(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
It's been almost a year since I swapped the original Apple Watch Ultra for the Series 10, and my verdict is in: It's not a worthwhile upgrade for runners.
The Ultra debuted in 2022, during my upswing into daily runs. Apple's rugged smartwatch was probably beyond my ambitions; it was aimed at a niche crowd of outdoor adventurers, our review observed. But I took the plunge, telling myself that the Ultra's advanced GPS and Action Button, specifically, would be good for my new routine.
I was right. After a year with the Ultra, I found it not only good for running, but also a great watch all around. However, at 1.9 by 1.7 by 0.6 inches (HWD), the Ultra was noticeably thicker than the Series 8 that came before it, which protruded less than half an inch (0.4 inches) off the wrist. Great for squeezing in premium features, but bad for fitting under dress shirts.
The Ultra 2 didn’t move the needle on this point, so the original Ultra remained my go-to running companion until last year when Apple unveiled the Series 10. With its thin frame and large display, it was too tempting not to try, but I now find myself longing to go back to the Ultra. Here's why I encourage athletes to stick with Apple's beefy smartwatch.
The Series 10 Looks Great on Paper
On the surface, the Series 10 looks like a compelling replacement for the Ultra line. Apple added a water temperature sensor for swimmers and better specs than the Ultra 2 in some regards, including a wide-angle OLED screen, brighter viewing at an angle, faster charging, and the usual processor bumps.
One downgrade is the battery life; the Series 10 powered through 36 hours with heavy use in our tests, but the Ultra and Ultra 2 both delivered about 55 hours. Still, this wasn't a deal-breaker for me since I'm not out in the wilderness for days at a time.
I end most days with 20 to 40% battery remaining after wearing the watch for 15 hours and logging a 3.5-mile run. On days I do longer runs, I have less battery remaining, but the watch has never died on me. (A marathon runner might feel differently.)
I'll admit the Series 10 is the best smartwatch for most people. But despite all the feature upgrades, it's a tough sell for athletes.
What I Miss About the Apple Watch Ultra
While running, the Series 10's curved glass screen is less functional than the Ultra's flat panel. It's hard to press the on-screen controls while in motion, and it sometimes takes me a few tries to tap things like media and fitness apps.
On the Ultra, I pressed the Action Button to start workouts. The Series 10 replaces that with widgets, but I'd much rather have a dedicated button. I didn't realize how much I appreciated that simplicity. The Ultra's flat screen and dedicated button might not seem like big enough reasons to forego an upgrade, but they make a huge difference while out on the road.
I also really miss the Modular Ultra watch face. It's by far the best-looking watch face and one of the most customizable, especially with the red-lit night mode, but it’s exclusive to Ultra watches.
I'm not a scuba diver, but the Ultra series is suitable for those who are. The Ultra 2 records depths up to 100 meters, compared with 40 meters with the Series 10. The Ultra 2 is also rated for high-speed water sports and scuba; the Series 10 is not. It's another reason athletes should take a closer look at the specs before embracing the Series 10.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Bust
Even without major new features, I'll be switching to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 this fall. But there are rumors about a few exciting upgrades that make it even more enticing, like satellite messaging and 5G cellular connectivity, up from LTE.
I often run without my phone, so a better cellular connection could reduce the few dropouts I experience when streaming media. And while I've never been stranded while out running, it’s always a possibility, so satellite messaging would be a great safety net on the Ultra. (I know the value of iMessage via satellite, having put it to use on my iPhone after Hurricane Helene.)
Apple skipped over a major Ultra hardware upgrade last year, giving it only a cosmetic refresh with new bands and color options. However, an Ultra 3 with some wrist-busting dimensions is reportedly in the works for later this year. Sign me up.