This week, Apple unveiled the all new Apple Watch Ultra. The new model is designed for users who spend a lot of time outdoors, running, swimming or whatever and need a durable device that is going to help them track their activity and much more. The Apple Watch Ultra is much more extreme looking, with a larger case, brighter screen and new band options.
The rumours surrounding a new model suggested something along these lines, but the only thing different was the name. The initial rumours suggested a name of Apple Watch Pro.
The new Ultra is definitely larger than the standard Apple Watch Series 8 and SE model. The case is now 49mm, with a bigger screen. Thankfully, the bands for the Ultra are compatible with the 44mm and 45mm watches, but Apple say they are designed for the Apple Watch Ultra. The case is titanium and features a larger Digital Crown, protruding side button and a new ‘Action Button’ on the other side. Apple say the controls are larger and well suited for use with gloves.
Three new bands have been launched alongside the new watch, with the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and the Ocean Band.
The ‘Action Button’ is bright orange and can be used for anything from starting a workout or dropping a wayfinding pin. You can customise it to do anything you need it to do. On that same side is a new larger speaker, which is now 86dB, useful for alerting people if you are stuck. It can be heard at up to 600ft away.
When revealing the new watch, Apple said one common problem with other watches is using GPS in cities with tall buildings. To combat this, Apple has added dual frequency GPS, to help it be more accurate in those environments.
Thanks to the larger case, the battery life has been greatly improved too. Apple says the new Ultra can last up to 36 hours on one charge, then once watchOS 9 is released, that will be 60 hours, thanks to low power mode.
The new Apple Watch Ultra is now up for pre-orders, prices start at $799 US and £849 UK. First deliveries will start later this month on 23rd September.
