Last updated on December 14th, 2023 at 09:46 am

“Apple has confirmed its September event, and we can anticipate the unveiling of the iPhone 15 series. Alongside the new iPhones, we can also look forward to the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 9, and there’s even speculation about the possible release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.”

“Introduced alongside the iPhone 14 last year, the Apple Watch Ultra is tailored for demanding pursuits such as diving and mountain climbing. Notably, it boasts remarkable battery longevity, an Action button, and the most expansive display ever featured on an Apple Watch. For an unparalleled Apple Watch experience, it’s the one to consider.”

The Apple Watch Ultra features a 49mm titanium case housing a flat sapphire crystal display. Its screen is an always-on LTPO OLED display capable of achieving a remarkable brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Positioned on the right side of the case are the familiar Digital Crown and Side Button, while an orange-accented Action Button is located on the left side.

As for the forthcoming Apple Watch Ultra 2, early speculations suggest that it won’t see substantial alterations in its design compared to the current model.

Recent reports hint at a potential addition to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lineup—a dark titanium color option, complementing the existing natural titanium finish. This could be reminiscent of the Space Black titanium variant that made its debut with the Apple Watch Series 5.

There have been murmurs about Apple potentially employing a 3D-printing technique for specific mechanical components of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, it’s probable that this is primarily a cost-cutting measure for Apple. The components in question are likely to include the Digital Crown, Side Button, and Action Button, though their appearance and tactile qualities should remain unchanged.

Apart from these considerations, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is expected to maintain the same design as its predecessor, the current Apple Watch Ultra. If you had reservations about the larger size and perceived “bulkiness” of the Apple Watch Ultra, it’s unlikely that these aspects will undergo significant alterations with the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: specs

The present Apple Watch Ultra is powered by an S8 chip, similar to what’s found in the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2. It delivers impressive speed and responsiveness in terms of performance, effortlessly handling various tasks.

If the speculations hold true, the forthcoming Apple Watch Ultra 2 is slated to feature a new S9 processor, the same one anticipated to debut in the Apple Watch Series 9. Reports suggest that this would mark the most significant performance enhancement for the Apple Watch since the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 6. The S9 chip is rumored to be built on the foundation of the A15 Bionic chip, which premiered with the iPhone 13 lineup.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the performance upgrade from the S9 is anticipated to be “noteworthy.” Nevertheless, it’s challenging to precisely quantify how much of an advancement this will represent, considering the current iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra already delivers exceptional performance.

Comparison between Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra: Features

The Apple Watch Ultra set a new standard for Apple Watches by introducing a range of features specifically tailored for rugged outdoor activities, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessors. Its titanium casing significantly enhances both durability and lightweight characteristics compared to its aluminum and stainless steel counterparts. Furthermore, its larger size allows for a more capacious battery.

To cater to the demands of extreme outdoor enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra boasts an IP6X dust resistance rating, water resistance up to 100 meters, and full swimproof capability, permitting recreational diving up to 40 meters with EN13319 certification. It also incorporates a depth gauge equipped with a water temperature sensor, and users can utilize the Oceanic+ app to utilize it as a comprehensive dive computer.

In the unlikely event of requiring assistance in remote areas, the device is equipped with an 86-decibel siren that can be activated via the Action button. Audible within a range of up to 600 feet, it can prove invaluable in emergency situations.

As for the forthcoming Apple Watch Ultra 2, there have been no reports of new features that distinguish it from its predecessor. It is expected to at least inherit all the features present in the current Apple Watch Ultra. However, beyond the previously mentioned S9 processor, details on additional features remain undisclosed.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: health tracking

A compelling motivation for acquiring an Apple Watch lies in its robust suite of health-tracking capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra encompasses all the features of the Series 8, bolstered by the advantages of a sturdier and more spacious titanium casing, extended battery life, and an array of attributes tailored for intense physical activity.

Presently, the Apple Watch Ultra offers round-the-clock continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking, an ECG app, alerts for high and low heart rates, notifications for irregular heart rhythms (valuable for detecting atrial fibrillation), and notifications pertaining to cardio fitness. Much like the Series 8, it also incorporates a temperature sensor, particularly useful for cycle tracking with ovulation estimations.

For those who wear it through the night, the Apple Watch Ultra is equipped to monitor sleep patterns, and it includes fall detection, which promptly notifies emergency services in the event of a significant fall.

As of now, there have been no indications that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will introduce new health sensors. Although there is anticipation for advancements in this domain, such as blood pressure or noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, it’s less probable that these health technologies have reached a state of readiness for widespread implementation.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: battery life

The inaugural Apple Watch Ultra set an impressive benchmark for battery endurance, boasting a single charge lifespan of approximately 36 hours — a duration twice as long as that of the Apple Watch Series 8. Enabling Low Power Mode can further stretch this period, potentially reaching up to 60 hours.

It’s reasonable to anticipate that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will offer a battery life at least on par with its predecessor, if not even better, thanks to the introduction of the S9 chip. Given the potential for the S9 chip to enhance both speed and power efficiency, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to achieve up to 40 hours of usage between charges. It’s worth noting that this is speculative, contingent on the performance of the new chip.

Similar to its forerunner, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is expected to come with a USB-C magnetic fast-charging cable.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: price

Priced at $799 for a single size and finish, the Apple Watch Ultra holds the distinction of being the most expensive among Apple Watches. While this initial cost might appear steep, it’s only a $100 increment from the least expensive stainless steel variant of the Series 8.

As for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, no price hike is anticipated. There’s a potential, albeit uncertain, chance of a slight increase in price for a black titanium model, akin to the $100 difference between the Space Black Link Bracelet and its Silver counterpart.

In any case, it’s reasonable to expect the starting price to remain at $799 or possibly slightly higher.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: availability

The initial release of the Apple Watch Ultra occurred on September 23, 2022.

Apple has confirmed its autumn event for September 12. This event is likely to unveil the new iPhone 15 series, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Based on past patterns, it’s probable that preorders will kick off as early as the ensuing Friday, which would be September 15, followed by a public release on September 22.

If you’re considering purchasing the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, it might be prudent to hold off for now. It would be advisable to wait until the announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and then assess whether the updates, including the new processor and titanium color, justify the investment. If not, you may also have the opportunity to find discounted first-generation Apple Watch Ultra models from certain retailers while supplies last.