Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads Apple Watch Ultra 3 overall by 21 points (77 vs 56 out of 100).
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out on Build Weight: 61.4 g.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads overall
$799 at launch
Apple Watch Ultra 2
77
Apple Watch Ultra 3
56
Why it stands out
- Build Weight: 61.4 g
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rugged, high-performance smartwatch built for outdoor adventure, endurance sports, and diving. Equipped with the Apple Silicon S9 processor, it features a robust 49mm titanium case, a flat display reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and multi-band GPS tracking.
Best for recreational diving and deep-water tracking up to 40 metersBest for outdoor navigation in bright sunlight requiring dual-frequency GPS
Pros
- Ultra-bright 3,000-nit display that improves direct-sunlight readability and scales down to 1 nit to save power
- On-device Siri processing that allows offline voice requests without active cellular or Wi-Fi connections
- Double-tap hand gesture for convenient, one-handed interface controls
- Strong battery performance offering up to 36 hours of typical use and up to 60 hours in low-power mode
Cons
- Blood oxygen tracking is deactivated on U.S. models purchased after January 18, 2024, due to patent litigation
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Released in September 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a rugged sport smartwatch built for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. It features a durable 49 mm titanium casing, a bright flat display, and dual-frequency L1 and L5 multi-band GPS. The device is designed to function as a dive computer with specialized depth and water temperature sensors.
Best for Recreational diving and water sportsBest for Outdoor endurance training in challenging terrainBest for Users who want a rugged fitness tracker with deep iOS integration
Pros
- Durable titanium build with WR100 and EN13319 certifications for diving up to 40 meters
- Dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS provides highly precise outdoor tracking
- Physical orange Action button allows quick, customizable mapping of key functions
- Excellent cellular and ecosystem integration compared to traditional sports watches
Cons
- Battery life remains significantly shorter than competing dedicated sports watches from Garmin and Polar
- Lacks native offline mapping and robust trail navigation out of the box
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Physical Comparison
Weight, side by side
Apple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 weigh about the same.
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Review Videos
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side