The Apple Watch Ultra is a big deal – literally. With the largest screen, longest battery life, heaviest weight and more buttons, it’s more Apple Watch than any previous model. And I finally got my hands on one this afternoon.
Unboxing the Apple Watch Ultra
Apple has always made unboxing their products more like opening a gift than ripping a piece of tech out of a box. From the embossed Apple Watch at the top of the box, through to the elegant origami and art work inside the box, Apple is telling you that they make their products an experience that goes beyond speeds and feeds.
First impressions
My previous Apple Watch was a 44mm Series 5 with Cellular and GPS. It’s been a great watch and it’s gone to a friend who will make great use of it as their first Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a lot larger and heavier. As someone who used to wear quite large and chunky watches, it’s not over the top for me but I am seeing plenty of posts on Reddit from people who bought an Ultra but are returning them in favour of a Series 8 because of the extra heft. I guess that means there will be some cheaper units on Apple’s refurbished goods store sooner rather than later.
I purchased my Apple Watch with the Alpine Loop. It’s a nice band and I suspect there’s almost no chance it could become unhooked accidentally. I went for a medium-sized band. I did try a large size in the store and it would have been fine as well. As the band hooks into the loops on the band, there is plenty of scope for adjustment so you can find the Goldilocks Zone to get the fit just right easily.
I’ll be purchasing a Trail Loop as well although that might be an aftermarket version as Apple’s genuine bands cost about seven times more than those available elsewhere.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be putting the Apple Watch Ultra through its paces.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.
I’m looking forward to receiving my Ultra (next week if all goes well). I’m really interested in the Action button and using it to trigger shortcuts. As I understand it this button can only trigger one shortcut, but if you use focus modes you can trigger one shortcut per mode. For example, start a Toggl Track timer if you are in Work mode. I hope this button makes its way to the other models too.
It’s a great watch. The larger size is not cumbersome or uncomfortable and the battery life is excellent. I’m sure you’ll love it.