Apple unveils new rugged ‘Apple Watch Ultra’

Apple’s recent iPhone 14 event featured much more than just the unveiling of the tech giant’s latest smartphone devices. The company also showed off its 2nd-generation AirPods Pro wireless earphones as well as three new Apple Watch devices – including a brand new rugged Ultra model.

As mentioned, Apple announced three new Apple Watch devices: An updated Apple Watch SE (featuring a bunch of new colours and a slightly speedier SoC); the latest 8th-generation Apple Watch (which brings with it “temperature sensing for deeper insights into women’s health. Crash Detection to get help in an emergency. Sleep stages to better understand your sleep. And new ways to train in the enhanced Workout app”), and last but certainly not least, the brand new Apple Watch Ultra.

Pitched as an athletics-focused device, the Apple Watch Ultra features a rugged design utilising a large 49mm titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal screen for maximum damage resistance. Speaking of the screen, it is Apple’s “biggest and brightest Apple Watch display ever” going all the way up to 2000nits for easy outdoor visibility no matter the weather.

Additionally, the watch’s digital crown has grown in size and the side button has been pushed further out from the chassis “making them easier to use while you’re wearing gloves”. Apple has also added a second side button to the Watch Ultra which can be programmed however you wish for quick access to your most-used functions.

That is not all however, as the Watch Ultra also sees a major boost to its elemental resistance, with 100m of water resistance, temperature resistance “tested to MIL-STD 810H” and IP6X dust resistance.

With precision dual-frequency GPS antennae; a gauge for real-time measurements of underwater depth down to 40 metres; 36 hours of battery life (up to 60 with low-power mode) and an 86 decibel siren which can be heard up to 180 metres away, you should be able to tackle any issue which comes your way.

All of these new and improved features come at quite a cost – £849 to be precise, and so while it certainly will not be the watch for everyone, for some, the Apple Watch Ultra is exactly what they have been waiting for, The Apple Watch Ultra is available to pre-order right now, with the device shipping from the 23rd of September.

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KitGuru says: What did you think of Apple’s event? Which announcement interested you the most? Is £850 too much for an Apple Watch? Let us know your thoughts down below.

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