Apple Watch Ultra: 5 features that the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t have

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most advanced wearable yet and unlike the Watch Series 8 the Ultra competes with high-end enthusiast-level adventure watch-makers like Garmin. The watch has an edge in durability, and comes with a number of features to cater to adventure sports enthusiasts.
While the Apple Watch Ultra is powered the S8 chip that powers the Apple Watch Series 8, there are a lot of other changes that set it apart. If you’re thinking of buying the Apple Watch Ultra, here are five awesome features the wearable comes with, that you won’t find on regular Apple Watch Models.
Increased durability
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a titanium body and sapphire front crystal glass, which you’d also find on the top-end models of the regular Apple Watch models along with IPX6 water resance. However, the Apple Watch Ultra also comes with the rugged MIL-STD 810H Military durability rating that ensures its functioning under extreme conditions.
The Apple Watch Ultra can take more beating against the elements than the regular Apple Watch models. (Image Source: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express)
This means that the Apple Watch Ultra is much more likely to survive a collision with rock when you go climbing, compared to the standard Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Ultra can also survive extreme temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 55 °C. As a bonus, Ultra users also get an additional ‘Action button’ that can be configured to open any app when pressed.
Depth app for divers
Apple claims the Apple Watch Ultra is twice as water resant as the regular Apple Watch models, and that’s saying something because the regular Apple Watch models are already 50 ATM water resant. Moreover, the Ultra also has a dedicated app for those who like to dive underwater.
The Apple Watch is targeted specifically at adventure sports enthusiasts including casual divers. (Image Source: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express)
The fully functioning ‘Oceanic Plus’ app automatically kicks in when you’re submerged and shows users key data points on the screen. These include depth, pressure, location and other safety warnings. This is super handy for casual divers.
Super bright display
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a display that can output a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. For some context, that is not only brighter than smartphones, but also most televisions.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a display brighter than most smartphones and TVs. (Image Source: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express)
This is to help give the Apple Watch Ultra extra visibility when needed, under extreme conditions and direct sunlight, where visibility of gadgets often becomes a pain point, more so if you happen to be wearing protective eyewear.
Extreme battery life
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with 36 hours of battery life on average, as claimed Apple. The company also adds that if you choose to operate on the wearable’s ‘low power’ mode, you could run the watch for about 60 hours. This is great for adventure sports enthusiasts who may not have access to a charge during extended sessions.
The battery life on the Apple Watch Ultra can go on for days when you need it. (Image Source: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express)
In comparison, regular Apple Watch models offer far less battery life, with the newest Series 8 offering an ‘all day’ battery at most, meaning you’d have to charge the wearable each day.
Loud siren, Dual band GPS
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a loud 86 decibel siren in it, that can be handy if you’re ever stuck in trouble during an adventure and need to call for help. The siren, which can be tethered to the customisable Action Button, can be heard 180 metres away, Apple claims.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a built-in loud siren to help you when in trouble. (Image Source: Nandagopal Rajan/ The Indian Express)
Dual band GPS, on the other hand, allows for more reliable GPS tracking that lets users set markers for track back feature that helps them navigate their way back if they’re lost. The wearable also comes with advanced dance tracking and a precision compass.
The Apple Watch Ultra will be available starting September 23 for Rs 89,900 in India.