While the Apple Watch Ultra was the star of the iPhone keynote in 2022, the situation has changed this year. Although Jeff Williams and his team talked a lot about the outdoor watch, there was hardly anything really new: Only a new color – Titanium Black – was introduced. Like the Series 10 and 9, the Ultra 2 has also received the new health feature for sleep apnea detection.
But to the crucial question: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth it in 2024?
Few Differences
If the battery of your current Apple Watch is weak and you do not belong to the target group of the Apple Watch Ultra (small spoiler: If you prefer taking the elevator instead of the stairs, you probably do not belong to this group), then the Series 10 is the better choice. It is not only cheaper but also lighter and thinner.
This may not seem like a big innovation at first glance, but based on experience with various smartwatches, we can say that the thickness and weight of a watch are crucial for everyday wearing comfort. Once you get used to a lighter and thinner watch, it becomes difficult to return to a larger model.
In fact, the display of the 46-mm variant of the Series 10 is even larger than that of the Ultra 2. According to Apple, the Series 10 has a display area of 989 mm² or 1,200 mm² (depending on the model), while the Ultra 2 offers an area of 1,185 mm². The difference is minimal, but the casing of the Ultra 2 measures 49 mm x 44 mm, whereas the casing of the larger Series 10 is only 46 mm x 39 mm. This means that the Ultra 2 has about 17 percent more casing area but still a slightly smaller display than the Series 10 (46 mm).
Additionally, the Series 10 features a next-generation display – the LTPO3 OLED display. The Ultra 2 continues to use the second generation of LTPO displays according to Apple. This results in the Series 10’s display presenting content accurately even at sharp viewing angles. However, the display of the Ultra 2 remains brighter at up to 3,000 nits, which is particularly advantageous in direct sunlight. The brightness of the Series 10 is at 2,000 nits, similar to that of the Series 9 and the Ultra 1.
Also, in terms of the processor, the Series 10 has surpassed the Ultra 2. The S10 SiP is a generation ahead of the S9 in the Ultra 2. It can be assumed that Apple is in a so-called “Tock phase” of chip development: The fundamental architecture remains the same as in the Series 9, based on two efficiency cores of the A16 Bionic. Apple has only updated some components, which is why the system is named S10.
Where the Ultra 2 Excels Over the Series 10
The Ultra 2 surpasses the Series 10 in two areas: battery life and water resistance. Thanks to its larger casing, the Ultra 2 has space for a larger battery, which lasts up to 36 hours – a runtime that the Series 10 cannot achieve.
In terms of water resistance, the Ultra 2 also comes out on top. It is tested according to the MIL-STD 810H standard and is approved for high-speed water sports. Diving is possible with the Ultra 2 up to a depth of 40 meters, while the Series 10 is only designed for dives up to 6 meters – more suitable for beginners.
Another distinguishing feature: The Series 10, like the Series 9, only has an L1 GPS module, while the Ultra 2 offers a more accurate dual-band GPS.
The Price Question
Surprisingly, there are hardly any price differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and a similarly equipped Series 10. A 46-mm model of the Series 10 with a titanium case costs 849 euros in the Apple Online Store, only 50 euros less than the Ultra 2. If you order the new Milanese band with it, the price matches at 899 euros – just like with the Ultra 2.
Conclusion
Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the best watch in the Apple portfolio. The Ultra 2 offers only a few advantages, such as longer battery life and higher water resistance. Pricing for the Ultra 2 has not changed compared to the previous year. However, those who opt for the aluminum case of the Series 10 can save significantly.