Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2

Black Friday is the perfect time to grab new devices as gifts, and the 2024 edition is no exception. This year could be particularly great for iPhone owners who love the outdoors, as Apple Watch Ultra models may be on sale. With potential discounts on this rugged, feature-rich premium smartwatch, now is the time to decide which model is right for you. Let us guide you through the options.

The Bottom Line: Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 is an incredibly capable device, hitting all the right marks from the start: it's rugged, durable, has impressive battery life, and is perfect for serious outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, hiking, or running.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is, for the most part, very similar to its predecessor. It looks the same, features a brighter display, and offers nearly identical battery life and durability. Rather than focus on the similarities, let’s dive into the differences to help you decide whether to go for the original Apple Watch Ultra or the newer Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799 through T-Mobile. While you won’t find the Ultra 2 on T-Mobile, you can find it through Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay, where refurbished models can sometimes be found for under $500. If you find one from a trusted seller with solid reviews, it could be a great deal.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 is powered by the Apple S8 dual-core processor, the first-generation ultra-wideband chip, and has 32GB of storage. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, upgrades to the S9 dual-core processor, the second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and 64GB of storage. While it’s a significant upgrade, many users may not notice a huge difference in performance. I personally upgraded from a Series 6 to a Series 9 and noticed a bit more speed, but it wasn’t a game-changer.

Other specs, like dust and water resistance, the customizable action button, and sensors that track temperature, heart rate, and other metrics, remain unchanged in the Ultra 2.

Bottom Line: While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is faster, the original Ultra is still plenty quick for most users.

One More Thing: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces Apple’s Double Tap gesture. This can be a nice addition if you get the hang of it, though I personally found it tricky to use and stopped relying on it after initial testing.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design

There's nothing to say here except this: The two devices look exactly the same.

The display resolution remains the same at 410x502 pixels, but the Ultra 2 is notably brighter, reaching 3,000 nits compared to the Ultra 1's 2,000 nits maximum. This increased brightness is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, as it makes the watch easier to use in direct sunlight.

Interestingly, while Apple didn’t release a third-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, it did update the Ultra 2 lineup. A new jet black titanium option has been introduced for those who prefer a sleek onyx finish. Additionally, new band options are now available, including the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, and Titanium Milanese Loop.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Health and Fitness Tracking

Prior to Apple’s "Glowtime" livestream in September, both the Ultra and Ultra 2 featured the same health and fitness tracking capabilities. However, recent announcements have introduced some exciting updates for the Ultra 2.

Both track your heart rate and sleep, as well as water depth, temperature, among other metrics. Also, they both have crash and fall detection. However, thanks to some new upgrades from Apple, the Ultra 2 now supports sleep apnea detection — something that the first-generation Watch Ultra doesn't have. (It's also worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 models also have sleep apnea detection.)

Interestingly, the older Apple Watch Ultra has an advantage over the Ultra 2: it includes a blood-oxygen sensor, which is absent from the newer Ultra 2 models in the U.S. due to Apple’s legal issues with medical tech company Masimo.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra offers a standard battery life of 36 hours and extends to 60 hours in Low Power mode.

The Ultra 2 makes a slight improvement with the same 36 hours of standard battery life but extends to 72 hours in Low Power mode. While this isn’t a huge leap, it’s worth considering if you frequently use the watch for multi-day hikes or long races.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Should You Upgrade?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799, which is reasonable considering that sports watches from brands like Garmin and Suunto often exceed $1,000 (although they generally offer much longer battery life). While the original Apple Watch Ultra is no longer available new, we still recommend looking for refurbished or pre-owned models, as they are very similar to the Ultra 2.

However, if sleep apnea detection is important to you, or if the new jet black model is especially appealing, the Ultra 2 may be the better choice.

Apple Watch Ultra 1 (Refurbished)

This Black Friday, a refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 1 could be an excellent deal for those seeking a high-performance smartwatch without the premium price tag. Known for its rugged design, excellent battery life, and advanced features for outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and running, the Apple Watch Ultra 1 is built to withstand the elements. With a 36-hour standard battery life, a durable titanium case, and a bright, clear display, it’s perfect for those who want a reliable and feature-packed smartwatch. If you’re looking to snag a top-tier device at a more affordable price, refurbished models are a great option, offering the same functionality as a new one, often at a significant discount.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a fantastic opportunity to grab a premium smartwatch with advanced features and top-notch durability. Designed for those who lead an active, outdoor lifestyle, the Ultra 2 is built with a rugged titanium case, a bright 3,000-nit display, and a range of health and fitness tracking features. With a 36-hour standard battery life and an impressive 72 hours in Low Power mode, it’s perfect for multi-day adventures or long training sessions. If you’re looking for cutting-edge tech, including the new Double Tap gesture and enhanced health features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice. Be sure to check out discounts this Black Friday, as you can often find it for less than the usual retail price, making it a great time to invest in a high-end smartwatch.