Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: The Ultimate Adventure Smartwatch for 2025

Q: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 waterproof?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is water resistant to 100 m and certified under EN13319. It supports recreational scuba diving to 40 m and freediving using the Oceanic+ app, making it suitable for swimming, surfing, and most water sports.

Q: How long does the battery last?

Apple rates Apple Watch Ultra 2 for up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Real-world battery life varies by settings and usage, and many users report getting beyond two days with typical use.

Q: What’s new compared with the original Ultra?

Upgrades include a brighter 3,000-nit display, the S9 SiP with on-device Siri and double-tap gesture, Precision Finding with second-generation Ultra Wideband, the Modular Ultra watch face, and automatic Night Mode. Battery life and case dimensions are essentially unchanged.

Q: Does the Ultra 2 support blood glucose monitoring or blood pressure?

No. Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not measure blood glucose or blood pressure. It supports health features such as heart-rate tracking and ECG, but glucose and blood pressure sensing are not available on this model.

Q: Can I upgrade my original Ultra via software to get double-tap?

No. While watchOS updates bring many features to the first-generation Ultra, double-tap relies on S9-series hardware and is exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models that include the required chip.

Q: Which band should I choose?

Trail Loop is light and breathable for running and daily wear. Alpine Loop is durable with a secure hook for hiking and climbing. Ocean Band is designed for water sports and scuba diving and can fit securely over wetsuits. Ultra bands are generally compatible with Ultra 2, though colors may vary.

Introduction

Apple’s first‑generation Ultra redefined rugged smartwatches in 2022 by combining the elegance of an Apple Watch with extreme sports readiness. In September 2023 Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and two years on it remains the company’s flagship outdoor smartwatch. This review explores what makes the Ultra 2 stand out in 2025, including its super‑bright display, powerful S9 SiP, battery life, health and fitness features, and eco‑friendly construction. You’ll discover whether these improvements justify upgrading from the original Ultra or Series 9, and how it compares to adventure watches from Garmin and Casio.

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Specifications at a Glance

The table below summarises key specs of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for quick reference. Figures are taken from Apple’s official press release and reputable tech publications.

Feature	Apple Watch Ultra 2	Evidence
Case material	49 mm titanium case using 95 % recycled metal	Apple says Ultra 2 uses recycled titanium, making it part of its carbon‑neutral products.
Display	1.93‑inch LTPO OLED with 502 × 410 px resolution; brightness up to 3,000 nits and as low as 1 nit	Apple’s newsroom notes the new display architecture reaches 3 000 nits – 50 % brighter than Ultra 1 – and can dim to 1 nit.
Processor	S9 SiP with 4‑core Neural Engine; 60 % more transistors and 30 % faster GPU than the S8	According to Apple, the custom S9 SiP delivers system‑wide improvements, enabling on‑device Siri, a new double‑tap gesture and Precision Finding.
Battery life	36 hours normal use; 72 hours Low Power Mode	Apple maintains the same 36 ‑hour battery claim as the original Ultra. Independent testers confirm it charges every other day with normal workouts.
Water resistance	Rated to 100 m (10 ATM) with EN13319 certification; suitable for recreational scuba diving to 40 m and now freediving	Apple emphasises recreational scuba diving and freediving support with the Oceanic+ app.
Altitude range	Tested for use from –500 m to +9 000 m	The press release says Ultra 2 can handle the widest altitude range for any Apple product.
Sensors	Dual‑frequency GPS (L1 + L5), depth gauge, water‑temperature sensor, heart‑rate, blood‑oxygen and ECG sensors, temperature sensing, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer	Apple lists a long roster of sensors enabling precise location, dive functions and health metrics.
Special features	Double‑tap gesture, on‑device Siri, Precision Finding with second‑gen Ultra Wideband, Modular Ultra watch face, Night Mode, Bluetooth cycling sensor support	The press release details these new features, including double‑tap control, Precision Finding and watchOS 10 cycling enhancements.
Price and release date	Launched at US $799; released September 22 2023; still sold in 2025	MacRumors reports Apple launched Ultra 2 for $799 with orders available from September 22 2023.

Rugged Design and Display

Titanium case and durability

The Ultra 2 retains the 49 mm titanium case introduced with the original Ultra but ups its sustainability by using 95 % recycled titaniumapple.com. Titanium offers an excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio, meaning the watch feels solid without being uncomfortably heavy. The raised bezel around the display protects the glass from knocks and gives the watch a distinctive squared‑off look. The Digital Crown and Side Button are large enough to operate with gloves, and there’s a bright Action Button on the left side for quick starts in workouts or diving.

Apple rates the Ultra 2 to 100 m water resistance (10 ATM) and certifies it for recreational scuba diving down to 40 m, thanks to its EN13319 complianceapple.com. It also passes MIL‑STD‑810H tests for shock, temperature and vibration, making it suitable for adventurers, construction workers or anyone who needs a durable smartwatch.

Record‑breaking brightness

One of the biggest upgrades on the Ultra 2 is the display. Apple re‑engineered the panel to reach a searing 3 000 nits—50 % brighter than the first Ultra and brighter than any other Apple productapple.com. That extra luminance makes the screen readable even under midday sun or while skiing on reflective snow. For dim environments, the screen can dim to just one nit, which is gentler than the two‑nit minimum on older models. The always‑on LTPO OLED technology helps preserve battery life by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate.

Owners of the Ultra 2 praise this display in real‑world use. One reviewer walked through the streets of New Orleans under intense sunlight and found the screen easy to read thanks to the 3 000‑nit brightnessiphonejd.com. Because the screen only boosts brightness when required, battery life is rarely impacted.

Modular Ultra watch face and Night Mode

The larger 49 mm display offers more space for data, and Apple created a Modular Ultra watch face to take advantage of it. It spreads complications across the outer edge, allowing you to show seconds, altitude or depth plus up to seven small widgetsapple.com. The Night Mode now automatically triggers using the ambient light sensor, turning the interface red for better dark‑adapted vision. If you prefer a digital face with many complications, this watch face is ideal.

Some users note that the display does not drastically increase usable area compared with the Series 7/8/9 because the bezel is thicker. The iPhone J.D. review explains that the Ultra 2’s case is 49 mm high, yet the active display adds only 18 pixels in height and 14 pixels in width compared to earlier models; most information looks similar. However, Apple uses the extra space effectively during workouts—showing an additional metric line—and the Modular Ultra face allows seven complicationsiphonejd.com.

Hardware and Performance

S9 SiP and Neural Engine

The Ultra 2 is powered by Apple’s custom S9 SiP. According to Apple’s press release, this chip contains 5.6 billion transistors and delivers 60 % more processing power than the S8, with a 30 % faster GPU and a new 4‑core Neural Engineapple.com. MacRumors confirms the S9’s increased transistor count and notes that its Neural Engine can process machine‑learning tasks twice as fastmacrumors.com.

In practice, the S9 makes the Ultra 2 feel noticeably faster than older Apple Watches. The iPhone J.D. reviewer, who upgraded from a Series 7, reports that tasks like opening Mail or using Siri are far more responsiveiphonejd.com. On‑device Siri is now possible because the S9 handles voice requests locally, resulting in immediate responses even without cellular or Wi‑Fi. Apple says on‑device processing also improves dictation accuracy by 25 %.

Double‑tap gesture and sensors

One of the Ultra 2’s headline features is the double‑tap gesture. By tapping your index finger and thumb together twice, you can trigger the primary action of an app, such as answering a call, stopping a timer or playing/pausing musicapple.com. The S9’s Neural Engine analyses subtle wrist motions and changes in blood flow to recognise the gesture. In early software, the feature was scheduled for release after launch. Reviewers find double‑tap intuitive and far more reliable than the Assistive Touch feature on previous modelsdcrainmaker.com. You cannot use double‑tap and Quick Actions simultaneously, but double‑tap is designed to run continuously in the background without draining the battery.

The Ultra 2 includes the widest sensor suite of any Apple Watch. Dual‑frequency GPS (L1 + L5) improves positioning accuracy in dense urban canyons or mountainous terrain. A depth gauge and water‑temperature sensor support diving and freediving via the Oceanic+ appapple.com. Standard sensors—heart‑rate, blood‑oxygen (SpO₂), ECG and skin temperature—enable advanced health metrics such as wrist‑temperature tracking, cycle logging and irregular rhythm notifications.

Precision Finding and Ultra Wideband

Apple equips the Ultra 2 with a second‑generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models. Precision Finding provides directional and distance guidance, using visual, haptic and audio feedback to locate a misplaced iPhoneapple.com. This feature works even if your phone is in another room, making it easier to track down your device after a dive or hike.

Battery Life and Charging

Rated endurance

Despite the brighter display and faster processor, Apple claims the Ultra 2 retains the 36‑hour battery life of its predecessor, with up to 72 hours in Low Power Modeapple.com. Low Power Mode conserves energy by disabling the always‑on display and limiting sensor sampling and notifications. A DCRainmaker review corroborates that the 36‑hour claim is conservative; the reviewer charged their watch every other day despite 45–90 minutes of GPS‑based workouts, aligning with the original Ultradcrainmaker.com. iPhone J.D.’s Jeff Richardson notes that having 36 hours of battery life makes charging an afterthought—he often charges while showering and still has plenty of power to wear the watch overnightiphonejd.com.

Charging and cables

The Ultra 2 includes Apple’s magnetic fast charger with a braided USB‑C cable. It uses the same charging architecture as the first Ultra, taking about an hour to top up from near‑empty. Real‑world testers report that the battery drains faster with always‑on brightness and extended GPS usage, so hikers and athletes planning multi‑day adventures should pack a portable charger. Apple’s low‑power toggles can double battery life by reducing background sensor readings and disabling cellular connectivity.

Solar charging? Not yet

Unlike solar‑powered adventure watches such as the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, the Ultra 2 lacks photovoltaic charging. Apple focuses on battery optimisation and quick charging rather than renewable energy. If you need solar, consider Garmin’s Instinct 2 Solar review on FrediTech, which explains how solar glass can extend battery life during long treks freditech.com.

Health, Fitness and Adventure Features

Everyday health monitoring

The Ultra 2 offers the full suite of Apple Watch health features. Continuous heart‑rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, ECG readings, blood‑oxygen measurements and nightly sleep stages are standard. The watch can log medications, track menstrual cycles and display temperature deviations that may indicate illness or ovulation. On‑device Siri now lets you query your latest health data without an internet connection, for example, “How many hours did I sleep last night?” or “Log my body temperature”apple.com.

Apple added a Vitals monitoring metric in watchOS 11 (released in 2024) that tracks metrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature to detect early signs of illness. The Mindfulness app includes mental‑health surveys, and the ambient light sensor measures time spent outdoors to help mitigate myopia riskapple.com.

Sports modes and structured workouts

Apple steadily improves sports features via software. watchOS 10 introduced Bluetooth support for cycling power meters, speed and cadence sensors, enabling serious cyclists to view power zones directly on the watch and display workout stats on an iPhone via Live Activityapple.com. The Precision Start option ensures GPS and heart‑rate sensors lock before a workout begins, crucial for accurate splits and intervalsdcrainmaker.com.

Structured workouts now integrate with third‑party apps through an API, allowing services like TrainingPeaks to push workouts directly to the watch. Runners can access track workouts and running power metrics, while triathletes benefit from multisport modes. Apple still lacks the deep metric customisation of Garmin’s Fenix series, but the Ultra 2 covers mainstream endurance training well.

Navigation and backcountry tools

The Ultra 2 uses dual‑frequency GPS for improved accuracy in challenging environments. watchOS 10 added topographic maps in the Maps app for the U.S., including contour lines and trailheads, and the Compass app now displays real‑time elevation with a 3D waypoint viewapple.com. Backtrack, which retraces your steps using GPS breadcrumbs, is useful for returning to camp or navigating through unfamiliar terrain. Hikers can also set waypoints and receive elevation warnings.

Diving and water sports

The Ultra 2 is more than just splash‑proof. Apple emphasises that the watch is suitable for recreational scuba diving up to 40 m and, with the Oceanic+ app, now supports freedivingapple.com. The Depth app logs dive sessions and displays critical data like depth and elapsed time. Freedivers can see heart‑rate zones between dives and receive surface‑time alarms, while the logbook keeps profiles with ascent and descent speeds. If you’re a casual swimmer or surfer, the 100 m water resistance and automatic stroke detection are more than sufficient.

Software and watchOS 10/11

watchOS 10 launched alongside the Ultra 2, bringing redesigned apps and the Smart Stack widget list for quick access to information. You can rotate the Digital Crown to access widgets and use double‑tap to scroll through themapple.com. New watch faces such as Snoopy and Solar Analog join the lineup, and Night Mode can now activate automatically using the ambient light sensorapple.com. watchOS 11 adds the Vitals and Training Load features, improving long‑term health insight and workout analysis.

Eco‑Friendly Materials and Sustainability

Apple is working toward carbon neutrality across all products by 2030. The Ultra 2 represents a major step: it’s Apple’s first watch to offer carbon‑neutral combinations when paired with Trail Loop or Alpine Loop bands. The watch uses 95 % recycled titaniumapple.com and packaging features an emblem indicating carbon neutrality. Apple reduced emissions associated with materials, electricity and transport, offsetting the remainder with high‑quality carbon credits. Choosing the Ultra 2 supports this sustainability initiative.

Real‑World Use Cases

Daily wear and comfort

Though built for extremes, the Ultra 2 serves as a capable everyday smartwatch. The high‑contrast screen and modular face make it easy to see appointments and respond to messages. However, some users find the 49 mm case bulky. iMore’s review points out that the large Digital Crown and buttons are easy to operate with gloves but can sometimes be pressed accidentally during workouts or while sleepingimore.com. Another reviewer notes that the heavier case can cause wrist fatigue for smaller wrists over long days.

Battery freedom for sleep tracking

Users upgrading from standard Apple Watches rave about the Ultra 2’s battery life. Jeff Richardson explains that 36 hours of endurance means you can wear the watch all day, track a workout, sleep with it on and still have plenty of power the next dayiphonejd.com. Being able to charge while showering rather than every night makes sleep‑tracking features practical. For travellers, the long battery life combined with Low Power Mode means weekend trips without the charger are feasible.

Fitness and outdoor adventures

Athletes appreciate the accurate GPS and robust sensor suite. DCRainmaker highlights that watchOS 10’s cycling features—Bluetooth power‑meter support, phone‑mirrored workout displays and structured workout API—bring the Ultra 2 closer to purpose‑built cycling computersdcrainmaker.com. Marathon runners benefit from Precision Start and running power metrics, while hikers rely on topographic maps and Backtrack to stay oriented. The addition of freediving metrics makes the Ultra 2 unique among mainstream smartwatches.

Productivity and communications

Because the S9 processes Siri requests on device, responses to timers, alarms, workouts and health queries are fasterapple.com. The double‑tap gesture adds convenience when your hands are full; you can answer a call, snooze an alarm or open the Smart Stack without touching the screen. Precision Finding ensures you’ll spend less time hunting for your iPhone after setting it down.

Step‑by‑Step Guides

How to set up and customise your Apple Watch Ultra 2

Pair your watch – Place your Ultra 2 next to your iPhone and follow the on‑screen pairing instructions. For a detailed setup guide covering health, payment and customisation features, see the Apple Watch Setup Guide 2025 on FrediTech.
Choose a watch face – Press and hold the current face to enter edit mode. Swipe to select Modular Ultra or Wayfinder, which offer multiple complications and outer‑edge data. Tap “Customize” to adjust colours and select complications.
Configure double‑tap – Open Settings → Gestures → Double Tap. Turn on the gesture and choose its default action (e.g., play/pause, answer calls). Practice by pinching your finger and thumb together twice.
Set Precision Start – In the Workout app, scroll to the desired sport and tap the three dots. Enable Precision Start so that workouts begin only after GPS and heart‑rate lock—useful for accurate track sessions.dcrainmaker.com
Enable Low Power Mode – Swipe up to open Control Center, tap the battery percentage, and toggle Low Power Mode. For extended trips, also enable Power Saving Workout in Settings → Workout.
Add Waypoints and Backtrack – Open the Compass app, tap the menu (three dots) and select Add Waypoint. Use Backtrack in the same menu to record a trail of your route when exploring unfamiliar terrain.

Tips for maximising battery life

Reduce screen brightness – Although the display dims automatically, manually lowering brightness in Settings can conserve power during long trips.

Disable always‑on display – In Settings → Display & Brightness, turn off the always‑on display when you don’t need constant watch‑face visibility.

Use Low Power Mode – Activate this mode for multi‑day hikes; it stretches endurance to 72 hours by reducing sensor sampling and disabling always‑on displayapple.com.

Manage notifications – Limit notifications to essentials via the Watch app on your iPhone to prevent constant screen wake‑ups.

Download offline maps – Preload topographic maps over Wi‑Fi so the watch doesn’t spend battery on data downloads when exploring remote areas.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 3 and Series 9

Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in late 2025 with an S10 SiP and 3 600‑nit display, but the Ultra 2 remains a strong option because of price drops. The Ultra 3 adds roughly six hours of additional battery life in standard mode (42 hours) and features an improved barometer. If you desire the brightest display and slightly longer endurance, the Ultra 3 is worth considering; otherwise, the Ultra 2 offers nearly identical performance at a lower cost.

Compared with the Apple Watch Series 9, the Ultra 2 provides twice the battery life (36 hours vs. 18 hours), a brighter display, better GPS accuracy, a depth gauge and a more durable titanium case. The Series 9 is lighter and sleeker, making it better suited for everyday wear. If you rarely dive or hike, the Series 9 might suffice, especially now that it also supports double‑tap and on‑device Siri via the S9 chip.

Ultra 2 vs. Garmin and Casio alternatives

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro – Garmin’s multisport flagship offers 18 days of smartwatch battery life (up to 22 days with solar), detailed topographic maps worldwide, and advanced training metrics. It lacks cellular connectivity and third‑party apps but appeals to endurance athletes who prioritise battery and mapping over a polished smartwatch experience.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar – This rugged watch provides endless battery life with sufficient sunlight and extensive sports modes. It features breadcrumb navigation but no full maps. For a deep dive into its performance, see FrediTech’s Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review freditech.com. Compared with the Ultra 2, the Instinct 2 Solar offers superior endurance and solar charging but lacks the Ultra’s polished interface, third‑party app ecosystem and advanced health sensors.

Casio G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000) – Casio’s Wear OS‑powered G‑Shock also targets rugged sports enthusiasts. It features a dual‑layer display and 200 m water resistance but is heavy and needs daily chargingwareable.com. For more details, read FrediTech’s G‑Shock Move Pro review.freditech.com

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Brilliant 3 000‑nit display ensures readability in any lighting.

Powerful S9 chip brings snappy performance, on‑device Siri and double‑tap gesture.

Excellent battery life (36 hours standard, 72 hours low‑power) makes sleep tracking practical.

Robust sensor suite includes dual‑frequency GPS, depth gauge and advanced health sensors.

Diving and freediving support with Oceanic+ app and EN13319 certification.

Carbon‑neutral options and recycled titanium construction support sustainability.

Precision Finding helps locate your iPhone quickly using second‑gen Ultra Wideband.

Drawbacks

Bulky 49 mm case may feel large on small wrists, causing accidental button presses and wrist fatigueimore.comimore.com.

No solar charging, requiring a charger on multi‑day expeditions.

Limited third‑party double‑tap support until more apps integrate the gesture.

Display size not dramatically larger than Series 9 due to thicker bezels.

Price remains high, though it’s cheaper than the Ultra 3. Budget‑conscious users may prefer the Series 9 or earlier Ultra models.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched at US $799 and is still sold in 2025. It comes in a single 49 mm size with three band options—Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band—available in new colours. Apple sells the watch directly and through carriers, and discounts are common now that the Ultra 3 is on sale. Carbon‑neutral configurations pair the Ultra 2 with Trail or Alpine loops and feature a small green flower symbol on the packagingapple.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 waterproof?

The Ultra 2 is rated to 100 m water resistance and certified under EN13319. It supports recreational scuba diving to 40 m and freediving using the Oceanic+ appapple.com. It is therefore suitable for swimming, surfing and most water sports.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates the Ultra 2 for 36 hours of normal use and 72 hours in Low Power Modeapple.com. Reviewers find the claim conservative, with real‑world use often stretching beyond two daysdcrainmaker.com. Charging while showering is often enough for continuous useiphonejd.com.

What’s new compared with the original Ultra?

Key upgrades include a brighter 3 000‑nit display, the S9 SiP with on‑device Siri and double‑tap gesture, Precision Finding with second‑gen Ultra Wideband, the Modular Ultra watch face, automatic Night Mode, and a carbon‑neutral designapple.comapple.com. Battery life and case dimensions remain the same.

Does the Ultra 2 support blood glucose monitoring or blood pressure?

Currently, Apple Watch Ultra 2 tracks heart rate, blood oxygen and ECG, but it does not measure blood glucose or blood pressure. Such sensors are rumoured for future models, but as of 2025 they are not available.

Can I upgrade my original Ultra via software to get double-tap?

No. While watchOS 10 and 11 bring many features to the first‑gen Ultra (including the Modular Ultra face and Smart Stack), double‑tap relies on the S9 chip’s Neural Engine and is exclusive to the Ultra 2 and laterapple.com.

Which band should I choose?

The Trail Loop is light and breathable, ideal for running and everyday wear. The Alpine Loop offers a durable weave with a secure hook for climbing and hiking. The Ocean Band is designed for water sports and scuba diving, fitting securely over wetsuits. All existing Ultra bands are compatible with the Ultra 2, and colours may varydcrainmaker.com.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains one of the most capable smartwatches on the market in 2025. Its brilliant 3 000‑nit display, S9 processor, double‑tap gesture, accurate dual‑frequency GPS and comprehensive health features make it a compelling upgrade for adventurers and athletes. While the case is undeniably large and the price high, the Ultra 2 delivers a premium experience with long battery life and a focus on sustainability. For outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable dive computer, robust navigation tools and the convenience of iOS integration, the Ultra 2 is hard to beat. Those seeking a lighter everyday watch may prefer the Series 9 or older Ultra, but for the ultimate combination of durability, performance and eco‑friendly design, the Ultra 2 remains at the top of its class.

About the Author

Wiredu Fred is a senior technology journalist and hardware reviewer with over a decade of experience evaluating laptops, smartwatches and consumer electronics. He contributes to independent tech magazines and follows wearable trends closely to help readers make informed decisions.