A year after the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple has updated the wearable with new colors this year. While many were expecting a new rugged watch alongside the latest Apple Watch Series 10, the company chose to continue selling the same model for another year. However, despite the new colors, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 shares some features with the Apple Watch Series 10 and still outperforms the cheaper smartwatch’s specs.
These are new features unlocked in watchOS 11 for Apple Watch Ultra 2 that you might have thought were exclusive to Apple Watch Series 10.
Tides app: During the iPhone 16 event, Apple announced the new Tides app. This gives users access to 7 days of predicted tide information for coastlines and surf spots around the world. The app has information about high and low tides, rising and falling tides, tide height and direction, sunrise and sunset, all plotted against a timeline. The app was announced alongside Apple Watch Series 10, but also works with Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Powerful speaker: Another perk of Apple Watch Series 10 is the ability to listen to songs and podcasts through the built-in speaker. Apple has emphasized this new feature on cheaper models, but it’s now available on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well. Additionally, the company claims that the Apple Watch Ultra’s speakers are louder than the Series 10’s speakers.
Sleep apnea detection: To detect sleep apnea, Apple Watch uses accelerometers to monitor small wrist movements that occur when normal breathing patterns are interrupted. This is tracked by a new Apple Watch metric called Breathing Disturbances. Available for Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and Series 9.
Extended double tap: Last but not least, Apple has expanded double-tap functionality across the operating system with watchOS 11. Now you can also use this feature in any app to scroll down a page or select commands like replying to a message.
summary
In addition to these new features unlocked by watchOS 11, Apple’s most expensive watch has a larger display, a better GPS antenna, more powerful speakers and microphones, and a battery that’s as good as the Apple Watch Series 10. Lasts twice as long.
If you purchased last year, you’ll enjoy lots of new features. If you haven’t bought the Ultra yet, it’s the most advanced watch Apple has ever made.
