Apple Watch Ultra review - 4 months later…

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Have you been putting off buying the Apple Watch Ultra? If so - why?

[@prasenjitmaity8891]

I am wearing Apple Watch 6, and I am tempted to buy the Ultra, which is currently retailing at £699 rather than £800+ & 2% cashback. I can live without one but always try; if I don't like it, I can return it. Thoughts, pls.

[@RadCatFood]

I got mine on day one and I absolutely love it! So much so I view as much content on it from my favorite creators as I can. I have yet to see anyone else in public with one which kinda makes it feel even more special. The battery life is insane compared to what I’m used to but over the last few months what I’m really enjoying is the larger display that is flat as well as the durability overall.

[@whitefish2160]

Nope. Bought the S8 45mm online (first apple watch), after a week of use I went to the apple store to try on the Ultra and walked out with it. Zero regrets. I was positive I was going to shatter the screen on the S8 and didn't want a watch I had to baby. I also tried a few cases and didn't like the way they looked or felt on the S8.

[@PeterbFree]

Awful watch straps

[@Growler57]

I got a £27 h8 replica ok doesn’t run ios but hey does what i want if the makers pent a wee bit more it shows you how much mark up apple makes

[@davidbraswell1481]

I first bought a s8 apple watch and I had to charge it every single night. I have type 2 diabetes and needed to keep track of everything. After a week of charging, I went traded it in for the ultra and have never looked back. The two watches are very close to the same except battery and dive computer and case titanium and size. I stated my weight loss journey at 365 lbs. I am now down to 288 lbs. as of this morning. I walk 10+ miles every day I log my sugar levels and show my Dr all my stats at every 1- week checkup. This watch has made me want to go out and get busy. I love to see all my stats from my walk my bpm hrv spo2 just all of it together has made a huge change in my life and I challenge you all to the same change with the apple watch ultra!!!

[@mapefpada7681]

You need a huawei gt3 pro, about one week long battery to track your diabetes more relaxing without charging every fucking day. The prices for Appel products are just not decent.

[@Mallen815]

So awesome. Congrats on your weight loss and the continued journey.

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@mapefpada7681 I love mine and if your so lazy you cant throw it on the charger whilst you shower no need to have it in the first place ?? lol and I am currently running the ultra and the s8 saved my dads life so we will stick with 🍎 🍎

[@Airplanetyson]

Congrats keep it up!

[@maxflight777]

Very candid. Best wishes David.

[@Czechmate88]

Did a battery test of my own on the Ultra. I averaged out to 1% per hour or 100 hours on a full charge. Battery saving went on at 50% but still did frequent heart rate checks (3-4 per hour). Always On display was turned off. It’s pretty neat

[@Czechmate88]

@@The.JZA. Off. I don’t have an additional line for this watch and do not plan of getting one.

[@rick00770]

i just got the ultra 2, love it even though i havnt used half the features. i financed mine for 24 months on tmobile so not much money a month. only way i could afford. great vedeo, subscribed.

[@stephenrebori]

I’ve had my Apple Watch Ultra for about two weeks now and it’s been amazing but I must admit when it first came out for some reason I was resistant to it and bought the Apple Watch 8 in stainless steel! But then I saw everyone talking about how awesome it was and then I thought to myself I want that too since I’m so deep in the ecosystem so I gave my series 8 stainless steel watch to my wife and got myself the ultra so now she’s happy and I’m happy lol great video 🎉

[@gdkjones]

I love mine. I have no intention of using it for the activities it’s designed for (I’ve used it on one dive), but it’s just one of those products I love owning. I love how it looks and feels on my wrist and yes…I love using it as my preferred Apple Pay device. It feels so Dick Tracy and attracts admiring glances from checkout staff 😂. It’s just the epitome of a Feel Good product. Having upgraded from the series 6 which I LOVED, this is just a wonderful and genuine feeling boost of an already great product. Just get one ✌️

[@stefanobiga6582]

I feel that! Even though I just got my Ultra I highly miss my Watch 6

[@chipdouglas3565]

Indeed, I just got one - will be getting it on Thursday.

[@a661992]

As another reviewer said.. the watch ultra is like having a flip phone on your wrist. Which is good so you can still be connected but not obligated to keep checking social media etc and just enjoy life that’s around you.

[@davidbraswell1481]

well said I think the exact same!

[@thegrumptastic]

The meta commentary in the last 1/4 is a nice touch Mark

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you, Andy. I think it's required, sometimes.

[@jaywhite1141]

The battery life is incredible on my Apple Watch ultra , I can get 5 days on the single charge if I don’t use the watch to extreme levels and just use it as watch

[@jjrrhh1199]

Absolutely correct, love it. I use to wear high end watch but after getting my frost ultra, all my expensive watch goes in safe. That’s how ultra is! Love it!

[@krmtdfrg]

Didn’t need it but had to have it and now I can’t live without it. Best Apple Watch by far

[@AaronFigFront]

I like braided loop the best. With trail loop I still adjust tightness a few times a day. However, once you choose the right size for the braided loop, you are set. Note that the loop on ultra might need to be 1 size smaller, also new band is tigger than the bands that has been used for a few weeks, so try to test one in store, and always go smaller if it does not cuts off blood flow, it is normal to have some “prints” left on the skin for new bands, it will loosen to the perfect sizing

[@hasanal-haidari3531]

Thank you for the interesting reviews , I have upgraded from Apple watch 4 stainless steel to the Ultra , and it was a huge upgrade . I have the training loop gray , it is fantastic , and the positive thing is that the old leather arm band fits perfectly with the Ultra, i am so satisfied with the new functions specially using the waypoint . The battery is fantastic . Man can use the watch for more than 2 days with one charge . Every day i love it more and more , So to everyone who are thinking of a great Apple product , buy the Apple watch ultra and you will not regret .

[@Fernando_1903]

Mark, have test the ocean band? Nowdays, I have a fitbit tracker and I am thinking to get one apple watch! I use it the pool, to do fitness, mountain bike, sleep etc. Probably the apple watch ultra will be the best for my use. But I am in doubt about the band, the trail loop don’t get really wet when going to the poll or doing fitness? I saw same people saying that alpine loop get a bad smell, that happens with the trail loop too?

[@Motoccino]

As much as the review, I loved the subtle hat-tip to Jeff Beck. Much love from Bangalore, India.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you for spotting and noting that!

[@cjc363636]

It is fascinating. As an old audio nerd, its look reminds me of the classic Swiss Nagra tape recorders. All metal, with protected buttons.

[@misterfung]

Cool!

[@misterfung]

Oh damn, looked them up, super slick looking brushed metal tape recorders! Nice!

[@gregturner_awod]

I’m a little older than you, based in Australia, love walking but my focus on my Watch Ultra is its high functionality and battery life. I love my Watch Ultra!

[@marcelopadilla1198]

Very accurate video! I’ve been using every apple watch since AW 3. When I saw the Ultra and how it was supposed to be “more” and how they advertised it, I wanted it so bad!! I got it in day one and progressively start to realize it was just a regular AW with an extra day of battery. 4 months in and I got to realize this is true, it is got a siren which 99.9% of people will never use, an action button, which let’s face it just serves as a shortcut for something you could already add as a shortcut with a watch face complication. Design wise it is great and the screen is beautiful, and I agree the price is spot on! But after all these years and apple watches I realized I wanted more, I want more battery (2 days still gives me battery anxiety, I cant go a weekend away without a charger, and low power is not an option since I like having all my readings and data), I want more data and metrics (but not just numbers, I want insights), more workout functionality (not just cals and HR info). I don’t want to pay extra for apps that give me this info that my $800 watch should give me. After 4 months I went and got a Garmin Epix 2 and even tho I’m losing the smart functionality, I love having real metrics, data, health insights, a week of battery without sacrificing always on, all sensors working all the time. After many years I’m ditching AW, the ultra made me realize it since I was expecting more then the same always AW with an armored suit. For many this is exactly what they’re looking for, but never believe this is a watch for the adventurous or the outdoorsy people, nor health/fitness enthusiasts.

[@thecooldude4564]

I’m about to sell my ultra to buy a garmin epix gen 2. The ultra is a very overrated watch.

[@marcelopadilla1198]

@@thecooldude4564 pull the trigger! I’m very happy with the switch. I agree with you, AW Ultra is overrated, I still think it is prices correctly and is the best AW. But definitely not the way it is advertised, not really more adventurous or fitness tracker than a regular apple watch (other that the fact it is more durable).

[@armen7932]

I’m so tempted to get one. I currently have a stainless 7. I’ve been rocking them since the 1st gen. I’m concerned about the size.

[@keithb7240]

Brought the watch last week they gave me 14 days to bring it bk I’m keeping it this watch is 🔥

[@soyeduardo]

I wanted to like it, but after trying it on in the store it’s just too thick. I tried on the 8 stainless steel with a dark band and it looked much nicer, dressier (in my opinion). Hopefully the future versions of the ultra will get thinner and maintain the great batter life. I’m guessing Apple will do something different for the 10th version of the watch just like they did with the iPhone when they introduced Face ID and removed the button. Nice video too!

[@OhHellNahh]

I think bringing in features from a phone to a watch is pointless. They need to focus more on what the watch offers health and athletic life-wise. Face ID in the watch would just take up space for something that could be way more useful on the device

[@soyeduardo]

@@OhHellNahh you’re right, instead of Face ID or a camera they should focus on the battery or other features on the watch. Maybe more sensors like the blood pressure sensor they’re working on. Maybe the 10th version of the watch will have that feature, but from what I’ve read they’re still perfecting that technology.

[@davidbraswell1481]

I have the 8 and the ultra can’t tell either one is on after a couple days

[@theshirtlessgamer8628]

Your video quality is always amazing 🔥🙌

[@doggiehowzer]

I ordered the Ultra with the Midnight Ocean Band. It looked ok but really fiddly to put on each time. I liked the leather band but it doesn’t last long with the wear and tear of regular use. My favorite band is now the Braided Nylon loop in Midnight. So easy to take on and off. Oh - it comes in a variety of sizes and the Apple sizing guide was off because the guide was for the 45mm. It ended up being two sizes too large for the Ultra.

[@bamaboyburns8079]

I just picked up a ultra 2 a few days ago love the design it definitely sticks out what more do I need I can keep my card on if make phone calls and send messages and get notifications battery life is amazing after 4 days I’ve only charged it once but I haven’t used it alot I’m hoping after a few more days it gets a lil better as far as price it’s pricy but not out of reach I think it’s reasonable you get alot for the money

[@strungout126]

Keeps doing them. We’ll be there man. Like you. I think it’s the most interesting Apple product this year

[@davidbraswell1481]

I am happy to say I am now off all my diabetic meds no more metformin for me I have dropped my A1C from 11 down to 5.8 since my last post here walking everyday has cured my diabetes type 2 and down to 269 and loving life again I have 69 lbs to go to hit my goal so excited!!!

[@keithingram44]

Had mine for 5 months now love it brilliant watch

[@andrewmcbride6640]

I’m blind in my left eye so I love it purely for the screen size, & I’ve not seen any reviewer really even mention how good the screen size is..

[@LOUDERthanU]

Got mine with the trail loop. Really works for me - battery, size, sleep monitoring etc, etc

[@touchazeem]

3rd group of people watching this - People who bought the watch and still watch videos like these to help vindicate their decision 😅 It is truly a great watch

[@kanegforce3974]

I bought the watch with the trail watch band right away and I am very happy.

[@1young-geezer]

LOL, I kinda spanked you on one of your last reviews of the watch for harping on the high price. So it's w/ great pleasure that the second point you made here (not that I'm taking credit lol) was about how that price fit nicely and yes even inexpensively when a broader picture of watches and adventure watches were part of the perspective. And I loved all the rest of the review. I'm proud owner since day one, I'm a commoner (well, like to think I'm not too common, don't we all) and have my reasons for buying the watch, but yes, my main reason up front: it's just so damn cool. Thanks Mark - you're always a joy to watch........

[@crisalis]

Just by listening to your voice is so relaxing.. an awesome review indeed.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep - Series 7 does fast charging! And great analysis Mark. I tried on the Ultra a few times in store and on balance I was happy to take the hit on battery life and stick with my stainless steel/graphite Series 7 ... I have quite skinny wrists and the Ultra was just too chunky on me. I like how the regular style Apple Watch looks in profile on my wrists (and how much easier it is to 'dress up' with a different band like the milanese loop).

[@jaywhite1141]

Absolutely love my Apple Watch ultra it’s amazing battery life and durable, sapphire, crystal display and titanium body incredible and very light weight

[@pc1408]

Perfect video. Same, came here to see if there were new updates as I am hesitant to purchase. Will probably wait to see if black or dark grey case comes out! Glad I got you a view!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@mishoc.t.8739]

i've bought it because i'm doing hiking and diving a lot so it's the perfect watch for me, and yes i use the not so good looking ocean band

[@hpaluci]

I saw it in stores and tried it on. And the truth is that it is very nice. I want to buy it but it's too big for me. I would pay the full value of the watch but in a 41mm size.

[@ITMacPro]

Damn you!!!! I've been up all week putting in my cart, emptying my cart, putting in my cart, emptying my cart. Then finally said.. nope I'll wait. But now you are the DEVIL!!!!!!!!

[@jessicabryson]

Great video Mark. I love this watch it’s defo my favourite apple product

[@PhilSledge]

Hello Mark, Slightly off subject is that an Ikea chair in the background, if so is it comfortable?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

It is, and it is!

[@konpadelic]

Man. I dig it, I cant wait to get one, obviously the price is why i dont have it yet but found a way to finance, still debating if i should trade in my 7 series as well. What do you think, keep it right?

[@hdmedia7404]

Hi mate! Why is orange 🍊 your fave colour if I may ?

[@GOLFADDICT65]

I am looking for a good smart watch with all the options....must have good golf feature also and the other health monitoring....plus good day to day watch for steps / distance etc.........curious on your recommendation or anyone else with some advice.....cheers all from Canada

[@togume]

As a mountain/jungle adventurer, the AWU has become a must have for me when I'm playing in nature. The ability to have topo maps and detailed terrain information on my wrist (thanks, WorkOutDoors!) is a game changer. Yes, when I'm doing 4+ day adventures I'm going to take backup kit (maps, compass, phone with topo), but you better believe I'm also going to bring the AWU and a way to charge it. Another big draw is that I was able to fully replace (and then some) my Whoop, which I'd been wearing for many years. The sensors have become the best available (unless you get dedicated ones), so AWU + Athlytic app is very powerful for wellness data.

[@brendantaylor2623]

Can I ask why you wouldn't prefer something like a Fenix 7 for this kind of lifestyle?

[@togume]

@@brendantaylor2623 I'd been a fan of Suunto, and considered getting a Garmin watch. However, the UI/UX, ecosystem, sensors (see science by kzbin.info), having standalone LTE (being able to leave home without a watch & have calls/audio/etc has been amazin), and other reasons, made me steer toward the AWU.

[@danwilliams7354]

I like mine because 1) I love the way it looks and I never liked the other Apple Watch look much, too flat and boring, 2) because the extra spec for water, dust, bash resistance just gives me more confidence that I don’t have to be precious about it, and 3) because of the more accurate GPS which makes it suitable for basic/intermediate runners.

[@philbinks]

I'm excitedly waiting for my Ultra to arrive with the recommended Trail Loop as the general consensus on KZbin is that it is the most comfortable.

[@KingTechHD]

I traded in my S7 for the Ultra last weekend. I love it so far. Got the Black/Gray trail loop after testing all the bands

[@navcop33]

Mark, I just ordered one this afternoon. Great video. We'll see how it goes. I'm currently wearing a series 5 which has been great except for the battery life. Happy with the watch over all but I am that guy you were talking about that is heavily invested in the Apple eco system and is looking for "different". My daughter loves hers so I opened up the wallet and waiting on its arrival. You have a new subscriber.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Welcome onboard!

[@jaywhite1141]

I’ve got the Apple Watch ultra with the midnight ocean band. I love the midnight Ocean it’s very comfortable.

[@MarS-dc2qx]

Yup the ocean band is the best, if you really work out you know that’s the right band as the other bands absorb your sweat and water.

[@asdf51501]

I'm currently quite happy with the Series 8 I wear during the day, while switching to my old Series 6 I use for sleep tracking. However, if I had a legitimate need for the Ultra, I would totally buy one. Since I have serious medical issues, it might be on the table, but I'd have to get over the form factor as one of the things I like about the watches I did buy are that they're very light.

[@bbenjaminhames]

Underrated content creator fr

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks!

[@Utubeisazzho]

With long sleeves or a jacket it’s like any other Apple Watch with large case. It gets stuck on everything. When you reach in your sleeve to bring watch out you always hit the action button!

[@ChristopherCurzio]

This is a well-made video and I appreciate and respect the fact that you're putting out this level of content, but I don't understand the audience for this "review." I was aware of the existence of the AWU as I saw the announcement, but I hadn't ever considered getting one until very recently as I just got finished with a photography project in northern Norway (shooting in conditions that have already done a number on my Canon 5D3) and I'm now in the planning stages for a photographic expedition to Antarctica. You mention in the video that you're not really part of the intended market for this product while at the same time saying you don't actually think this product is for that intended market. The extent of your purpose-built testing is "I'm gonna take it on a light hike." If you aren't in that market, I really don't understand where the basis for "it's not for those people" comes from. If you haven't actually used it in the extreme conditions for which it's meant, it doesn't really make sense to me to say "it's not going to be good for that stuff" - based on nothing more than speculation over its "guaranteed 2 day battery life." When I clicked on this video I was hoping to see some actual real-world reviewing of the thing around what it was actually built to do, and well, I didn't get that. At all. Which I guess is where the whole conclusion of "if you like it and you think it's cool, it's for you" comes from. Well yeah, that goes for anything really. Apple will happily sell you one of these if you're one of those people. But the people it's actually made for want to know how well it does for the things it's actually made for. We do agree that the Edition was completely ridiculous though.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

You’re overthinking this, mate - but I appreciate the kind words. You’ve also got some catching up to do.

[@-UUniQQ-]

Love your voice!

[@sybo10]

waiting on the next version in sept. , have an Apple Watch 6 and its fine

[@tonyamocha5365]

Just upgraded from the 6 and I love it

[@JustNel]

Will be finally switching over to iOS from Android because of the ultra watch.. will be getting i15 and ultra watch 2

[@scoti5]

Good video. Where are the frames from?

[@danielwilks5658]

Debating to get the Ultra and trade in my iwatch6 apple offering £100 off the ultra price if i do so? What do you think i should do

[@keiththrasher2575]

I just got me one the Watch is Amazing I do recommend to get one I wear it every day the Battery life is phenomenal…🙂🙂

[@VashishthaNeeraj0707]

Nice video as always. But to me it looks like said trail loop as alpine loop in the beginning of the video.

[@latenight11]

Good review

[@jondrew55]

Couple of comments after owning an Ultra for about a month: 1) Exercising and sleep monitoring and I barely get 2 days of battery. I've not used low power mode to extend time 2) I disagree and this this will sell very well. I thought it was too big at first, but my wife was the first on the bandwagon with this watch and loves it. And so do apparently many other women, especially for tracking physical activity. 3) I can only speak for myself, but if I were reviewing or showing images of this watch, I would not use the Wayfarer face displaying longitude and latitude.

[@C.Krisztián]

I just Now ordered one :)

[@saab93contdi]

Do you need an apple phone to use the watch

[@RHR147]

I want the watch no more than 10mm thick, I don’t care much the battery but the comfort is everything for me i do sport

[@jkmets]

Great video. I have a midnight S7 and a silver S8. Both are 41M. I did not want to trade either in. I bough the Ultra, had it for a week and returned it. I regret returning it, but couldn’t justify 3 AW’s. Does anyone else have multiple AW’s? I prefer the smaller watches for work and wearing with a suit. I have smaller wrists (6.25 inches), but loved it for the gym, walks with the wife and dogs. Should I buy it again or wait for version 2? Need some help. Thanks JK.

[@crawdaddyy]

I don’t own an Apple Watch but want one, I’ve just been waiting for the right when to show up…. I hate that I am seriously considering the Ultra, mainly just for the design 😞

[@jaywhite1141]

I previously had the Apple Watch Series 7 45mm aluminium, the Apple Watch ultra is really nice upgrade

[@c.garison3770]

Another great video. I like the Apple Watch Ultra, but in my current world, I do not have a use case for the device. If my managers told me that I was to be back on the road in 2 weeks servicing contracts in the NYC Metro and the desert of Los Angeles County, then I would be marching directly to the Apple Store and plunking down the cash for this device as it has a feature set which would work better for traveling to those coastal suburban jungles than my current kit. But for my world living in middle America and working remotely to support my clients on the coasts. the Apple Watch 6 is perfectly sufficient for me. But I love the reviews of the new kit so keep it coming. I am also eager for the new reviews of the new M2 Pro processor. Cheers!

[@CandSEvo7]

I have had almost all the series of Apple Watches as I loved the tech, but I really a Shock/ divers watch wearer at heart and missed that style, pale scored with this, perfect ruggedness and the look, just hope they continue.

[@xElchulo305x]

So I bought 2 watches Ultra cellular 4 days ago and very disappointed I’m getting a call fail if someone call me and both Phone and Watch are close by then i walk away leaving the phone away and talking on the watch after reaching some distance when the phone and watch get disconnected from Bluetooth I’m getting a call fail until the watch start using his data apple and my carrier ATT telling me watch shouldn’t be working like that but no one give me a solution I’m returning both watch next week if no one resolve this problem apparently happening to everyone just not all people are aware about this issue any tips or help ? Thanks

[@deankennedy8643]

Not impressed with mine - doesn’t support cardio fitness for rowing or indoor cycling or swimming or elliptical. Supposed to support for hiking, but I can’t make it work. Will go with Garmin next time. Seems much better.

[@RD-wg2nt]

I have the s4 and can’t really see why I’d need to bother with an upgrade…

[@terrym3837]

It looks a very good watch and is a good product. If your an outside sporty person it looks quality.But I cannot justify it for myself due to price and not being very sporty.

[@thegrumptastic]

Ditto, but what’s pushing me towards it is that battery life, I want to use my watch for music but it scares me with the seven that the battery won’t even last a day at that point.

[@kevinmartins1669]

@@thegrumptastic If you want to manage the music in your iphone with apple watch it will be good for a day. Even better if you don't have a lot of notifications and calls.

[@OhShunz]

Great video. I’m in group 2, never owned an Apple Watch or smart watch but find the Ultra interesting and I’m curious so I’m going to buy one.

[@burock6802]

bought awu and used for 1 month and even went to scuba dive with it but after using garmin for exercise i didnt like to start and pause my exercise with touch control. You can just push button on garmin pause and continue your exercise. Also i didnt like the battery lasting in every 3 days regarding my garmin. At the end i went to garmin quatix 7 saphire (same epix body with extra sailing options) which is amoled and i have 15 days of battery with always on off.

[@NewsPoliticsControversy]

My Apple Watch series 5 with 86% battery health gets 2.5 days. Roughly 34 hours. I don't technically use it. Just to track my steps, sleep, exercise expenditure. With the always on display, I rarely need to tap it to actually interact with it. Thinking of the ultra or garmin epix 2 next.

[@lexico69]

I love it. Great with outdoor active app for maps routes and altitude when hiking. I got the alpine orange band but it looks dirty within weeks so I bought a few off eBay that work great for no more than £5 and identical to Apple Original.

[@adryjan2808]

Oh thanks was thinking bout the orange band

[@freaker126]

i don't really like the apple watch. but, my nephew showed his apple ultra watch and since nowadays i like checking my health stats, going cycling and hiking, this might entice me to get one. lol

[@Timjacks01]

I want one but I love my high end, luxury watches and worry it won’t get the wrist time 🤨

[@esisolina]

Same here BUT, I only wear my Apple Watch while doing workouts and when I'm at work. Every other time its my mechanical watches :)

[@bryandaves1005]

I’m a sucker for luxury, automatic, Swiss watches as well. I’ve never owned a smartwatch because of that fact. I bought the AWU primarily to help me reach and maintain my fitness goals. It has been phenomenal for that and has become my daily driver . All of my masterpieces of Swiss engineering have been getting considerably less wrist time since😢. If you aren’t planning on using the AWU for fitness and health tracking/motivation, then it’ll sit in your watch case.

[@4870JD]

Nice to see a good factual, accurate review without the overblown hype from so many US reviewers. Thanks.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Appreciate that - thank you!

[@misterfung]

Product Maturity: Im absolutely loving my ultra. I am a first time AW user after many years of leaning towards one I finally bit. Previously I just found the Apple Watch was not quite mature enough yet, in both hardware and software.But now I feel things are finally getting there with a lot of growth, mostly in the WatchOS features, along with the hardware. Toughness: Seeing as I have not worn a watch much since Junior High School Im currently terrible at keeping from bumping the Watch on doors and corners and even dishes (I take it off now for dishes). The Ultra has given me th peace of mind that 99% of those bumps result in no damage at all, Im sure by now id have damaged, or broken the screen, on a Series 8 etc curved screen design. Battery Life: I am getting 60 hrs average battery life NOT on low-power-mode while doing at least one 30-60m work out a day, sleep tracking and the occasional short call. Ive mostly turned off all notifications and background app updating except critical communications like Messages/Messenger and work Slack if needed. But no Insta, FB, Twitch or any of that social stuff and no BG app updating except important stuff like Parcel Tracking. Oh and loads and loads of "Playing Now" controlling. I am amazed by how convenient it is to control all my media on other devices through the watch. Even with KZbin that otherwise will not listen to Siri commands or any other alternative method of control!! It is usually on always-on display, but occasionally turn it off, so prolly even more battery life If I left always on off, but its so dang pretty..... Bands: Id like to shout out the Ocean band. I am very glad thatI chose the Ocean band. I find it very comfortable, very strong but still a bit stretchy, and is fun to put on. The notches work perfectly to dial in desired tightness and helps keep it stationary as I insert the wee pin into the chosen notch. The ocean band has also been the only silicone band that doesn't itch my wrist, which Im gracious for as I do need at least one silicone band for watery play time, especially high g-force (think smash you in the sand type waves). It is also the brightest happiest yellow that brings me joy. Ive also picked up a few decent mid-range quality bands, a Trail Loop clone, a formal brushed leather band, and a magnetic leather strap for those more fancy occasions. The leather strap with metal connectors looks especially slick.

[@hiroshi6421]

I'll def get the 2nd gen, should be a decent upgrade from my 6

[@hamdangadidi]

Waiting for Apple Watch ultra second generation

[@MarS-dc2qx]

The ocean band is better for working out! Not the trail loop lol it gets west and absorbs sweat! The ocean band does not, do you work out?😏

[@ukharrythomas007]

Mark, you are slowly convincing me. I have an ultra on my desk for the past 2 weeks, currently still unopened.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Open it!

[@ukharrythomas007]

I’m now wearing it 😂

[@ukharrythomas007]

Keep up the good work, nice to hear tech reviews, simply explained and in a Brit accent !!

[@DarkFire515]

Even though I'm firmly in the Apple ecosystem I'm still not sure about the AWU battery life. I'd probably have to try one for a couple of weeks to see how I got on with it but that's not something that's really possible.

[@JMacGyver1]

Great review and thoughts on the AW Ultra Mark. This video actually makes me want to buy one, though I’m not sure I can give up the round shape and 16 day battery life I get with my Garmin Epix 2.

[@marcelopadilla1198]

DONT! I just got a Garmin Epix 2 last week after 4 month with the ultra. I love health stats/insights and even tho I’m no elite athlete I love fitness and the fitness information Epix provides. This is my first garmin and I like many times more than the AW, battery is amazing on the epix and it does more for me on my day to day that AWU did, since I got an iPhone with me all the time for notifications, calls or social stuff. If yoy get an AW say goodbye to body battery, stress data, REAL workout info, and the many useful insights and tips garmin provides. Be ready to live just with cals and HR. I’ve been using AW since Gen 3, not this year.

[@JMacGyver1]

@@marcelopadilla1198 I’m not going to buy and AW Ultra, at least not any time soon. I think the only thing I do miss about my Apple Watch is the cellular connectivity. But as many people note, there are very few times when I don’t have my phone with me, so it’s not an all-the-time need to have phone / text / email connectivity on my watch. There are of course situations I do deal with occasionally where it would be nice to have, such as when I’m sailing, running or biking and don’t want to carry my phone. Beyond that, I much prefer the more masculine look and feel of the Epix and the round shape. Prior to my AW, I had worn the same Seiko Automatic for 18+ years - passed it down to my youngest son and it’s still going strong, so I loved the long-lasting charge and round shape and the Epix offers good battery life (not as good as a mechanical watch…) and the visual look I’m more keen on.

[@richardwhaley7497]

Love mine I purchased a titanium watch band and run Clockology Rolex watch faces ⌚️

[@emerelle3535]

After the honest 3 month reviews, here come the honest 4 month reviews. Wonder what will happen next month. :D For me it's a three days battery but I'm very casual. Wearing it day and night for sleep-tracking and going on a daily 30 min. walk wich I track with the "Training" app. I got the modular watch face tho without compass so maybe that's a factor. I charged mine yesterday (Thursday) and will likely charge it next on Sunday around the same time as yesterday. Content-machine, now I feel caught. xD

[@abdulhussain8872]

I was just searching for ‘Apple Watch Ultra, worth the upgrade?’ I have a series 5 black steel.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Yes.

[@macaulaycatterson5814]

Yes

[@K9laura]

I did the same upgrade I’m very happy with my ultra

[@johnbrennan592]

Just waiting on mine to be collected for return. Would automatically lock and pause a work out, sleep tracking seems to be inconsistent. For the money these inconsistencies shouldn’t be a thing

[@anarchodandyist]

Absolutely agree and that is why I went out and got one. It’s a brilliant watch!

[@drplokta]

I was already planning to go for the stainless steel option on my next Apple Watch, because that also includes a sapphire face, and the face on my Series 4 had got pretty scratched. The Ultra only costs £80 more than the 45mm Series 8 in stainless steel/sapphire, and you get a lot of extra features for that £80.

[@whitefish2160]

Does anyone have both the trail loop and the alpine loop and use them both running or another activity where you sweat a lot? I find the alpine loop loses my heart rate more frequently compared to the trail loop which almost never loses it.

[@BrandenVandenToorn]

Anyone having heart rate issues with their Ultra while running? It reads like 180 bpm as soon as I start running and then stops reading entirely for a few minutes. Then it snaps down to like 130bpm….the spikes back up lol. It’s frustrating an $800 watch can’t accurately read the most basic feature. I’ve tried fighting it, loosening it, resetting it. Etc. Let me know if anyone has a solution, I never had this issue with Garmin.

[@andycuyler6675]

Got mine for £683 used like new from amazon also bought a titanium series 7 which I like better then the ultra

[@pieman192]

Got them at Costco at the moment in the UK for £699 👍