Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: A Surprising Productivity Device

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Let's talk about the new Apple Watch Ultra 2!
#applewatch #applewatchultra #applewatchultra2
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[@ChrisLawley]

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[@AndrewMclave]

You could also try out some of Apples first party apps that have been beautifully designed and updated for watch OS10 , particularly when it comes to the whole complication aspect, it really helps the OS feel better designed as you tap in and out of them from your watch face, particularly when you have the widgets as second and tertiary additions to the whole collection of potential shortcuts that are only a tap or a twist of the Digital Crown away. This whole process even makes the series 7 feel brand new.

[@myong9]

I recently upgraded to the Ultra 2 from an aluminum series 6 and I absolutely love the Ultra 2. I love the battery life over the 6 and the build quality. The watch does everything I need and more. And like you said, I love the size of the watch. The screen size makes tasks so much easier.

[@armen7932]

I agree. I am coming from the 7 and I love my Ultra 2!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Very helpful,, thanks!

[@anthonycraig274]

I use the hand gestures finger tap to cancel any notifications.

[@BretSnyder]

Thank you for the dictation to Drafts process. I have taken your idea and modified it to work with my Apple Notes processes. I use the Remember This Shortcut to log various items throughout the day. I can now feed the process using my watch. Love it.

[@AMWausau]

How can anyone feel they are maximizing their productivity without using Drafts. Yes it is only available for Apple and that might take some time for Android folks to get used to, but Drafts is probably the best reason to drink the Kool-Aide and live an easier and more productive life!

[@starman9458]

I just traded my Series 5 aluminum in for the Ultra 2 at Best Buy a couple days ago on Wednesday since I had my Series 5 since February 2020 and with WatchOS 10 making the battery drain really fast on it. I love my Ultra 2 since it has a longer battery life on it and I sleep with it on because I have sleep apnea that’s causing me to have Afib.

[@tjay5644]

I bought my ultra 2 last week and it is my first apple watch, I love it.

[@PSy84]

@@JWRLD998😂 bro, iPhones and smartwatches nowadays are in plateau so they may be updated at least 10 years. We’re no longer in big jumps per release that those 4yr old devices are just way too slow for new app updates.

[@planinshek]

@@JWRLD998 my Apple Watch Series 4 still gets updates and is 5 years old. I got the Apple Watch ultra 2 and love it and gave my s4 to my son and he’s happy.

[@Cestmoi50]

@@JWRLD998 always the same discussions. I have a Breiting, Tissot and even a Garmin at home, the last longer. Guess what I wear the Ultra more, and ultra2 now. And in four years I propably have another smart watch model. I agree the loose value, but then you are not the user. Btw I even have AW4 my wife is using (still going strong)

[@a1b2c332579]

Thank you for the video, Chris. About that Shortcuts you've made - Dictation Drafts to Obsidian. All was set as per instructions, however every time it runs, it presents me with the question "Which workspace?" - the same question is asked twice. Upon manual intervention, it works as expected. What is missing? Did anyone else saw this? I am on iOS 17.1.1

[@Dylanmj04]

Yo Chris about to watch the vid! All I got to say is the hard work is paying off! You’re look in great shape, results are definitely showing!

[@jimmyeno11]

What a great and helpful video for a first time Apple Watch user! thank you!

[@ChrisLawley]

What do you all think about the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

[@Oleg__]

I think I'm going to buy the Ultra 2 bundled with the Orange Ocean Band, which I like better than orange bands from 3rd party vendors like Nomad or CASETiFY etc. The Apple band looks more dimensional and sophisticated. I really like the holes on the sides that give them that cool look. And actually, if it weren't for the Apple Watch, I wouldn't have any smartwatches at all, and I would continue to wear my G‑Shocks, which I also really like. I just don't like smartwatches from other manufacturers. And battery life is not really an issue here. After all, my G‑Shocks would laugh at the battery life of the same Garmins, with their two weeks.

[@scottmckenna]

I’ve been loving my Ultra ever since I got it when it first came out as well. Once you start wearing it, you get to used to the size, the great looks, and amazing battery life that it’s hard to imagine ever having anything else. I love it.

[@ramanathan7823]

Great battery life ? Try Garmin. It will elevate you to a different universe.

[@scottmckenna]

I don't care that the Garmin has better battery life, it doesn't do even close to the same things the apple watch does. If fitness is all you care about, then sure, go with a Garmin, but if you want a watch that actually does tons of useful things in your every day smart tech world, it's not even a competition@@ramanathan7823

[@dimi-88]

@@ramanathan7823 garmin😂😂i have 3 garmin and i give it all and buy the AWU.Man is not only the battery 🔋 in our life.The AWU is work of art.Garmin is only for those who climb Everest and they want good batteries.even there you need an apple watch to save you if you sit something happen😂You know what is cellular???No because you wear garmin for the battery life 😂😂

[@Ghostrider91199]

Little late to watching the video. Thanks Chris as always. Had been using the Wayfinder face and didn’t even realize they had this new one. It’s my new fav! Always learning something new from you. Thanks again!

[@byronoda1258]

Don’t Miss the Snoopy face!

[@coreyburns2074]

Just picked mine up about 3 days ago I love the rugged look but at the same time it’s good looking the new face is awesome I’m not a big fan of the blue band I got but it will probably grow on me it’s nice for me to leave my phone at home and still get notifications on my wrist the battery life is fantastic well for my usage I do a lot of hiking so I haven’t really pushed it yet but I’m gonna

[@jkleung510]

I'm wondering which watch strap you're using?

[@DsnyLuv]

Thank you ; I learned a lot. I had the Ultra 1 then I upgraded to the Series 9, after I few months I started missing all the features of the ultra. I got my Ultra 2 and I am back to  WATCH peace again. Missed it too much 😊

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing your review. Blessings on your day!

[@brokensword2621]

wow that vibrant orange band is so cool 😃

[@AddisonCrowe]

Im still rocking the series 4 I got at launch but ill get myself the ultra 2 when i graduate here soon.

[@RCCM27]

Tons of reviews on the Ultra 2, but I like your style and information. I found it very interesting.

[@ChrisLawley]

Thank you!!

[@johannordins]

Hi Chris! Do you have / use shortcuts especially for the watch?

[@jeremymcquay5235]

Just switched from GPS series 6 and this watch is a game changer. I got it to prevent doom scrolling. I can now put my phone away and not think about it for the rest of the day.

[@devALLjapan]

Awesome to see a review from someone coming from the series 7, I have a series 7 but I have a friend who wants to buy it, so I’m weighing in on the decision on upgrading to a series 9, ultra or ultra 2

[@dougscott188]

I have this same band.

[@tomsop]

On obsidian - I also got a synology nas - I am looking for more accessible video on how to move vault from icloud to the NAS. Also no idea if it works well on a NAS.

[@anthonycraig274]

I went through a similar journey as yourself. I have started scuba diving which helped justify the U2. I thought I would only use it for my sports but found I am wearing it all the time. What I have found is that the U2 makes my 44mm looks feminine. The touch works much better than my v6 & v4. I am also thinking about going cellular for the first time.

[@BizTechSherpa]

OK, it took a moment, but I laughed out loud with the wink.

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Hello Chris 😊, I got my apple watch ultra-2 today 😊 I am trying to add a task in Things3 using siri in apple watch . Unable to add tasks in things3 using siri, instead it is going to reminder. If possible if future when you find time, please do help with a video on how you use Siri in apple watch with certain apps eg: task manager or youtube app . It will be helpful to all.

[@bujin5455]

Here I am rocking a Series 4, and I still finish off the day with 64% battery life.

[@RuckerEra]

I went from a series 6, 44m. To the Ultra 2. Yeah it's amazing I'll never back back lol. My only real complaint is that "Mode button" or the larger button the on the right side of the watch. It tends to get pressed in by the back of my hand. It usually happens when I'm at the gym or work. Usually when I I'm super active or like when my hand gets bent backwards

[@mikerose6618]

You can change that in settings to the other side

[@RuckerEra]

@@mikerose6618 really?

[@scottrych]

Hi, I checked the link for your Shortcuts because I was REALLY interested in the shortcut you mentioned about using the action button depending on your focus and couldn't find anything. Are you willing to share that one, 🙏🏻

[@ChrisLawley]

It’s all in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX6zq4hsj8qrpqMsi=NJ1kQdojuwpEDO8R

[@scottrych]

And of course, I found your video about setting up the Action Button and I grabbed the ActionCut Template, thank you very much 😄

[@dandansfu]

great video as always. do you find action button quite slow to action? especially with more complicated one. I have the 1st ultra and find it so slow to a point, I may be faster going thru menus with muscle memory.

[@Deetroiter]

I picked up an AWU2 last weekend and I don’t notice any sort of slow or delayed action on the action button. Pressing it right now on my wrist and seems pretty instantaneous. Have you tried making sure updates are up to date or have tried doing a soft ‘hard reset’ by holding the crown and option button together for 10 seconds?

[@dandansfu]

@@Deetroiter I only have the first one But have u tried using shortcuts ? More complex shortcuts If just doing defaults , it is good but when it comes to shortcuts , it does seems it take longer at least on first gen Hopefully second gen is much faster

[@juddharajrai441]

Can we type the letters and texts to the others else through this watch?

[@Tevas7]

What is the band brand?

[@make725daily1]

What an exceptional video! - "Embrace the process, and you'll soar to new heights.."

[@Drkbadger7719]

Why not just tap the icon at the top of the screen fren for now playing instead of a widget?

[@danjman32]

can you do a deep dive on Obsidian? and also talk about why you moved from drafts to Obsidian?

[@AMWausau]

I am sorry, did I miss something. Didn't he say he used Drafts to make Obsidian more powerful?

[@anthonycraig274]

My now number 1 app right now is record memo on my ultra. Never used that app on the watch before.

[@AMWausau]

If you want to record a memo why not use Drafts, everything else is going to stifle your productivity

[@anthonycraig274]

@@AMWausau ? Drafts has a record feature? That must be the most hidden feature of the app.

[@AMWausau]

@@anthonycraig274 it is so hidden that it is on the app of both the watch, and the iPhone, it is called the Microphone button

[@brucelin5842]

What band is that?

[@Markk719]

Good but from my point of view Safari is something missing and KZbin as well

[@runebinder]

Your enthusiasm gave me the last nudge needed to order the Ultra 2. Got a series 4 and battery life is an issue, should be a very nice improvement on all counts.

[@oloidhexasphericon5349]

Will Apple watch play music from a car's bluetooth audio ?

[@mattydsmith]

Have you tried having no bezel? The UI is a bit larger and I instantly selected it when that watch face was available.

[@DGYtown]

I like the Ford hat 🧢! What do you drive ?

[@Capitalistic_Commie]

Can I know whats that Calendar widget showing at 7:31? It would be PERFECT for my usage!

[@je6874]

I think it’s Minical? I’m looking for one like that and found it whilst searching. Edit: it’s actually called ‘Fantastical’… happens to be named under the widget BUT it’s extremely overpriced. Minical seems to be a lot more reasonable + much better value.

[@disgruntledillon]

The two weeks when the weather isn't atrocious in Fresno. 😂

[@ChrisLawley]

Yup!!

[@BizTechSherpa]

Love the video. Just got the Ultra 2. But going to point out technology caused a new problem that needs this solution, when the average person should not have had the problem in the first place. The double tap - "because I have things in my right hand." One year ago we survived fine by just setting things down. 10 Years ago - not even a problem - don't have a watch. 50 Years ago - Not even an issue... going to keep listening to my kids.

[@Haillan15]

I love hearing how it’s a huge upgrade over series 6-8 cause it makes me want to upgrade off my series 4 I’m still using.

[@Steezyxgoon]

I’m coming from a series 3

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Hello Chris, regarding the apple watch shortcut DRAFT to OBSIDIAN , Can this be done for CRAFT app or NOTION also ? , or is this only limited with OBSIDIAN app only ?

[@ChrisLawley]

Yes, you would just have to swap out the save file actions for creating a note in Craft. For Notion you would probably have to have to use the third party app Nautomate.

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

@@ChrisLawley Thanks Chris for sharing 🙏 . Noted 😊

[@igorchichkin509]

WoW 🎉🎉❤😊awesome

[@Alain0704]

Hola Christopher le compré una correa nomad ya que me gustó mucho su color pagué envío rápido espero y recibirlo rápido, gracias un abrazo

[@matthewstopint8852]

i thought it might be too large also but it really isn't ...

[@micleeso]

The watch needs an EQ for music.

[@aidaenni]

Nice watch apple watch ultra 2

[@DingleBerryschnapps]

It's size is subjective.

[@Adventures4vida]

They advertise it as an adventure watch, and its not that at all. My garmin epix destroys the ultra in that category. But as a everyday watch, its much better them my epix. I still wear my ultra for daily use over my garmin. I'm a mechanic and its still scratch free after a year of use. Its a great watch, not an adventure watch though.

[@salahmag6264]

I think apple facing troubles with the battery how could it be five years same battery

[@Ritzei26]

But the biggest disadvantage for me is the batterylife, i mean it increased every year but max 3 days compared to nearly 2 weeks with my garmin is a real dealbraker for me

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Thanks for pointing it . I would to see apple to increase the batterylife next year for ultra watch.

[@TRXFRMR41-th7vd]

Does your Garmin do everything the Apple Watch Ultra does?

[@Zereniti77]

Why would one need multi-week battery life? Plug the watch on charger while you take a shower or something and you basically have unlimited battery life. We are not living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with limited access to electricity.

[@chukwuv2738]

@@Zereniti77 I stg I wonder this every time someone brings up the garmin

[@NickHillUSGooner]

@@chukwuv2738I would love to move to an Apple Watch. Running a six hour race or longer, with all the sensors running, would kill its battery quickly. Also, Garmin makes it easier to setup workouts and do speed workouts on a track. So yes, an Apple Watch would be great, but I wouldn’t trade my kinda smart watch for a smart watch. At least for now.

[@dpose6525]

I didnt really see how this provides productivity

[@AMWausau]

do you use Drafts? How can anyone be as productive as they can be without it

[@wileycoyote4206]

Cool 😎 video man 🧍‍♂️ 😊❤

[@user-hm8kn4jy9n]

lol this is the type of guy to call a watch “heavy” 😂 but fr what kind of band is on there?

[@lightoftheworld417]

you know what they say about big hands? big hands, big gloves

[@mden2490]

Thanks for the video. Though I really think your videos are excellent, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one, as the ultra watch is not a productivity/work watch. This watch is meant as an outdoors enthusiast watch. Your approach clearly shows the difference between the mindset of individuals who wear apple watches and of those who wear Garmin.

[@ChrisLawley]

A device can be used for more than one thing. Garmin watches don’t appeal to me but the Apple Watch Ultra has the apps I use.

[@mden2490]

@@ChrisLawley - I agree, but your response illustrates the clear divide between those who wear Apple Watches and Garmin watches for outdoor sports. When Apple advertised this watch, it was clearly meant as an outdoor watch not a worker productivity watch. The reason Apple made this watch, I believe was not meant to have Garmin customers move to Apple, but to keep those Apple customers who have been longing for a dedicated outdoor watch with appropriate functions, which we are still waiting for (like dedicated maps)from moving to Garmin. I can appreciate you saying, look at this, this has great productivity, but I think it then takes away from the real purpose of what the device was made for.

[@dandansfu]

lets be real, apple doesnt care, just want your money and under cook, they like to create more product tiers so they can charge more. there is a reason, almost all the YTer who do extreme sports, clearly said, its not there yet and it still can't beat Garmin and how they won't actually use them for when they do all those things. its all the tech YTer who do normal work out that talk about how much they love them and how they dont do any of the extreme sports. and almost all of them talk about how they love the battery and action button which are good for productiviity. @@mden2490

[@kiranklaus]

Does Apple watch ultra 2 bought from USA work in India??

[@majinraptor]

obviously. Why wouldnt it.

[@kiranklaus]

LTE won't be region locked on watch? I thought it's best to get it cleared before getting one, because it's an expensive watch.

[@kekchanbiggestfan]

I use analogue faces, not because I’m “pretending” anything, I just find it’s much more useful for telling time in most situations.

[@Obi-Wan-Jackobi1996]

There is no double tap in the U.K. yet 😞

[@WatchDSSID]

- it is available, I use it every day & I’m in the UK. Just go into Accessibility and you can set it up - my Apple Watch is 3 years old too :- )

[@majinraptor]

It's not the same feature. similar but not as easy to use as the double tap they demo'd @@WatchDSSID

[@Obi-Wan-Jackobi1996]

@@WatchDSSID I honestly can’t find it

[@Obi-Wan-Jackobi1996]

@@WatchDSSID can you show me like step by step on here where to go

[@Obi-Wan-Jackobi1996]

@@WatchDSSID right I actually found it but what settings do you use for you to use it tho I’ve turned it on and it’s still not on

[@user-lt8lr6ft1q]

Time Stamp 8:19, did the ant come with the watch

[@brucelin5842]

What’s the difference between this and aw 8? Seems not much difference

[@PSy84]

Durability like banging it everyday to doors and walls and screen wont get scratched or broken. Battery life last more than a day esp in case you happen to be outside late night, ordinary apple watches will die hours before you go home. Bigger screen so evrything is easier to navigate and look at. Basically, more peace of mind every day and night and in the long run for years.

[@planinshek]

Also upgraded chip with Siri onboard so that’s way faster. Bigger watch face, better speaker, better battery life and as mentioned above the sapphire crystal screen is so nice as it’s way more durable.

[@brucelin5842]

@@planinshek what’s actually siri on board ? U can operate Siri without internet connection?

[@planinshek]

@@brucelin5842yes. For commands like health, dictation, start a timer etc. you can’t obviously query Google or anything.

[@thatdudedez6751]

I have found that both typing and talking into my watch are the most annoying things on earth. Maybe my fingers are too big? Maybe because siri is still a moron??

[@Tournay01]

My issue with the Ultra 2 is that the water lock is ineffective. If the watch gets wet (rainstorm, shower) the speaker retains water, rendering the speakers ineffective for the phone function, as well as the distress siren. I was told by Apple that it was ‘probably’ a design flaw, so back it went. The big screen is great but I would not recommend this watch.

[@datathunderstorm]

I have owned three Apple Watches including the AW Series 4 I have had for the last 5 years. Guess what? I've never immersed any of my Apple Watches in water. Yes, I know some are rated for immersion to a certain depth, but I simply cannot bring myself to do it. To me, it's an electronic digital device - it does NOT belong in the water. It's nice to know I can go diving with it or have a shower while wearing it......but, I'd rather not. I'd rather it stays dry. Maybe that's why my AW Series 4 has lasted over 5 years so far. I've ordered the Ultra II - arriving in 3 days time.

[@thebossman972]

I shower with mine all the time and dont turn on water lock, you guys are over reacting s5 still good to this day@@datathunderstorm

[@steve9348]

Yehabtheee watches don’t compare to the Garmin fenix 7 pro or Garmin epix 2 pro

[@Cestmoi50]

It depends on the use case? Can I control my inhouse and outdoor lightning, electricity. control my kitchen ovens, control my car, pick up a call, listen to offline music list goes on. NO! So stop comparing apples with peers. The Garmin is great for sports alone, if that is your goal I agree. If you want decent enough sports for (most) and all the smart functionality then get a smart.

[@Akella1986]

Can't get rid of my Seiko Automatic Watch. So apple is not for me. But thanks for the vid anyway.

[@hugomartinezangeles5516]

You most show us more the watch, not your face ☹️

[@genesiskingjones1235]

I’m sorry but series 9 in much better

[@Cestmoi50]

I had the AW4 and 7, and myself actually started to hate the design (I never was a fan of the model to begin with, but still the same design going 9… I walked away and got the ultra2) which is bigger and you have to get used to but so much prettier. The 9 screen looks plasticy compared to the beautiful UW2 screen.

[@JaneZ393]

sounds like a waste of money. best to invest in education

[@rgmALC]

What if investing in education got you to the point to buying an Apple Watch

[@bv2458]

Who enjoys typing on a watch?? Ur weird!

[@AMWausau]

It is a lot easier to type on it, but it is still a PIA. That being said why type when you can dictate to drafts, this is so much better even if you just talk to Siri

[@davepounds8924]

People buy this Ultra because it’s the newest toy Do you really need an Ultra?? You don’t look like you climb mountains or scuba dive How big does the screen need to be?? Bulging over your wrist???

[@PSy84]

Same reason why most people buy SUV (sport utility vehicle) for family and city uses even if the commercials are on mountains and rough terrains

[@davepounds8924]

@@PSy84 That’s not a good comparison The SUVs are family with kids and sports moms They are used for the room and extra space A ultra watch is rarely used for what it was made for

[@dandansfu]

who cares how ppl use their products. honestly , for something you wear daily, its good to get the ultra because , its more rugged , and watch is something that easily get banged up. Also, for the price of Stainless Steel, you may as well get the Ultra as they are pretty much same price. you also get Siren feature and better GPS, yes likely , ppl who live in the cities who dont do extreme sports, may never need it, but its always good to have as a safety. you never know what could happen tomorrow and going back to first point, unless you are buying only SE or aluminium , you may as well go for Ultra for the price. better battery also makes things easier without needing to bring a charger when you travel for a day or two, less worrying about when to charge and can use sleep tracking easier. bigger and brighter screen comes in handy when using flashlight at night/power outage. sure you can argue, do you really REALLY need it? but that can be said for everything in life and I am willing to bet , there are many things you own, are not really really needed

[@daniaaal]

@@davepounds8924 so SUV is not a need, it’s more of luxury to have slightly more space. So in essence, similar to why some people buy Apple Watch Ultra even though they don’t really use it for its full purpose.

[@davepounds8924]

@@daniaaal Still a wrong comparison my friend! A SUV is not a luxury vehicle these days. Most cars today are SUVs Check what car companies are offering You can buy them in all price ranges A ultra Apple Watch is a unnecessary luxury if you’re not using it for what it’s designed for

[@joemaloney615]

Apple Ultra II is not worth $5. Dollars not purchase. I love my other 6 Apple devices but quickly found out why Ultra II is not re-turntable. These should never have been sold, they are awful.

[@jorgerios8472]

Just couldn’t justify buying it when it will be obsolete within a year. Half of the people will be staying paying it off.

[@_EP794]

😯