Apple revealed the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at their “Wonderlust” event in 2023, with the Apple Watch Series 9. The Apple Watch Ultra is a new type of wristwatch from Apple that focuses on severe settings, durability, extended battery life, and additional functionality to enhance activities such as diving and exploration.
The S9 chip, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an Always-On Retina display, IP6X dust resistance, and other features are shared by the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, but there are substantial changes between the two devices.
With a price difference of as low as $50 between the 45mm stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra, some prospective buyers may wonder if it is worth the extra money to obtain the 49mm Ultra model. While the 41mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra are $400 apart, the high-end model offers a set of functions to solve certain difficulties, so it may be worth it for some of these purchasers.
Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
Aluminum casing | Aerospace-grade titanium casing |
Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped aluminum casing | Lighter, corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal |
Digital Crown with haptic feedback and side butto | Digital Crown with haptic feedback, side button, and customizable Action button10.7mm thickness |
10.7mm thickness | 14.4mm thickness |
Weighs 31.9 grams to 51.5 grams | Weighs 61.4 grams |
Curved display with refractive edge | Flat display |
Up to 2,000 nits brightness | Up to 3,000 nits brightness |
Single speaker | Dual speakers |
GPS (L1) | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Water resistant to 50m | Water resistant to 100m |
Up to 18-hour battery life, up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 36-hour battery life, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode |
Starts at $399 (aluminum) and $699 (stainless steel) | Priced at $799 |
The Apple Watch Ultra has been designed to meet the needs of customers who rely on their Apple Watch for support in difficult situations. The Apple Watch Ultra is unquestionably the best choice if you require a more robust Apple Watch with features such as a brighter display, louder speakers, a more dependable GPS, improved water resistance, and more.
The Apple Watch Ultra is also the largest and most feature-rich Apple Watch option available, as well as the device’s first true makeover since its launch in 2015. Apple Watch Ultra is a chance for technology lovers to receive a new Apple Watch experience with the highest features. Longer battery life and a larger, brighter display are also readily available and will benefit all users. As a result, even if they do not require it for use in hazardous areas, certain consumers may still prefer the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the Apple Watch Series 9.
The Apple Watch Ultra, as the largest Apple Watch model to date, is not for everyone. If you already prefer the 41mm casing size of the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra may be far too large for you. whether you’re unsure, go to an Apple Store and try on the Apple Watch Ultra in person to get a feel for the size and see whether it’s too big and bulky for you.
Similarly, the appearance of the Apple Watch Ultra may not appeal to all purchasers. If you prefer the stainless steel Apple Watch and are seeking for a more fashion-focused smartwatch that pairs well with premium bands, the Apple Watch Ultra’s more assertive, tougher design may not be for you.
If the Apple Watch Ultra is out of your price range but you still want to use your Apple Watch in harsh environments, the Series 9 offers a durable design with a strong front crystal, water resistance, and many of the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s software features like waypoint marking.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a lot to offer, particularly for the subset of users who can take advantage of all of its capabilities, so it is certainly worth considering when purchasing a new model, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is still a compelling all-around option that comes in at a lower price point and with a more subtle design.