The Cupertino tech giant unveiled the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Wonderlust event held on September 12.
Although the new Ultra 2 features the same design language as its predecessor 2022 Apple Watch Ultra, it is powered by a new S9 SiP which increases its performance and capabilities like brighter display, Precision Finding for iPhone, double tap gesture, and more.
Now, Apple has officially discontinued the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and it might be available for a reduced price at third-party retailers or service carriers.
If you are considering buying an Ultra and are wondering about the difference between the 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the 2022 Apple Watch Ultra, here is a complete features comparison.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 1: A features comparison
| Specs | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Ultra 1 |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor (based on A13 Bionic chip) W3 wireless chip Second-gen Ultra Wideband chip 4-core Neural Engine | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor (based on A15 Bionic chip) W3 wireless chip U1 Ultra Widebandchip Neural Engine |
| Display | 49mm Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display Up to 3000 nits brightness 1 nit minimum brightness | 49mm Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display Up to 2000 nits brightness |
| Weight | 61.4 grams | 61.3 grams |
| Features | Double tap gesture Precision Finding for iPhone Blood Oxygen app ECG app High and low heart rate notifications Irregular rhythm notification Temperature sensing Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates Emergency SOS International emergency calling Fall Detection Crash Detection On-device Siri HomePod integration | Blood Oxygen app ECG app High and low heart rate notifications Irregular rhythm notification Temperature sensing Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimate International emergency calling Emergency SOS Fall Detection Crash Detection Siri processed in the cloud |
| Water resistance | 100 meters Recreational dive up to 40m | 100 meters Recreational dive up to 40m |
| Connectivity | GPS+Cellular | GPS+Cellular |
| Capacity | 64GB | 32GB |
| Finishes | Natural Titanium | Natural Titanium |
| Battery | Up to 36 hours Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode Fast charging | Up to 36 hours Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode Fast charging |
| Price | $799 | Up to 150 discounted prices at third party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon |
Who should buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Anyone with an Apple Watch Ultra does not have a justifiable reason to upgrade to Apple Watch Ultra 2. Besides Precision Finding for iPhone and double tap gesture, there are no other major differences to upgrade as both models are very similar.
However, users who are into extreme sports or outdoor activities and own an Apple Watch Series 7 or older should consider buying an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Having said that, if they can find the Apple Watch Ultra 1 for a discounted price that will be a better choice.
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