I was ready to say goodbye to my Apple Watch Ultra. It was getting traded in for the new Apple Watch Series 10 in titanium. But before it went, I decided to give it one last hurrah by installing watchOS 11. This decision, fueled by a bit of nostalgia and curiosity, turned into a delightful surprise.
I had initially been drawn to the sleek titanium Series 10 and was excited to see if it felt truly luxurious. However, after spending some time with the Ultra again, I was reminded of why I loved it so much in the first place. It’s robust, has a fantastic design, and runs smoothly on the latest software. Even though the Ultra doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the newer models, it still holds its own in the smartwatch world.
The Watch Ultra’s large size, which I initially found intimidating, now feels familiar and comfortable. I even went back to wearing the Ocean Band, which I had initially abandoned for a more minimalist Solo Loop. It’s a bit bulky, but it looks excellent and adds to the watch’s rugged aesthetic. The combination of the Ultra’s case and the Ocean Band makes for a substantial statement, but after wearing a hefty Casio G-Shock, the Ultra felt surprisingly lightweight.
While the new watchOS 11 does highlight a few feature omissions, such as the lack of Double Tap and Sleep Apnea monitoring, it also underscores the Ultra’s enduring performance. It’s fast, responsive, and still handles everyday tasks with ease. The Translate app and Vitals app work seamlessly, further adding to the Ultra’s versatility.
The truth is, the Apple Watch Ultra is a capable and stylish smartwatch that doesn’t need constant upgrades. It’s built for adventure, and its robust nature makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. I was tempted by the new titanium Series 10, but after revisiting the Ultra, I’m not sure if an upgrade is really necessary. It’s not the latest and greatest, but it’s still a fantastic smartwatch that’s worth holding onto.
As I prepare to send the Ultra off, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. It’s a watch that has been through a lot with me, and I’ve built some great memories with it. I’m curious to see what the titanium Series 10 offers, but I’ll miss the rugged charm and personality of the Apple Watch Ultra.
