It’s been nearly a year since I swapped my original Apple Watch Ultra for the Series 10, and my verdict is in: the Series 10 is not a worthwhile upgrade for runners. I’m eagerly anticipating the switch back to the Ultra series, particularly the newly announced Ultra 3.
The Ultra made its debut in 2022, coinciding with my renewed commitment to daily running. Apple’s rugged smartwatch was designed for outdoor adventurers, as noted in our initial review, but its advanced GPS and Action Button made it appealing even for my less extreme needs.
After a year with the Ultra, I realized it was not only excellent for running but also a fantastic all-around smartwatch. However, its dimensions—1.9 by 1.7 by 0.6 inches—made it bulkier than the Series 8, which was less than half an inch thick. While the Ultra’s size allowed for premium features, it wasn’t ideal for wearing under dress shirts.
The Series 10: A Mixed Bag for Athletes
The introduction of the Series 10 brought a thinner frame and larger display, tempting me to make the switch. Despite its appealing features on paper, I find myself longing for the Ultra’s robustness. The Series 10 includes a water temperature sensor for swimmers and boasts a wide-angle OLED screen, brighter viewing angles, faster charging, and processor improvements.
However, the Series 10’s battery life is a step down, lasting 36 hours with heavy use compared to the Ultra’s 55 hours. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, as I don’t spend days in the wilderness, it could be a concern for more adventurous athletes.
On average, I end most days with 20 to 40% battery remaining after wearing the watch for 15 hours and logging a 3.5-mile run.
Overall, the Series 10 is an excellent smartwatch for most users, but it lacks the athletic focus that the Ultra line offers.
What the Ultra Series Offers Athletes
While running, the Series 10’s curved glass screen is less practical than the Ultra’s flat panel. The on-screen controls are difficult to press while in motion, often requiring multiple attempts to access media and fitness apps.
The Ultra’s Action Button was a simple yet effective feature for starting workouts, replaced by less intuitive widgets on the Series 10. Additionally, the Ultra’s Modular Ultra watch face, with its customizable red-lit night mode, remains exclusive to the Ultra series.
The Ultra 2 records depths up to 100 meters and is rated for high-speed water sports, unlike the Series 10’s 40-meter limit.
These features make the Ultra a more suitable choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Anticipating the Ultra 3
Apple’s recent unveiling of the Ultra 3, alongside the Series 11 and SE 3, brings exciting enhancements. The Ultra 3’s improved 5G cellular connectivity and satellite capabilities mark significant upgrades from the previous LTE model.
Running without my phone, I often experience connectivity dropouts while streaming media. The Ultra 3’s better cellular connection promises to reduce these interruptions. Additionally, the inclusion of Emergency SOS via satellite offers a crucial safety net for runners who venture into remote areas.
“The Ultra 3 has just enough quality of life improvements to make a difference for an athlete.”
Available for preorder at $799, the Ultra 3 is set to arrive on September 19. For athletes seeking a smartwatch that combines rugged durability with cutting-edge technology, the Ultra 3 is a compelling choice.
As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, the Ultra 3 represents a significant step forward for those who prioritize performance and reliability in their wearable technology. For me, the decision is clear: the Ultra 3 is the ultimate choice for athletes.
