Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1: What’s different?

November 19, 2023

6 min read

Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an identical physical design to the original Ultra and many of the core features and capabilities remain the same. But what sets them apart? Read along for a look at what’s different between Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1.

To be fair, the Pam “same thing” meme only applies to the exterior as there are a number of differences between the Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 when it comes to features, the SoC, and more.

But how meaningful those differences are in real-world use could end up feeling inconsequential for many people.

We’ll dig into all the nitty gritty details below. And to give the best perspective on the differences between all the recent models, we’ve included Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 as well as Series 9 and 8 in all the charts.

If you’re curious about Series 9 vs 8-6 and SE, check out our dedicated guide:

Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and earlier: What’s different?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 and more

Processor, storage, more

Last year, Apple used the S8 64-bit dual-core processor in the Ultra and Series 8 which wasn’t that different from the S7 or S6 in the previous Apple Watches.

But with Series 9, Apple says the S9 SiP brings notable improvements across the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.

Apple didn’t share a specific measure of how much faster the CPU of the S9 is compared to S8, but it features 5.6 billion transistors – up 60% from S8.

For the S9 GPU, Apple says it’s 30% faster than the S8 and the Neural Engine is twice as fast.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
SiP/Processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
Ultra wideband chip	✅ – gen 2	✅ – gen 1	✅ – gen 2	✅ – gen 2
WiFi	802.11n	802.11n	802.11n	802.11n
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3
Storage	64GB	32GB	64GB	32GB

Another benefit if you’re coming from a previous generation Apple Watch is a boost to 64GB of storage.

Case and display

Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the same 49mm case as its predecessor with an identical 410 x 502 display resolution. Apple says it’s 27% bigger than the display on Series 4-6/SE. However, now it’s 50% brighter at an impressive 3,000 nits.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Case size	49mm	49mm	45/41mm	45/41mm
Display size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq mm	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq mm	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)
Brightness	3,000 nits	2,000 nits	2,000 nits	1,000 nits
Always-on display	✅	✅	✅	✅
Sapphire crystal front	✅	✅	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum

Meanwhile, Apple Watch Series 9 carries on with the same sizes that launched with Apple Watch Series 7. That’s 45 and 41mm cases and a larger display that’s 20% bigger than Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3 display.

Apple Watch band compatibility

When it comes to bands, any of them designed for 49, 45, and 44mm Apple Watches will work with Apple Watch Ultra 2 and vice versa.

With no changes to the band connection, that means all previous and new bands work with Series 9 and all older Apple Watches.

Battery life and charging

A major change with Apple Watch Ultra 1 was the biggest battery ever for the lineup. That was 36 hours of standard battery life and up to 60 hours of extended use with Low Power mode.

While Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers the same 36 hours of standard use, it can give up to 72 hours with Low Power mode.

Notably, the Low Power mode is also available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later and doubles the battery life from 18 to 36 hours.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Battery life – standard	36 hours	36 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Extended battery with Low Power mode	72 hours	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Charging	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes

First introduced with Apple Watch 7 and continued with Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 is 33% faster charging than Series 6 and earlier. That means going from 0-80% in 45 instead of around 60 minutes for the other models.

If you’re interested in using Apple Watch Ultra 2/Ultra, Series 9, 8, or 7 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours worth of use from an 8-minute charge.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 – Key features

The main new features you get with Ultra 2 are:

Double tap gesture support
On-device Siri with health access
Precision finding for iPhone

Apple Watch model/features	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Customizable action button	✅	✅	❌	❌
Double tap gesture	✅	❌	✅	❌
On-device Siri with health access	✅	❌	✅	❌
ECG app	✅	✅	✅	✅
Blood Oxygen app	✅	✅	✅	✅
High/low heart rate notifications	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H certified	✅	✅	❌	❌
Precision finding for iPhone	✅	❌	✅	❌
Precision dual-frequency GPS	✅	✅	❌	❌
Compass app w/ waypoints + backtrack	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dust resistant	✅	✅	✅	✅
Water resistant to 100m	✅	✅	❌	❌
Water resistant to 50m	–	–	✅	✅
Depth gauge + EN13319 certified	✅	✅	❌	❌
Oceanic+ app/dive computer	✅	✅	❌	❌
86-decibel siren	✅	✅	❌	❌
Sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅
Crash detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cycle tracking with temp sensing	✅	✅	✅	✅
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅
Auto night mode activation	✅	✅	❌	❌

While the new Double Tap feature for Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 is neat, it turns out a similar capability is available for Series 3 and later:

How to turn on double tap-like gesture control on almost any Apple Watch

Price

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced from $799 (Apple, Amazon, more)
Series 9 starts from $399/$429 and up (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra 1 wrap-up

While Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an incredible wearable, it’s probably not different enough to be enticing for those who already have the predecessor.

However, if you’re thinking of upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 8 or earlier that may be a different story. You get a larger display, on-device Siri, the longest battery life in an Apple Watch, all of the latest and greatest health features, Action button, Double Tap gesture, and more.

What do you think about the new Apple Watch lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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