone else but after a while, we start to find out that things are more different than they appeared.

[@clawdawg7248]

@@braddavister137…4 year old chip.

[@inemalen2238]

Will you be making a video on the series 9 as well? 🙌🏼✨

[@DesFit]

Yup, in the works!

[@nigelsturge6707]

So say you don’t pare it with your watch how long is battery life?

[@LeroyTMc]

Great video! Side question: During the intro, what instrumental is that and where can I find it?

[@howardhankins6216]

I just recently purchased the iPhone 15 pro max and the watch this is my first time ever owning an iPhone

[@AlexPtc89]

we already have reviews of all the new apple devices but why absolutely nobody is, at least, talking about the new apple watch SE (2023) that is on preorder now?

[@changhyeokseong]

i have a question. Really waterproof ??

[@glenntoal6346]

Will watch os 10 allow us to sync structured work outs from training peaks natively to our watch, with paying for a 3rd party app?

[@beppohilfiker9388]

double tap would really be useful in cycling mode, (for example for not having to raise the wrist in TT position) to activate the display. anyone knows if that is or will be possible?

[@LearnEnglishWithMatta]

Upgrading from a Series 6; hoping this will be a great replacement for my phone. 💪🏽🤠🇺🇸

[@chronomasakari]

Will actually be trading my ultra in for an Apple Watch 9. Wore my 4 all day and it felt fine when I upgraded to an ultra I find myself taking it off because it’s uncomfortable. Started with a trail watch and switched to a few other traditional bands which felt better but just still uncomfortable. Like the watch otherwise but it wears its weight and size poorly.

[@whkee]

But is much lighter then my submariner 😎☝️

[@MickGeorge-u6i]

I know everybody is saying the ultra watch is expensive. But really, it’s not that expensive considering the cost of inflation and the cost of things nowadays it’s not expensive. Wish I would’ve had this watch out years ago. Because it is a great watch. If you have it on your wrist and you get tired of it being on your wrist, take it off for a while and then put it back on. I slept with mine on last night and didn’t even realize I had it on it until I woke up this morning. He just had to get used to the fact that is a bigger watch. Bigger battery more rugged more durable. And that’s gonna cost a little bit more but I think in a long run it’s worth it. It’s a great watch and it’s amazing with this microphone and speakers.

[@DesFit]

I usually wear a 51mm watch ;) It's just the fact that a smaller watch is more comfortable to sleep with overall.

[@TwistedShrapnel]

Can you try to do a comparison of battery life with dynamic brightness vs low/max always on vs low/max raise to wake.

[@PauloArgañosa]

Hi there. Curious to know if Ultra 2 has a way to do stress tracking like that of Garmin’s? If so, is it as accurate? Thanks.

[@satsingh4559]

Can anyone help me, I'm in a dilemma of getting the U1 seeing as I can get this fpr 669 compared to the U2 which is 800. I do not own or have ever owned a apple watch and was looking to get one for xmas

[@zanmarcusbiyer]

Hi I have an Apple Watch ultra and I am wondering if I should get an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Is the Apple Watch O2 all that much brighter? Brightness is the most important to me. It’s the reason I bought the Apple Watch Ultra.

[@majinraptor]

Why would you get the 2 if you have the Ultra. Makes no sense whatsoever. Wait for a better watch to come out.

[@zanmarcusbiyer]

@@majinraptor The Apple Watch Ultra 2 Has 3000 NITS and The Apple Watch Ultra just has 2000 NITS The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is only brighter in the sun and it needs to be brighter in the dark!

[@AhTanBaeeStan]

It will be great if the double tap can be use for walkie talkie function

[@agentaech]

I’m a current Garmin Fenix 6 user but looking to get back to an Apple Watch because I’m starting to miss more of the features that Apple offers. So is it worth getting the Ultra 2 now, or wait a year for the apparent redesign coming with the Series 10’s

[@gold6813]

Might as well get it now. Unless you want everyone to know you have a new watch. Which ultra 2 doesn't shout. People are daydreaming if they think the next watch IF it has solar charging. Will even provide enough power for an amoled screen. Apple are a refinement company. Not a cutting edge company. So far there are no watches with an amoled screen combined with solar

[@agentaech]

@@gold6813 not overly concerned with Solar tbh. I’ve read the band system may get a redesign which will remove the notches and give more room for things like larger battery.

[@brum293]

@agentaech Fenix 6 here too thinking about AWU2. But I’m also considering AW Series 9 + new Garmin. Two for almost the same price as AWU2. When training use Garmin and rest of time AW. Maybe best of both worlds? What do you think? Maybe Garmin Forerunner 965, 265 or 955.

[@agentaech]

@@brum293 I mostly do cycling, indoor rowing and disc golf. When cycling, I don’t even wear the watch as I use my Garmin Edge 530 paired with a chest strap. Same with rowing, I use the chest strap Hr. Dg I use the Garmin but when in an activity, I can’t do anything else. That’s what has me considering the switch. I found out I can use an app called Run Gap to transfer data over to Connect if I do make the switch. All that to say, I don’t think I would use both in the long term, but I’m totally fine with waiting a year for the possible redesign and even better battery life

[@ericsisk1]

Great video Des! Waiting on mine Friday!

[@DesFit]

Thanks Eric and enjoy it on your runs this weekend!

[@martowl]

Any idea why map contours and other information not present in iOS10 release? The only place I can see contours and enhanced maps is CA. Been that way since beta and has not changed. I am in CO and no enhanced maps I can find. RMNP does not have them with offline maps.

[@DesFit]

It’s a later this year thing for the rest of the U.S.

[@22jeepmojave75]

I can’t use it in dark environments due to auto dimming.

[@RVDL]

The heart rate part of this review was cool!

[@DesFit]

👍

[@jpk7730]

Just to share my short thoughts about the Pro-level smartwatches, those enthusiastic runners and cyclists who are also expectationist on Apple products, could been a bit disappointed, I presume. Probably because of the overanticipated wishes on those perceptively advanced features which they've already experienced on the other brands such as Garmin. For Apple, therefore seems like there's a lot more way they have to go for. I felt some kind of a tiny insufficiency, but also sensed some possibility that the ultra series could become an allrounder product. Obviously this means meanwhile the other brands could still maintain their own functional and strategic pros. And still the Ultra 2 is very charming and persuative product to those who're athletic, I think. Great video!

[@salmanjawed98]

Apple watch ultra 2 new or apple watch ultra 1 used?

[@Titooo1987]

GPS accuracy is the same that AW ultra gen 1?

[@DesFit]

Yup

[@Titooo1987]

@@DesFit thx 😀

[@S3.14codm]

My watch can do Siri requests such as 4+4 w/o the phone being on… but then again, it is cellular. With reviews, it doesn’t seem like it’s a good upgrade from previous model.

[@DesFit]

Turn off all connectivity and let me know how that goes, it doesn't seem to do simple math while not connected to any data source

[@Philleman]

do you know why the cycling power is not showing on strava?

[@DesFit]

That's likely a Strava + Apple integration thing - now that WatchOS 10 is out of beta I'm guessing that may be looked at.

[@zenchannel_]

Hey Des, amazing video. How did you manage to get the speed and distance metrics on the watch. I couldn't get that sorted on my older Apple Watch

[@fredericoamigo]

I just bought the garmin fenix 7 sapphire solar, but this looks really interesting. In the future I hope apple learn from Garmin and implement solar charging and way way better battery capacity. Also, I wish the ultra watch was available in black.

[@PSy84]

I dont want solar charging on my aw ultra. Rather use that space for smarter or helpful features in my daily life. If i will be hiking for days, I’ll just bring powerbank in my bag

[@romeolopez757]

The Ultra outsmart this expensive Garmin in all aspect from its iconic design,quality,technology,performance and value for money…you can use your Ultra through air land and water….RIP to other brand…

[@Vacatore]

Getting mine on friday!

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@MrMeowNow]

Hum… Same same… not worth upgrading at all… Thanks for great content !

[@ElReySupr3me]

I'm a new user. Only used casio and my beloved mudmaster. Going for the ultra only because I don't have a apple watch.

[@01bigtrev]

I’ve mentioned on other videos. The assistive touch destroyed my battery on series 6. Had it on from the time it was released up until about 6 months ago when realised my battery health was at 78%

[@DesFit]

Thanks for sharing your feedback! Super helpful 👍

[@Johak1982]

Ultra 2 probably has a bit better battery life since it's stated to have 72 hours in low power mode compared to the ultra 1 wich has 60 hours. Probably due to the more efficient processor.

[@DesFit]

My thoughts as well. Will be interesting with some long term tests with settings enabled/disabled

[@spainweddingphotography]

Seen some other videos and they claim that at 2000 nits it uses less power than the ultra 1.

[@Sazuleta]

For some reason the weather complication on my Apple Watch ultra 2 does not always work. Sometimes it doesn’t load or it shows me a wrong location. I tried opening the weather section on the watch app and setting up to mirror my iPhone, but it sometimes doesn’t work.

[@alexs_thoughts]

Very interesting point about new features often coming later with software updates. That seems like a good perspective to have on the new S9 SiP, thanks for sharing that observation!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@lIIlllIlIllIlllIlIIlI]

Got my ultra 2 and double tap doesn't work.. any help?

[@macb.631]

You need to update WatchOS!

[@DesFit]

Double tap isn’t being released until later this year.

[@lIIlllIlIllIlllIlIIlI]

Double tap isn’t being released until later this year.@@macb.631 as DesFit said.

[@lIIlllIlIllIlllIlIIlI]

@@DesFit Cheers!!

[@causeydawg]

Great stuff…my watch will be here Friday.

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@Mackattack199]

Mine will be to! Will be upgrading from a series 6 very excited

[@princenemesis]

Love the channel

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@shortsmania7104]

can you tell your wrist size in cm??

[@DesFit]

18.5cm

[@das9115]

They give the watch 64GB but they don’t let you download maps straight to the watch 😢

[@DesFit]

They will now with an update with WatchOS11 when that drops

[@NathanRidings]

I use “WorkOutdoors” app on my ultra1 and you can download maps to that. It’s a great app that allows you to modify your screens based on type of activity and I have used it outside of cell service to have on the fly gps when on a plethora of mountain trails

[@KalvinPatel]

When will they come out with a smaller ultra for small wrists lol?

[@gwvaio]

I don’t think they will. The biggest selling point is the battery and that would be smaller in a smaller watch

[@vpnconsult]

As a sportswatch. The Gap to a real GARMIN is still huge.

[@rgmALC]

Its huge because it’s 2 different devices mean for 2 different things

[@JasonRaneses]

Apple will stop marketing the Ultra to athletes until such time it is actually viable. Why they thought even the Ultra 1 would be well received by that community is beyond me.

[@michaelsorokin1548]

Great review! I have the epix 2 pro right now and I love it but not going to lie apples improvements make me question my decision lol!

[@atleastthreecharswide]

Nothing very exciting. I really assumed it'll game up to force Garmin to update aggressively like it did with wrist based running power. Maybe the software update will introduce cool sports stuff.

[@alxski6318]

The altitude measurement is still unclear, I haven't found an option to show it in real time, apparently there is just no altimeter.

[@DesFit]

If you tap on the i icon on the compass app, the altitude will display there. You can also view altitude as a complication on many watch faces.

[@alxski6318]

@@DesFit after the elevation header is shown ----- It's like this function just doesn't work

[@DesFit]

Sorry but when you say elevation header which specific part of the interface are you referring to?

[@alxski6318]

@@DesFit If you tap on the i icon on the compass app

[@GhostlyBG]

Аpple Watch Ultra 5 with an actual "ultra" battery, yes? Please... 😀

[@xwyl]

It turned out Ultra2 is still no match for Garmin in terms of GPS accuracy

[@macb.631]

What do you mean in detail? Apple internal apps do a lot of GPS smoothing. With WorkOutDoors you have much more detailed GPS readings.

[@xwyl]

@@macb.631 the GPS track comparison shows Ultra2 has really huge smoothing, and it reduces accuracy. Is there comparison data for Workoutdoors app?

[@christopherYecoYoung]

MORE Great information! Thank you again 👍

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@yams900]

Pretty good  I’ve been using Suunto 9 Baro for many years, been happy. Not sure if Apple is for me, seems more like a fancy toy 🧸 to show off in the gym.

[@robhughes8516]

Yeah, I guess millions of people are wrong, it’s just to show off… nice catch.🙄

[@streugD]

Thanks for the review! Waiting for a battery test, the cpu should be more power efficient :)

[@DesFit]

Coming up!

[@zaraizara2794]

double tap feature already exists on watch 7. maybe a bit responsive, but it still can't be called new.

[@rrkk773]

I am so annoyed I sold my Ultra because there was confident rumors there would be a black version this year. Since that is not happening I have no choice but to get the ultra 2 LOL. Darn you apple credible leakers!!

[@bsmukler]

Apropos of nothing: I remember when “Virgin Vinyl!!!” was supposed to be a big selling point 😊 If you think about it, all Ti is both virgin and old as the earth.

[@1stRanger]

No smaller version again. It's heavy AF.

[@JamesDavis-g8b]

Not even close to being worth an upgrade. Hopefully the ultra 3 will offer some real upgrades to make use of the new chip and color options

[@robertspencer6085]

Sorry, but all the “leaks” up too and then the unveiling…uneventful. I have the Ultra 1, works fine for what it is. Don’t need to upgrade, what’s funny is all the other KZbinrs all parrot each other, kinda like a script for advertising. I guess they have to fall in line or they don’t get the Apple opportunities which equate to KZbin clicks and money. Disappointed and I’m being honest.😢

[@MegaCynar]

This isn't targeted towards you, it's towards new users

[@dangerous8333]

In my situation if I had a U1 I would be looking to swap it for the U2 just for the battery life and brighter screen. I actually skipped the U1 altogether because the battery wasn’t sufficient for me.

[@Jrad21]

Who upgrades their Apple Watch every year??? It’s not meant for Ultra 1 users

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

I never had the U1. I am coming over from the SE 2. I am not going back to that watch ever.

[@stillshom]

Am i first?

[@DesFit]

1️⃣

[@SergeZ07]

no diffs at all, shame to apple

[@jamestomich2962]

Slow down

[@DesFit]

ihavelotsofinformationtoshareandnotmuchtimetodoso

[@Alex-uy8zx]

Gotta give it to Apple, no other company works so hard to deliver such worthless "enhancements". Siri and double touch are at least as stupid as those $4K ski goggle Apple announced a few months ago.

[@blahblah5750]

It’s scandalous how Apple make miniature upgrades and charge the same prices.

[@DesFit]

Seems like they updated it with a few more features but actually didn’t *increase the price

[@braddavister137]

To pretend only apple does this is the only scandalous thing

[@seanlinehan1136]

Yeah a micro upgrade and no price increase is actually a good thing. Prices don’t go DOWN on products over time

[@foetor]

In Germany it is 100€ cheaper than 1. Gen

[@Mateusz-jl1sv]

You know you don’t have to buy new device every year?

[@a661992]

Steve Jobs is turning in his grave

[@mikem4215]

Apple Watch sucks buy garmin or suunto coros etc.

[@pradanakusuma]

So more cyclist will mount their iphone 15 on their bike, nice 🥷