Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Review
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black
4.5/5 Amazon Sale
There's One Reason to Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 2024 years, and it's a new, incredibly cool and stylish black color.
It's weird to write this review. The product is updated, but it doesn't change from the inside out year after year, which is unusual in itself.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024 is essentially the same device that Apple introduced in 2023. However, the “Glowtime” update a year later offered a change that was big enough to justify a lot of marketing on Apple's part.
What’s also special is the new 2024 Apple Watch Ultra 2, which, as expected, has one of the most requested and highly anticipated updates to date: black.
The latest update includes a Satin Black color option. Made using a special blasting process and “diamond-like carbon physical vapor deposition,” according to Apple, it leaves a matte finish on the grade 5 titanium case.
There are other elements of the case that are black, like the back glass, which is made using dark zirconium to match, which has a shimmer that’s fun to watch in the right light. What’s not black is the orange side button and Digital Crown ring, which are trendy highlighted sections.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
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Apple naturally added more color-coordinated accessories, with matching Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean band options. There's even a new Titanium Milanese Loop, the first metal band Apple has made for the Ultra models, which is also available in black.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black Review: Original on Left, Black on RightApple Watch Ultra 2 in Black Review: Original on Left, Black on Right
This finish has a surprising effect, making the Apple Watch Ultra 2 feel a little heavier. It goes from 61.4 grams in the Natural color to 61.8 grams in the Black color.
The 2024 Apple Watch Ultra 2 probably didn’t need as much marketing push from Apple.
But it’s still fun to look at.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 2024 Review – Same Chunky Experience
We won’t rehash most of our 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 review. If you liked the tech on this model, you'll love the black model, too.
You still get a flat LTPO2 OLED display behind flat sapphire crystal with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch. Inside is the S9, with a 64-bit dual-core processor, a quad-core Neural Engine, and 64GB of storage.
And all this in a case that measures 49 mm tall by 44 mm wide and is quite thick at 14.4 mm. It should be a solid device, but next to the just-released and ultra-thin Apple Watch Series 10, it feels a little clunky for everyday wear.
Elements like the three-mic array, dual speakers for media playback, water resistance up to 100 meters, MIL-STD 810H environmental resistance, and even the siren remain the same.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black Review: Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black with Ultra Supply Co. Black Titanium Band
There may not be any changes here, but that’s probably because there aren’t any at this point. Except for the color, so let’s talk about that.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 2024 review – one reason to buy
The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s size already makes a statement. I replaced my Apple Watch after years of use (and probably saving my life) with the Ultra 2 in late 2023. Mine is, of course, titanium because that was the only choice I had at the time.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Review: The New Colorway Looks Great
I’m usually not a fan of color options. For example, when I got the iMac G3, I bought the tangerine one because it was $50 cheaper. I bought my Quicksilver Tower on the cheap because the plastic was absolutely shattered and I didn’t care.
So it’s a statement to me — the new black color on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cool. That’s an opinion, of course, but I think it’s a lot cooler than similar color options on the non-Ultra Apple Watch.
And the scientist in me thinks that the vapor deposition Apple uses to coat the watch is also a neat trick of materials science. I have some long-term thoughts on scratch resistance, since I’m not buying “diamond-like” for a minute, but we’ll talk about that much later next year.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review in Black: In Hand
Anyway, between the Navy in the ’90s and everything else that’s happened in my life in the last 25 years since I got out, what I haven’t really cared about is the aesthetics of clothing yet. Thanks in part to the Apple Watch, I’ve lost about 100 pounds in four years, and I’m now interested in clothing because it’s easier to find something that fits.
The titanium finish is certainly neutral, but it also stands out against my typically dark color palette for clothing.
The new black is a much better match for what I'm wearing. It's almost like an extension of my leather coat I bought for fall and winter in Northern Virginia, rather than a beacon on my wrist that sticks out and screams, “Hey, I like Apple products.”
I already know I’m going to get some flak from a certain portion of our readers for the different tone and aesthetic approach of this review. As a reminder, reviews are about evaluating technology, sure, but they’re also opinions and life experiences.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black Review: Nested Original vs. New Black
The dirty secret surrounding almost every tech review in publications like AppleInsider is that you don’t get to keep many. Almost all are rental watches.
So this Apple Watch has already been returned to its owner. But I’m already making plans to buy my own – when the heart rate sensor comes back.
I’m starting to like fashion, as I said. That’s all well and good, but I still prefer to have my heart monitored almost constantly.
So please, Apple and Masimo, sort this out. The last Masimo CEO to lead this process has passed away, so perhaps there is time to do it before Christmas on terms that everyone will accept.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Review: All It Needs Is an Oxygen Sensor to Be a Hit
Because I'd definitely like to put one of these under my Christmas tree.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Black Finish Review: Pros
- Still great battery life
- Siri has become much more useful and will only get better
- The new black finish is simply gorgeous
Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Black Finish Review: Cons
- It's still the 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2
- It's unclear what the S9 SIP will bring to the table compared to with S8 or S10
- Heart rate monitoring will not work as of October 2024.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available to order on Amazon and Adorama. Select models are eligible for an exclusive discount with the promo code APINSIDER at Adorama. For the latest prices and availability, check out our Apple Watch Ultra 2 Price Guide.
We've also rounded up the best Apple Watch deals on new and sale models.
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