Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
If it comes with a decent watch face and the rumored "Readiness" app that requires overnight wear, I'll likely add an S12 (titanium) but keep my AWU 3 for outdoor workouts or other times when I want the extra battery life.
 
On its way! Delivering on the 18th.

IMG_0980.jpeg
 
For me it's thinking about going with AWU4 - but not convinced about black finish... Don't know what to choose. The straps are 'all' looking better with natural color.
 
For me it's thinking about going with AWU4 - but not convinced about black finish... Don't know what to choose. The straps are 'all' looking better with natural color.
There is so many good reasons to go for the AWU4 not the least of which is the up 48 hour battery life.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bsmr
"Worth it" is purely subjective. People who use an Ultra would typically find it "worth it". People who do not would typically find it "not worth it".


I use an Ultra and love it. I would not go back to the regular AW range.

Ultra 1 to Ultra 3. Almost certainly I'll skip Ultra 4 and wait for Ultra 5.
Do you also buy AppleCare for it?
 
There is so many good reasons to go for the AWU4 not the least of which is the up 48 hour battery life.
The $430 trade in on my AWU3 is AMAZING.

However, I came to the conclusion that $369 + tax wasn't worth slightly better battery life (another 8-10 hours?) - all day HR, and the Siri Recall.

When I did the Apple Health study - it did 2x the HR readings and my battery significantly suffered on my AWU2 and AWU3 ( I went from 20% daily usage to 50%+ daily usage ). So I imagine the Siri Recall + All day HR is going to have a noticeable impact on battery.

Still it was VERY tempting and I'm still tempted.
 
Hmm. I finally moved to an Ultra 2 once my S5 ceramic just couldn't keep up with long bike rides anymore. I had three ceramic watches. Friggin indestructible. Very tempted to go back to ceramic now. Other than battery life, what are the main selling points of the U4 over a ceramic S12?
 

Do you also buy AppleCare for it?
Always, one of the benefits is priority customer support.
Hmm. I finally moved to an Ultra 2 once my S5 ceramic just couldn't keep up with long bike rides anymore. I had three ceramic watches. Friggin indestructible. Very tempted to go back to ceramic now. Other than battery life, what are the main selling points of the U4 over a ceramic S12?
Here they are;

 
  • Like
Reactions: BigMcGuire
Lost my Ultra 1 earlier this year and replaced it with an S11. Nice and light, but it just doesn’t feel nearly as nice.

Ordered the Ultra 4 with Milanese loop bracelet (still have my original Milanese from the AW0 so time to upgrade). $200 trade in for my AW11 so only $609 out the door (military discount).

Cant wait!
 
In my mind, the big advantage of the Ultra is the longer battery life. I charge every night so the Series 12 will be fine for me. I realize there are some hiking and satellite features too on the Ultra if that makes a difference for you.
 
No. I did for my Ultra 1, not for Ultra 3.
I didn't bother with Apple Care for the Ultra 1 and same with the Ultra 4 I've just ordered. I've had the U1 for 4 years and not babied it at all. Climbing, gardening, gym etc. It's taken plenty of knocks and heat after 4 years you'd need a magnifying glass to spot any ware.

The only thing Im careful with is taking it on and off over tiled floors. Make sure I'm over a mat. Droped from height on wooden floors and it's been fine. Since the titanium S6 and SS version I've become used to the sapphire glass and trust its abilities. Never scratched... on any of the 4 watches. The Ultra is built like a tank. Love them!

I save the AppleCare for iPhones & Laptops.
 
Also: Screen protectors:
www.amazon.com/ESR-Armorite-Protector-Protection-Anti-Scratch/dp/B0F59PP2TQ

I'm a screen protector guy, for pretty much all my devices.

I bought these along with my Ultra 3. I literally unpacked the watch & slapped this on, right out of the box. Before I even turned it on / charged it for the first time.

And I'm SO glad i did; it's gotten its share of dings.

The Ultra really is noticeably bigger than the standard (but see my other post; I love it & am never going back to standard) and I absolutely find myself knocking it / getting it caught on stuff a lot more frequently than with my S6.


I'm SO, SO thankful I didn't delay putting this on, because not only are there a lot of bezel dings that this protector has absorbed; sometime within the past month or so I managed to get a really substantial scratch / gouge right in the middle of the screen. If that had happened to the watch itself I would have absolutely lost it. 🤯😱😭🤬

I really want to get a set of the orange protectors.... 😎🧐
That’s the most useless thing you could put on an Apple Watch with a sapphire screen. Only regular Apple Watches suffer scratches. I’ve been using sapphire only since I learned early on how terrible glass is for a watch face which was the stainless steel series 5 at the time. I don’t care they call it “ion glass” it scratches. I promptly switched to stainless steel as that was what was offered at the time (ss s5). I still have my ss s7 and my ultra 1 and not a single mark on either. And trust me they get banged up. The ultra doesn’t need a case or a screen protector. it’s silly, redundant, a true waste of money, and you’re actually taking away from the device by slapping on a sheet of glass or plastic. Absolutely trust me you won’t scratch your screen and on the ultra you’ll get very tiny superficial marks on the titanium body that aren’t noticeable on the natural color and if you go black it will be a bit more so if it goes through the black finish, but the material is still ridiculously strong. I have a few small marks on my ultra 1 body that you have to examine under different lighting angles close up to even try to see. The screen flawless as is my age old ss s7. Try it, you won’t regret ditching the screen protector. That said I think I’m due for an upgrade and think I’ll go black because I’m tired of natural after 4 years. Hope everyone enjoys their ultras!
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Will be looking for a case like the Spigen I have on the Ultra 3. Mainly because of it 911 lock out, no accidental dialing.
You can turn off 911 dialing in Apple Watch app. There’s no need putting a case or screen protector on an aw ultra. They are rugged as heck. Anyway, good choice. That’s my favorite band and since I’ve been rocking the natural since s1 ultra (no choice back then) think I’m going black. Just need to decide on the color band. I’m only getting $190 for my trade, but that’s pretty good for a 4 year old watch. I also get 10% military discount so that takes a good chunk off the price too. Enjoy!
 
I went with the 42mm AW12 as the 46mm and Ultra are way too big for my skinny wrists. I don't want to look like a little kid wearing dad's watch.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors