The Original Apple Watch Ultra Remains Impressive After Two Years

Apple first introduced the Apple Watch on September 9, 2014, forever changing the landscape of wearables and smartwatches. With Apple’s next event falling exactly 10 years later, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how far these devices have come.

Initially, I was a skeptic of the Apple Watch. At the time, I was using a Fitbit and questioned the necessity of switching. However, I purchased the original Apple Watch in 2015, and it quickly proved its worth. The ability to answer calls, receive app notifications, and view messages directly from my wrist was a game-changer. My initial doubts quickly vanished.

Since then, I've upgraded to the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5, eventually moving to the Apple Watch Ultra in 2023. Even though this model was released in 2022, it continues to be an outstanding smartwatch today.

Remarkable Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra is its exceptional battery life. Unlike standard Apple Watch models, the Ultra offers up to 36 hours on a single charge, and this can be extended to 72 hours with Low Power Mode enabled.

The Apple Watch Ultra has become my daily companion, reliably lasting through my day with at least 40-50% battery remaining by bedtime. Thanks to the Optimized Charge Limit feature, which usually caps charging at 80%, my Apple Watch Ultra has maintained 100% battery health even after a year of use. This level of longevity is unmatched, especially compared to my iPhone 15 Pro, which has seen a decrease in battery capacity.

With this impressive battery performance, I can’t imagine returning to a standard Apple Watch like the Series 9. Knowing that my watch can last through the next day or two, even without a charge, is incredibly reassuring.

Durability with Titanium

The introduction of titanium in the Apple Watch Series 5 sparked my interest. I appreciated both the aesthetic and the durability of the material. After experiencing the resilience of a titanium Apple Watch, I could never return to an aluminum or stainless steel model.

I'm not the most careful person — my watch has taken plenty of hits against walls and doors. Yet, the titanium Apple Watch Ultra has held up remarkably well, with minimal scuffs despite my clumsiness. Apple’s choice of titanium for the Ultra was a smart decision, providing robust protection for both outdoor adventures and everyday mishaps.

Adapting to a Larger Size

I had always preferred the smaller Apple Watch sizes, fearing the larger versions would look awkward on my smaller wrists. However, after trying the Apple Watch Ultra, the size grew on me. The larger display is more practical, offering enhanced readability and accommodating a variety of complications with the Modular Ultra watch face.

Despite my initial concerns, I now find the larger size beneficial for daily use. If you're hesitant about the size of the Apple Watch Ultra, don't be — the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.

Looking Forward to the Apple Watch Ultra 3

As we approach Apple’s upcoming event on September 9, there is anticipation for the iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10, and potentially the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While details on the next Ultra are scarce, I'm eager to see what improvements Apple may introduce. Even if there aren’t major upgrades, a new color option, such as black titanium, would be a welcome addition.

Fortunately, we won't have to wait long to see what Apple has in store.