Hands-on photos by Ripley Sellers
2024 does not see a fundamentally new Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it does see a new case color and a very exciting new bracelet option (and additional cosmetic options). In 2022, Apple originally debuted the larger Ultra version of the Apple Watch, and in 2023, it followed up with the slightly upgraded Apple Watch Ultra 2. Earlier today at Apple’s Keynote press conference in Cupertino, the new Apple Watch Series 10 announcement included some interesting new options for the unchanged Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple has not commented on when the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be next upgraded, but it will be at least another year. Even if the Apple Watch Ultra’s hardware isn’t changed, the new options are truly sexy.
The biggest story is the addition of a black DLC (diamond-like carbon) coated version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. DLC coatings are popular in the traditional watch world and are valued because of their scratch-resistant qualities. Titanium is more scratch-prone than steel, so coating it with DLC is a very effective way of protecting the base metal. People also like the deep gray/black color of DLC, which makes the Ultra 2 look even more masculine and “tactical.” I want to add that the non-DLC version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still coated for scratch resistance, but you will get even more protection from the DLC-coated version (in addition to the very cool near-black color). Apple simply said, “We learned that our customers love black,” which is justification enough for the added version of the Ultra 2 smartwatch. It is important to note that there is no price difference between the standard and DLC-coated versions of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Most exciting for me is the brand-new mesh metal bracelet option, now also in titanium. Apple has had a steel Milanese bracelet for a while, but this new bracelet is a totally different design for the Ultra and with a new locking (as opposed to magnetic) buckle system. Mesh metal bracelets are popular in the traditional watch world, but bracelets made out of titanium are quite rare (and expensive). Apple now has a beautiful and elegantly made titanium Milanese bracelet that will make most of what is available by the luxury industry feel under-engineered and over-priced by comparison. Everything from sizing the bracelet to the audible click of the aviation-style buckle is well-thought-out and works effectively. If you think the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was cool already, try it on the natural or DLC titanium mesh metal bracelet for a really impressive visual upgrade.
Other new options for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 include more color styles for the existing strap options. That also includes the first Hermes strap (an interesting woven fabric style) meant exclusively for the Apple Watch Ultra family. With the Watch OS 10 software update, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will receive a few new features as well. My favorite is a brand new tide application which was missing from the Apple Watch platform until now. The exercise and activity tracking applications also get new features. Probably my favorite is a dedicated snorkeling app. Not only does it offer useful information for snorkeling (versus SCUBA diving), but it can also work on the Apple Watch Series 10 (though the underwater features are more robust in the Ultra, which also has double the water resistance of the standard Apple Watch).
2024 is probably not the year to upgrade your existing Apple Watch Ultra 2, but for those who don’t have one, the black-colored version is very slick. Those who do have an Apple Watch Ultra 2 will want to take a look at the Mesh titanium metal bracelet, for sure, as it is a worthy accessory. Apple Watch Ultra 2 maintains its starting price of $799 USD, which applies to both the standard model and the new black DLC version. Learn more at the Apple watch website.
