The model that was rumored to be a “tough Apple Watch” has appeared as the “Apple Watch Ultra”. However, when I got to know the details through interviews and touch-and-try at the announcement venue, I realized that it is a product that goes beyond just a tough model and has the potential to have a major impact on a different market than before.


"Apple Watch Ultra" + Alpine loop (climbing band)

Apple created a model different from the general Apple Watch while listening to the needs of athletes such as explorers and scuba divers who challenge the most harsh environments on earth, and runners who run long distance trail runs. Anyone who sees the real thing, wears it on their wrist, and tries its functions will understand that it is not just a tough model.

The case, which uses aerospace-grade titanium, is lightweight despite its large size and thickness of 49 mm. unlikely to.

　Water resistance to a depth of 100m, IP6X grade dustproof performance, and MIL-STD 810H compliant durability test have been cleared. The operating temperature ranges from -20°C to 55°C, so it can be used even in cold mountaintops and scorching deserts.

Above all, it was surprisingly lightweight for its large size, and the newly designed band (three types for different purposes) was very comfortable to wear, so I had a good impression of it as a normal wristwatch.


The alpine loop stops the metal fittings in the hole of the band


The display is twice as bright as other Apple Watches (up to 2000nit), and the dial has a special design. This is to ensure that visibility is not lost even in dazzling environments such as snowy mountains during the day.


compass dial screen

In addition to expanding the size of the digital crown, the grooves are deepened to match the environment where gloves are required, such as snowy mountains and diving. The buttons are also designed to be easy to press, and an "action button" that allows you to easily call up custom-set functions has been added.




Large, grooved digital crown

There are bands for marine sports, mountain climbers, and trail runners, and you can feel the origin of each iconic product that has been cultivated in the history of wristwatches. On the other hand, just looking at the exterior, you can see that it is an independent model that is far from the "ordinary Apple Watch".

However, the exterior is not the only reason why this model calls itself "Ultra". Both the embedded device and even the software (apps) are special for athletes.

  • Special hardware
The Apple Watch has a built-in microphone and speaker, but the Apple Watch Ultra adds a second speaker with higher sound pressure (= louder sound). For example, if you press and hold the action button when calling for help in distress, you can emit a special sound (siren) that can reach people 180m away. In addition, three built-in microphones and signal processing enable clear calls even outdoors in strong winds.


The battery is also much larger than other Apple Watches in order to achieve a long-time drive with a high-brightness display. In addition to operating for up to 36 hours in normal mode, an update scheduled for the end of the year will add power saving settings to ensure battery life of up to 60 hours. It is a mode for "adventures of two days or more" that saves power by reducing the number of GPS and heart rate measurements.

The dial of the Apple Watch Ultra can always display a compass that is more accurate and responsive than before. By turning the digital crown, the red display becomes highly visible at night.


Highly visible red display


The GPS adopts a dual-frequency GPS that catches radio waves of two frequencies called "L1" and "L5" to improve accuracy. It becomes easier to capture the position even in the shadow of a building.

The Apple Watch standard app can also display more detailed data, switch triathlon events in conjunction with action buttons, or register branch points and camping locations during climbing. Customization is added.


  • Full-fledged diving computer function
The Apple Watch Ultra is designed to withstand the pressure of water currents even when used in marine sports such as surfing, but it also has a depth of 100m. It also has an app for scuba diving.

In fact, there was a time when I was so addicted to diving that I did nearly 150 dives a year. The diving computer function that estimates the amount of nitrogen in the body in conjunction with the depth record during diving is important not only for protecting one's own health but also for enjoying diving as a sport.

　Apple has developed an Apple Watch app that supports the international standard "EN13319" for diving computers in collaboration with Oceanic, a US diving equipment manufacturer. EN13319 defines a model for estimating the amount of residual nitrogen in the blood when staying at what depth and for how long.



The diving computer Apple Watch app "Oceanic+".
 Turn the digital crown to switch the display

In addition to displaying the safety stop time when ascending (stop for about 3 minutes at a depth of 3 to 6 m before surfacing to prevent decompression sickness) and the current depth, you can also plan your next diving plan with the Apple Watch Ultra alone. can. If you set how many hours after your next dive and how many meters deep you want to dive, you can get an estimate of how long you can stay there.

In addition, GPS was used to record the diving entry point (where to enter the water) and exit point. Since it also records the history of the water depth, you can transfer it to the iPhone as it is and create a diving log. By comparing this function with the time stamp of the photo, it will be possible to automatically record the photo taken during the dive in the logbook, or to guess the type of fish that was taken.




Oceanic+ app for iPhone. Know local 
conditions such as tides and water temperature

Some of the more serious dive computers can sense the pressure in the air cylinder and use ultrasonic waves to send residual pressure and airflow from the regulator. However, if the functions up to this point can be realized with the Apple Watch Ultra, there should be more than a few divers who think that "special items are not necessary" or that "this is better" because it is highly interlocking with the iPhone.

In terms of price, it is actually not expensive as a diving computer (although the functions are different). If you think of it as an Apple Watch + diving computer that can be used on a daily basis, it feels rather cheap.

  • Apple as a watch brand
Many Apple Watch users use it for sports such as running records, but on the other hand, Apple Watch has been designed for relatively casual sports experiences. It's certainly convenient, good enough for everyday use, and high quality. However, I think that those who wanted an extra story and brand value felt unsatisfactory.

However, the Apple Watch Ultra was a smartwatch for athletes that was built extremely seriously. Thorough production will have a positive impact on the entire Apple Watch brand.

In the past, Apple's audio equipment had the image of being casual, convenient, and comfortable, but with "safe sound quality". The situation this time is similar to when Apple introduced "AirPods Max" as a full-fledged product. The Apple Watch Ultra could be the product that helps Apple climb the ladder as a full-fledged watch brand.