Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 Review 2025

Apple Watch Ultra 2 — All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 Dive Computer combines smartwatch versatility with recreational dive features, offering a sleek, intuitive, and robust device for fitness enthusiasts and casual divers.

Category	Score	Weight	Weighted Score
Design and Build	5.0/5	0.15	0.75
Display and Readability	5.0/5	0.20	1.00
Features and Functionality	4.5/5	0.25	1.125
Ease of Use	4.5/5	0.15	0.675
Battery Performance	4.0/5	0.10	0.40
Value for Money	4.5/5	0.15	0.675

Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)

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Apple Watch Ultra Series 2

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is a cutting-edge smartwatch designed to cater to adventurers, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational divers. Combining advanced health, fitness, and dive tracking capabilities with a sleek yet rugged design, it redefines what a smartwatch can do for those who push boundaries both above and below the surface.

Built with Apple’s renowned attention to detail, the Ultra Series 2 features an upgraded display, enhanced dive-specific features, and advanced health monitoring, making it a versatile companion for everyday wear and extreme activities. With its EN13319 dive certification and compatibility with the Oceanic+ app, the Ultra Series 2 doubles as a capable dive computer for recreational divers.

Best For: Active adventurers, recreational divers, and fitness enthusiasts seeking a stylish, multifunctional smartwatch that blends cutting-edge technology with underwater performance.

Design and Build

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 boasts a rugged yet refined design that combines durability, functionality, and style, making it suitable for extreme adventures and everyday use alike.

Key Features

Titanium Case: The lightweight aerospace-grade titanium case offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, ideal for both land and underwater activities.
Sapphire Crystal Display: The flat sapphire crystal screen is highly scratch-resistant, ensuring clear visibility and long-lasting durability.
Larger and Brighter Display: The Ultra Series 2 features a stunning 3,000-nit Retina display, offering enhanced brightness for readability in direct sunlight or murky underwater conditions.
Customizable Action Button: A dedicated orange Action Button allows users to access specific features like dive logging or workout tracking with a single press.
Upgraded Straps: Comes with specialized strap options, including the Ocean Band for diving, the Trail Loop for endurance athletes, and the Alpine Loop for adventurers.

Durability

Certified to EN13319 for dive accessories, the Ultra Series 2 is waterproof to a depth of 40 meters (130 feet), making it suitable for recreational diving.
MIL-STD-810H compliant, ensuring resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.

Aesthetics
The sleek yet rugged design of the Ultra Series 2 blends industrial functionality with modern elegance, making it versatile for both outdoor adventures and professional settings.

Score for Design and Build: 5/5

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 excels in combining premium materials, robust durability, and thoughtful design, making it one of the most versatile and stylish smartwatches available.

Display and Readability

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 offers a best-in-class display that sets a new standard for clarity and readability in both everyday use and extreme environments.

Key Features

Ultra-Bright Retina Display: With an impressive 3,000 nits of brightness, the display ensures outstanding visibility in bright sunlight, underwater, or other challenging conditions.
Always-On Display: The always-on functionality keeps vital information visible at all times without the need to raise your wrist or tap the screen.
High-Resolution Clarity: The Retina display provides sharp, crisp visuals for easy reading of metrics like heart rate, dive depth, or workout data.
Sapphire Crystal Protection: The flat sapphire crystal protects the screen from scratches and impacts, maintaining long-term clarity.
Customizable Watch Faces: Tailor the display to your needs with specialized watch faces, including ones optimized for divers and adventurers, featuring key metrics like altitude, depth, and compass bearings.

Strengths

Exceptional brightness ensures readability in direct sunlight and low-light underwater environments.
Always-on display and customizable faces make critical metrics accessible at a glance.
The large, vibrant screen enhances user experience with detailed, easy-to-read visuals.

Limitations

May consume more battery life with maximum brightness settings or frequent use of the always-on display.
Some divers may prefer a fully monochrome, high-contrast display for specific underwater conditions.

Score for Display and Readability: 5/5

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2’s display is a standout feature, offering unparalleled brightness, clarity, and customization that cater to both recreational divers and fitness enthusiasts.

Features and Functionality

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is packed with advanced features that cater to a wide range of activities, from fitness tracking and health monitoring to recreational diving and outdoor adventures. Its combination of smart functionality and specialized tools makes it one of the most versatile wearables on the market.

Key Features

Recreational Diving Capabilities:
- Certified to EN13319 for dive accessories and waterproof to 40 meters (130 feet).
- Compatible with the Oceanic+ App, transforming the watch into a full-featured recreational dive computer. Tracks metrics like depth, dive time, no-decompression limits, ascent rates, and water temperature.
Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking:
- Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and VO2 max for fitness optimization.
- Includes sleep tracking, cycle tracking, and ECG functionality for comprehensive health management.
Precision GPS:
- Dual-frequency GPS offers precise location tracking for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling, even in remote areas.
Action Button:
- The customizable Action Button provides quick access to features such as dive logging, workout tracking, or activating the flashlight.
Safety Features:
- Siren: An 86-decibel siren alerts others in case of emergencies.
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection: Automatically contacts emergency services in case of a severe fall or car accident.
- Backtrack Navigation: Helps retrace your steps if you get lost, ideal for hiking and wilderness adventures.
Battery Life:
- Up to 36 hours in standard mode and up to 72 hours in low-power mode, suitable for long adventures or dive trips.
Connectivity and Ecosystem:
- Seamlessly integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhone and AirPods, for messaging, calls, and notifications.
- Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity ensure you stay connected even in remote areas.

Strengths

Comprehensive health and fitness tracking with industry-leading accuracy.
Dive computer functionality enhances value for recreational divers.
Customizable interface with seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Dual-frequency GPS and safety features make it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.

Limitations

Dive capabilities are limited to recreational depths and may not appeal to technical divers.
Higher price point compared to traditional dive computers or fitness wearables.
Battery life, while improved, may fall short for multi-day expeditions without charging.

Score for Features and Functionality: 4.5/5

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 delivers an impressive array of features that cater to diverse activities, making it a versatile option for active individuals, though technical divers and ultra-long expeditioners may require more specialized devices.

Ease of Use

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering an intuitive interface and seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem. Its features are easily accessible for both everyday use and specialized activities like diving and outdoor adventures.

Key Features

Intuitive Interface:
- Powered by watchOS 10, the interface is smooth and easy to navigate, with clear menus and customizable watch faces tailored to your needs.
Action Button:
- A dedicated, customizable Action Button provides quick access to frequently used functions such as dive logging, workouts, or starting a specific activity.
Touchscreen and Digital Crown:
- Combines a responsive touchscreen with the Digital Crown and side button for effortless operation, even when wearing gloves.
Oceanic+ App Integration:
- The Oceanic+ app’s dive-specific interface is straightforward, displaying critical dive data like depth, ascent rates, and dive time in an organized, easy-to-read format.
Customizable Watch Faces:
- Tailor watch faces with widgets for quick access to key metrics such as dive mode, altitude, or GPS navigation.

Strengths

The combination of touchscreen, Digital Crown, and Action Button makes operation simple and versatile.
Dive mode via the Oceanic+ app is designed with clarity, ensuring users of all levels can quickly understand critical metrics.
Intuitive menu layouts and customizable watch faces reduce the learning curve.
Automatic syncing with iPhone apps and data enhances ease of use for Apple ecosystem users.

Limitations

Some advanced features, like configuring the Oceanic+ app for dives, may require a brief learning period for first-time users.
Touchscreen functionality can be less responsive underwater or with wet hands, though the Digital Crown and Action Button mitigate this issue.

Score for Ease of Use: 4.5/5

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is highly user-friendly, with intuitive controls and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. While there’s a slight learning curve for advanced features, the combination of touchscreen and tactile controls ensures easy operation in diverse environments.

Battery Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 offers improved battery performance compared to standard Apple Watch models, making it suitable for extended activities like multi-day adventures and recreational dives.

Key Features

Standard Battery Life:
- Provides up to 36 hours of battery life in regular use, including tracking workouts, GPS navigation, and notifications.
Low-Power Mode:
- Extends battery life up to 72 hours by limiting non-essential features while still supporting basic functionality like heart rate monitoring and GPS.
Dive Mode Performance:
- Offers sufficient power for multiple dives in a single day, even with frequent use of the Oceanic+ app.
Fast Charging:
- Recharges quickly using the included USB-C charging cable, minimizing downtime between uses.
Power Efficiency:
- Advanced components, including the S9 chip, optimize energy usage to prolong battery life during demanding activities.

Strengths

Low-power mode effectively extends battery life for multi-day trips.
Fast charging ensures the watch is quickly ready for use after a short charge.
Battery life is sufficient for a full day of diving, fitness tracking, and regular use.

Limitations

While improved, the battery life may still fall short for long expeditions without access to charging.
Frequent use of GPS, dive mode, or high-brightness settings can reduce battery duration.

Score for Battery Performance: 4.0/5
The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 offers solid battery performance for daily use and moderate adventures, though extended trips may require careful power management or access to charging. Its fast-charging capability and low-power mode help offset this limitation.

Value for Money

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is a premium smartwatch with a price point reflecting its advanced technology, rugged design, and multifunctional capabilities. While it is costlier than traditional dive computers or fitness wearables, its versatility and integration into the Apple ecosystem make it a compelling option for adventurers and recreational divers.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

Multifunctionality: Combines fitness tracking, health monitoring, smartwatch features, and recreational dive computer capabilities in a single device, reducing the need for multiple gadgets.
Premium Build Quality: The titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and 3,000-nit Retina screen offer long-lasting durability and exceptional performance.
Diving Features: Certified to EN13319, the Oceanic+ app transforms the watch into a capable dive computer for recreational diving.
Connectivity: Seamless integration with Apple devices and apps ensures effortless data syncing, logging, and customization.
Advanced Health Tracking: Includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, VO2 max, and more, adding value for health-conscious users.

Considerations

High Price Point: At a premium price, the Ultra Series 2 is significantly more expensive than entry-level dive computers and traditional fitness wearables.
Not for Technical Diving: While suitable for recreational dives, it lacks the features needed for deep technical dives, which may limit its appeal to serious divers.
Battery Life: Though improved, the battery life may be insufficient for multi-day expeditions without access to charging.

Score for Value for Money: 4.5/5

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 delivers exceptional value for adventurers and recreational divers who can leverage its multifunctional capabilities and seamless ecosystem integration. However, its premium price and limitations for technical diving may not suit every diver’s needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Multifunctional Design: Combines smartwatch, fitness tracker, and recreational dive computer capabilities in a single device.
Premium Build: Durable titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and water resistance up to 40 meters make it ideal for rugged adventures and diving.
Brilliant Display: Ultra-bright 3,000-nit Retina screen ensures excellent visibility in all conditions, including underwater and in bright sunlight.
Customizable Action Button: Provides quick access to key functions like dive mode or workout tracking.
Advanced Health Features: Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, VO2 max, sleep, and more, offering comprehensive health monitoring.
Diving Features: Oceanic+ app turns the watch into a recreational dive computer, offering metrics like depth, ascent rates, and no-decompression limits.
Seamless Integration: Syncs effortlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, including apps, notifications, and other Apple devices.
Safety Tools: Includes an emergency siren, crash and fall detection, and backtrack navigation for outdoor safety.

Cons

High Price Point: Significantly more expensive than entry-level dive computers or fitness trackers.
Limited Technical Diving Features: Not suitable for advanced divers requiring multi-gas support or decompression algorithms beyond recreational limits.
Battery Life: Though improved, the 36–72 hour battery life may not suffice for multi-day expeditions without charging access.
Touchscreen Sensitivity: The touchscreen can be less responsive underwater or with wet hands, though the Digital Crown and Action Button mitigate this issue.
Recreational Depth Limit: Rated to 40 meters, which may be restrictive for divers exploring beyond recreational depths.

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is an exceptional all-in-one device for adventurers and recreational divers, offering premium build quality and cutting-edge technology. However, its high cost and limited suitability for technical diving may not appeal to everyone.

Comparison

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is a feature-packed smartwatch designed for adventurers and recreational divers, but how does it compare to other top models like the Garmin Descent MK3 and the Garmin Descent 2S?

While the Ultra Series 2 shines with its advanced health tracking, ultra-bright Retina display, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, the Garmin Descent MK3 offers robust multi-sport functionality, comprehensive dive modes, and long-lasting battery life, making it a great choice for technical divers and endurance athletes. Meanwhile, the Garmin Descent 2S provides similar capabilities in a more compact design, perfect for divers and fitness enthusiasts with smaller wrists.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of these three top-tier dive computers, including their features, pricing, and best-use scenarios, visit our dedicated page:

Click here to compare – Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 vs. Garmin Descent MK3 vs. Garmin Descent 2S

Whether you’re a recreational diver seeking advanced health tracking, a technical diver requiring versatile dive modes, or a fitness enthusiast who values a lightweight design, this guide will help you decide which device is the perfect fit for your needs.

Overall Rating

The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is a premium wearable that combines advanced smartwatch functionality, fitness tracking, and recreational dive capabilities. Its sleek design, durable construction, and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem make it a top choice for adventurers and tech-savvy divers.

Category	Score	Weight	Weighted Score
Design and Build	5.0/5	0.15	0.75
Display and Readability	5.0/5	0.20	1.00
Features and Functionality	4.5/5	0.25	1.125
Ease of Use	4.5/5	0.15	0.675
Battery Performance	4.0/5	0.10	0.40
Value for Money	4.5/5	0.15	0.675

Best For

Recreational Divers: Excellent for divers who need reliable depth tracking and dive metrics for recreational limits.
Adventurers: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts requiring GPS, safety features, and rugged durability.
Tech-Savvy Fitness Enthusiasts: Advanced health tracking and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem make it an excellent everyday companion.

Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)

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The Apple Watch Ultra Series 2 is a versatile and feature-rich device, excelling in health tracking, connectivity, and recreational dive performance. While its premium price and limitations for technical diving may not appeal to all, it’s a stellar choice for those who value cutting-edge technology and multifunctionality in a sleek, durable package.