Ultra 2 vs 1: What’s the difference between these Apple Watches? – 9to5Mac

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an identical physical design to the original Ultra and many of the core features and functions remain the same. But what sets them apart? Read on for a look at what the difference is between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1.

To be fair, Pam’s “same thing” meme only applies to the exterior as there are a number of differences between the Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 when it comes to features, SoC and more.

But how meaningful these differences are in real-world use may ultimately feel insignificant to many people.

We’ll dig into all the nitty gritty details below. And to give the best perspective on the differences between all the latest models, we’ve included the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 as well as the Series 9 and 8 in all lists.

If you’re curious about Series 9 vs 8-6 and SE, check out our dedicated guide:

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 and more

Processor, storage, more

Last year, the Apple S8 used a 64-bit dual-core processor in the Ultra and Series 8 which was not so different from the S7 or S6 in the previous Apple Watches.

But with the Series 9, Apple says the S9 SiP delivers notable improvements across the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine.

Apple didn’t share a specific measurement of how much faster the processor in the S9 is compared to the S8, but it has 5.6 billion transistors – a 60% increase from the S8.

For the S9 GPU, Apple says it’s 30% faster than the S8 and the Neural Engine is twice as fast.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
SiP/Processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
Ultra wideband chip	✅ – gen 2	✅ – gen 1	✅ – gen 2	✅ – gen 2
Wifi	802.11n	802.11n	802.11n	802.11n
Blue tooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3
Storage	64 GB	32GB	64 GB	32GB

Another benefit if you come from a previous generation Apple Watch is an increase to 64 GB of storage space.

Case and display

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the same 49mm case as its predecessor with an identical screen resolution of 410 x 502. Apple says it’s 27% larger than the screen on the Series 4-6/SE. But now it’s 50% brighter with an impressive 3,000 nits.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Housing size	49 mm	49 mm	45/41 mm	45/41 mm
Screen size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq.m	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq.m	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)
Brightness	3,000 nits	2,000 nits	2,000 nits	1000 nits
Always on display	✅	✅	✅	✅
Front in sapphire glass	✅	✅	Yes with steel models, no with aluminium	Yes with steel models, no with aluminium

Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 continues with the same sizes launched with the Apple Watch Series 7. There are 45 and 41mm cases and a larger display that is 20% larger than the Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3 display.

Apple Watch band compatibility

When it comes to bands, any of those designed for the 49, 45 and 44mm Apple Watches will work with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and vice versa.

With no changes to the band connection, this means that all previous and new bands will work with the Series 9 and all older Apple Watches.

Battery life and charging

A big change with the Apple Watch Ultra 1 was the largest battery ever for the range. There was 36 hours of standard battery life and up to 60 hours of extended use with low power mode.

While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers the same 36 hours of standard use, it can provide up to 72 hours with low power mode.

Notably, Low Power mode is also available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later, doubling battery life from 18 to 36 hours.

	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Battery life – standard	36 hours	36 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Extended battery with low power mode	72 hours	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Loading	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes

First introduced with Apple Watch 7 and continued with Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 is 33% faster charging than Series 6 and earlier. That means going from 0-80% in 45 instead of around 60 minutes for the other models.

If you’re interested in using the Apple Watch Ultra 2/Ultra, Series 9, 8 or 7 for sleep tracking, you’ll also get 8 hours of use from an 8-minute charge.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 – Key Features

The main new features you get with Ultra 2 are:

• Support for double tap gestures
• Siri on the device with access to health
• Precision search for iPhone

Apple Watch Model/Features	Ultra 2	Ultra	Series 9	Series 8
Customizable action button	✅	✅	❌	❌
Double tap gesture	✅	❌	✅	❌
Siri on the device with access to health	✅	❌	✅	❌
EKG app	✅	✅	✅	✅
Blood Oxygen app	✅	✅	✅	✅
High/low heart rate notifications	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H certified	✅	✅	❌	❌
Precision search for iPhone	✅	❌	✅	❌
Precision GPS with dual frequencies	✅	✅	❌	❌
Compass app with waypoints + backtrack	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dust resistant	✅	✅	✅	✅
Water resistant to 100m	✅	✅	❌	❌
Waterproof to 50m	–	–	✅	✅
Depth gauge + EN13319 certified	✅	✅	❌	❌
Oceanic+ app/dive computer	✅	✅	❌	❌
86-decibel siren	✅	✅	❌	❌
Sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅
Collision detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cycle tracking with tempo detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅
Automatic night mode activation	✅	✅	❌	❌

While the new Double Tap feature for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 is neat, it turns out that a similar feature is available for the Series 3 and later:

Award

• The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced from $799 (Apple, Amazon, more)
• Series 9 starts at $399/$429 and up (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra 1 Summary

While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an incredible wearable, it probably isn’t different enough to entice those who already own the predecessor.

But if you’re looking to upgrade from an Apple Watch Series 8 or earlier, that might be a different story. You get a bigger screen, Siri on the device, the longest battery life in an Apple Watch, all the latest and greatest health features, action button, double tap gesture and more.

What do you think of the new Apple Watch series? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 guide!