Apple unveiled an updated Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its September event, introducing a sleek black titanium finish—the first new color option since the model’s debut two years ago. Alongside the aesthetic refresh, the company announced a groundbreaking sleep apnea detection feature, set to roll out globally this month.
Enhanced Health Monitoring
The new sleep apnea feature leverages the watch’s accelerometer to analyze breathing patterns over 30-day intervals, alerting users if signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected. Apple confirmed the functionality will also extend to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 and the existing Series 9, with availability in over 150 countries, including the U.S. and EU.
Design and Accessory Updates
Complementing the black titanium case, Apple introduced matching bands, including updated Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean bands with black hardware. A new satin black titanium Milanese Loop joins the lineup, alongside a premium Hermès edition featuring a nautical-inspired band and exclusive watch face. When paired with select bands, the Ultra 2 achieves carbon-neutral certification.
Software and Performance Upgrades
The Ultra 2 will ship with watchOS 11, introducing enhancements like Live Activities in Smart Stack widgets and advanced health tracking tools. Key additions include Training Load, which measures workout intensity against personal baselines, and the Vitals app, which monitors metrics like respiratory rate and sleep duration for anomalies.
A Niche for Athletes and Adventurers
First launched in 2022, the Ultra series marked Apple’s most significant wearable redesign, featuring a larger display, rugged build, and customizable Action Button. Last year’s Ultra 2 iteration brought a brighter screen and the S9 chip for on-device Siri processing. While this year’s updates are incremental, the Ultra 2 remains Apple’s battery life leader—offering up to 36 hours in standard use or 72 in low-power mode—catering to outdoor enthusiasts and fitness-focused users.
Apple’s latest refresh reinforces the Ultra lineup’s position as the premium choice for demanding users, blending cutting-edge health tech with durable, high-performance design.
