The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains the pinnacle of smartwatch innovation, blending rugged durability with cutting-edge features—and right now, it’s available at a rare $60 discount.
A Refined Powerhouse
Since its debut, the Apple Watch Ultra series has set the standard for high-performance wearables. The Ultra 2 builds on its predecessor with subtle yet meaningful upgrades: a faster S9 chip, a dazzling 3,000-nit display (up from 2,000 nits), and expanded 64GB storage. While the design remains nearly identical, the brighter screen makes a noticeable difference in outdoor conditions—ideal for athletes and adventurers.
Practical Enhancements
One standout improvement is the boosted flashlight function. By rotating the digital crown, users can now maximize brightness, making it far more useful for nighttime navigation or searching dark spaces. Though it doesn’t match Garmin’s dedicated LED, the feature is a welcome upgrade.
Offline maps and an upgraded Compass app—with waypoints for cellular dead zones—add value for hikers and travelers. Meanwhile, WatchOS 11 further refines fitness tracking and introduces richer watch faces optimized for the Ultra’s larger display.
Sustainability Meets Comfort
Apple’s commitment to carbon neutrality extends to new Alpine and Trail Loop bands, crafted with recycled materials. The Trail Loop’s lightweight, Velcro-secured design proves especially comfortable for daily wear, while the Ocean Band remains a solid choice for water activities.
Battery Life and Mental Health Focus
With its extended battery life and enhanced Mindfulness app—featuring Reflect and Breathe tools—the Ultra 2 doubles as a wellness companion. The larger display makes these features even more accessible, though they’re available on any Watch running WatchOS 10.
Should You Upgrade?
For first-time Ultra buyers, the Ultra 2 is the clear choice. Existing Ultra owners may find the improvements incremental, but the brighter display, faster performance, and eco-friendly materials justify the investment for enthusiasts.
At 739 with the current discount), the Ultra 2 undercuts many flagship GPS watches while offering unmatched integration with the Apple ecosystem. As the smartwatch market evolves, Apple’s latest Ultra model reaffirms its dominance—blending power, practicality, and sustainability into one premium package.
