Hey there! Let’s dive into the buzz around one of the latest Apple gadgets—yes, I’m talking about the Apple Watch Ultra. If you’ve been curious about its performance after six months in the wild, you’re in the right place. This smartwatch, loaded with features, got my attention with its larger display and impressive battery life. Over time, I’ve discovered much more about what it offers and what areas could use a little tweak. So, let’s unpack my experiences, the highs, and the not-so-highs of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Pros and Cons of the Apple Watch Ultra’s Design
The moment you strap on the Apple Watch Ultra, you can’t help but notice its size. It’s one of the largest smartwatches I’ve tried—featuring a 49mm flat display. This vast screen space is excellent for keeping track of notifications, navigating maps, or checking your workout metrics at a glance.
Issues with Style and Comfort
But here’s the flip side. Sleeping with this chunky device isn’t the coziest experience. My love for tracking my sleep stages keeps it on my wrist but not without a few midnight removals due to discomfort. Plus, its rugged style doesn’t quite mesh with my daily wear of dainty jewelry. In comparison, the standard Apple Watch pairs easier with elegant bands.
Watch Bands Matter
- Ultra bands are sporty and robust, suited for an athletic lifestyle.
- They miss the muted elegance required for formal occasions.
- Personally, I favor the Apple Sport Loop or Sport Band from their more conventional range.
The Handy Action Button
One cool thing exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra is the Action Button. This nifty feature serves as a customizable launcher for tools at the press of a button. My favorite uses are starting workouts or turning on the flashlight, which is quite underrated, in my opinion.
Room for Improvement
However, I feel the Action Button could benefit from some enhancements. Imagine seamlessly launching any app directly from the settings without creating a Shortcut. Plus, the ability to customize actions based on your focus mode would be a neat addition. Fingers crossed these possibilities might come with future software updates.
Essential Safety Features, but Underutilized
You can’t talk about the Apple Watch Ultra without mentioning its safety features. Living in a city, I find comfort in having the siren on hand for emergencies. While I haven’t needed to use it, it adds peace of mind for evening walks.
Adventurous Features Awaiting Use
Features like advanced GPS or the track-back function remain untapped on my end, waiting for that epic adventure. These functionalities are vital for exploration, making the Ultra ready for a serious adventure trip.
Unmatched Battery Life (for an Apple Watch)
Now, let’s talk battery. After half a year of usage, its health remains perfect. I love the optimized charging feature that stops at a perfect point to extend battery life. However, enabling LTE has shortened its longevity a bit, now closer to 36 hours per charge, compared to the two-day stretch without LTE.
Charging Habits and Low Power Mode
Charging every other day is quite refreshing compared to daily charging. Oddly enough, I’ve rarely used the low power mode because a charger is almost always within reach for me.
Price Tag: Worth the Investment?
Now for the kicker—price. At $799, the Apple Watch Ultra demands a significant investment. While it’s an exciting gadget, many users could just as well enjoy the benefits of the Series 8 or the SE for less cost. For those of us who enjoy flaunting tech, the titanium casing is a bonus, protecting the watch from everyday bumps.
Future Improvements Desired
- Additional actions for the Action Button.
- More design-friendly band options.
- Extended battery life.
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Ultra suit formal events?
While the watch is versatile, its sporty design may not blend perfectly with formal attire.
What are the battery performance expectations with LTE?
Expect around 36 hours of battery life with LTE enabled.
Can the Action Button launch third-party apps?
As of now, third-party app launches require a Shortcuts setup, but direct functionality would be a great future update.
Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?
Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.
| Carrier | Cost (per month) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | FREE with Unltd Premium Or $6.5/mo annually Or $9.5/mo Taxes & fees included! | Works with any plans. |
| Verizon | $15 + tax & fees | $7.50 credit with certain plansVerizon |
| AT&T | $10 + tax & fees | |
| T-Mobile | $12 + tax & fees | Only works with certain planswww.iphonelife.comiMore |
| Xfinity Mobile | $10 + tax & fees | Pairs well with Xfinity home internet www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic |
| C Spire | $10 + tax & fees | Only available in select regionsWear To TrackiMore |
