It was an aggressive move when the smartwatch debuted in 2022.
I was looking for something new.
There were a lot of minor enhancements for nicer day-to-day experiences as well.
The Ultra has more microphones for better call clarity, better GPS accuracy, and water sensors.
It lured me in.
Nearly a year later and I have yet to regret wearing it daily.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
Even its larger 49mm screen size has not felt as daunting as I worried it would.
Im not an extreme athlete, but I do run daily, averaging 1,200 miles yearly since 2020.
The Apple Watch Ultra is an elevated product.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the most rugged in Apple’s lineup of smartwatches, featuring a large display and an Action button to launch apps and activities quickly.
Even taking calls directly on the watch had noticeably better clarity because of the speaker and microphones.
The story of the Apple Watch Ultra is a culmination of all the little things.
Its good at the more advanced fitness tasks, but it has also been helpful for mundane daily tasks.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the most rugged in Apple’s lineup of smartwatches, featuring a large display and an Action button to launch apps and activities quickly.
Not only functional design choices but often cosmetic ones too.
Anecdotally, Ive seen more Apple Watch Ultras around town than I would have thought.
I didnt have a problem running long distances with the watch.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
But if youre swimming laps, the watch will ask if you want to record a swim.
From only a casual point of view, the process there is unfortunate.
Plenty of the Ultras niceties also play a role in fitness.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
The brighter screen has been easier to see during runs and buttons are ever-so-slightly easier to tap.
Price and Value of Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra starts and ends at $799.
you’re free to only get it with cellular and only in one titanium finish.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
While that price isnt inexpensive, it is comparatively cheaper than an Apple Watch Series 7 in titanium.
The 45mm Series 7 Titanium (GPS + Cellular) model was priced at $849.
The Ultra debuted with measurable benefits over that model at a cheaper price.
The current Apple Watch Ultra may be the best value for people able to afford its cost.
Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?
For onlookers, the most desirable and repulsive aspect of theApple Watch Ultrais its size.
TheSeries 8is a great Apple Watch, too, by the way.
I was slightly surprised at how it fit on my wrist and became natural within a day or two.
Athletes with smaller wrists shouldnt write it off without trying it first.
There are rumors that there will be an Apple Watch Ultra 2.
