Apple Provides Deep Dive Into New Apple Watch Ultra Depth App

“Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.”

How stupid to put so much emphasis on this during the presentation only to then say it’s basically useless. 40 meters max, doesn’t do safety stops, etc. basically anything useful to a diver.

Also from the apple site:

“* Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 meters and high-speed water sports. Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters.”

So below 40 feet trust us. 🙄

So then what’s the point? If it’s not a dive computer, then really this is only useful for free divers.

Yeah, they were making a big deal about this replacing your dive computer, and now putting a fine print that it's not.

I'm almost certain the website used the term "dive computer" when describing the watch.

I could be wrong, but I’m fairly certain the Depth app is the apple developed app, while the app they highlighted was co-developed by another company (Huish) and IS a dive computer. They are two separate things.

I'm a PADI Divemaster and also have done some basic technical diving training - and I while would not use this as my main dive computer I would love one to have as a back up and to use for example when I'm on holiday. Its basic functionality (once the proper app is available) is adequate for a wide range of recreational diving activities but crucially it is not intended for situations requiring deco stops and mixed gases - which is not recreational diving. In this respect is it more like the basic kinds of dive computers widely available and with the forthcoming app can be used with air or nitrox as long as a single gas is used throughout the dive. 40m is the limit for recreational diving with 18m & 30m the more usual limits depending upon training level. As for it being a watch - this is fine as divers will be familiar with using tables, a watch and a depth gauge to stay safely and conservatively within their limits. What is a bonus is this watch can be used for skiing, sailing or whatever unlike a basic dive computer which serves one activity only. (There are more expensive dive computers that can be worn as watches)

I reflect on the warnings from Apple and offer this sort of text is to be found in any manual for a dive computer as diving is a dangerous activity when not undertaken with suitable training and protocol.

Unfortunately I cant afford nor justify this watch at present but am excited about its release and the availability of wearable tech that supports undertaking adventure activities safely.

This is support docs for the Depth app not for Oceanic+ which does more to make the Ultra a dive computer replacement for many folks. It seems that this is critical context missing from the article based on previous comments.

Because: Who's standards? Who's tables? Who's responsible for the research, and who did the research they are basing this on? It seems to not be very durable if the depth is that shallow. The time an idiot needs a computer is when they find themselves drifting past the limits on a wall dive, and they are in trouble and don't even know it.

I personally would not trust this as a 'dive computer'. I'd wait for the second, or third version. It's my life after all...

From https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra/ -
“EN13319 certified
An internationally recognized standard for diving accessories.”

To be clear, my point is that the article on which we are commenting is about the “Depth” app, which is wholly different from the app discussed and marketed by apple as a dive computer. The hardware seems more than capable and certified as such.

I’m just confounded as to why everyone is thinking apple is pulling a fast one on us? Why is everyone up in arms about this, rather than other claims like the new dual-frequency GPS system? Both are factual, objective statements about the capabilities of this device.

Guys, the ”DEPTH APP” is not a dive computer. You need to use Oceanic+ or another app that comes out in the future if you want it to act as a dive computer.

“Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.”

How stupid to put so much emphasis on this during the presentation only to then say it’s basically useless. 40 meters max, doesn’t do safety stops, etc. basically anything useful to a diver.

Also from the apple site:

“* Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 meters and high-speed water sports. Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters.”

So below 40 feet trust us. 🙄

It's only useless as far as incompetent and irresponsible divers go.

When you learn to dive, you NEED to learn how to use a recreational dive table and actually plan a dive. Not just slap a computer on your wrist and rely on it do your work for you. Using this depth gauge as a dive watch without the Oceanic software wouldn't be wise.

As far as the 40 meter limit, most recreational divers don't go near that depth without being certified as a "deep diver" with more training. It's purely a waste of air at those depths and you will only get a few minutes bottom time.