Apple Watch Series 9 vs Ultra 2: Comparing the Upcoming Smartwatches

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 later this year. How will these new smartwatches compare? Let’s take a detailed look at the rumored differences between the Series 9 and Ultra 2.

Overview

The Apple Watch Series 9 will be the next iteration of Apple’s popular mainstream smartwatch line. It will likely feature incremental upgrades over the Series 8 with a similar familiar design.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be the second generation of Apple’s rugged, adventure-focused watch. It’s expected to build upon the larger durable design of the original Ultra with enhancements optimized for extreme sports and outdoor exploration.

While both watches will run watchOS 9 and share many of the same capabilities, the Ultra 2 will command a premium price tag for its larger size, durability, and specialty features. The Series 9 will appeal to more casual smartwatch users who want a practical, capable, and affordable Apple Watch.

Design

• Series 9: Aluminum or stainless steel casing, digital crown on right side, rectangular shape with rounded corners, 41mm and 45mm sizes. Sleek, refined, and understated aesthetic.
• Ultra 2: Titanium casing, lefty design with digital crown and side button on left side, larger 49mm size. Rugged, masculine aesthetic optimized for outdoor use. Larger screen but heavier.
• Weight: Ultra 2 will be noticeably heavier. Series 9 remains lightweight.
• Thickness: Ultra 2 is nearly 2x thicker than Series 9. Bulkier on the wrist.
• Durability: Ultra 2 will be more scratch and damage resistant thanks to titanium case and sapphire crystal display.
• Water Resistance: Ultra 2 expected to be rated to 100m vs. 50m for Series 9.

Displays

• Screen Size: 49mm on Ultra 2, 41mm and 45mm options for Series 9.
• Brightness: Ultra 2 will have brighter always-on display and max brightness of 2000 nits vs 1000 nits on Series 9. Easier to see the Ultra 2 display in direct sunlight.
• Sapphire Crystal: Both models will likely have Sapphire crystal screens for durability. But Ultra 2 screen may have a more pure, hardened formulation.
• Flat Display: Ultra 2’s flat screen design improves durability but the sharp raised edges could damage other surfaces. Series 9 retains familiar rounded edge display shape.

Performance & Battery Life

• Chip: Same new Apple S9 chip expected in both watches. Performance should be virtually identical.
• RAM/Storage: No expected differences, but Ultra 2 may have slightly more RAM.
• Battery Life: Ultra 2 will have nearly double the battery capacity compared to Series 9. Real-world battery life could be 2-3x as long between charges.
• Charging: Ultra 2 gets fast charging as standard. Series 9 will stick with slower 5W magnetic charging.
• Charger: Ultra 2 comes with premium braided USB-C cable. Series 9 comes with standard plastic charging cable.

Sensors & Connectivity

• GPS: Ultra 2 will get dual-band GPS for more accurate positioning in remote areas. Standard GPS on Series 9.
• Action Button: Programmable button exclusive to Ultra 2 for quickly starting workouts or other frequent tasks.
• Microphones: Ultra 2 expected to have 3 high-quality mics vs. 1 on Series 9 for better voice pickup.
• Haptics: Ultra 2 will have more advanced haptic engine with stronger, sharper tactile feedback.
• LTE: Both models available with optional cellular connectivity.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: No expected differences. Both have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

Health & Fitness Features

• Heart Rate Sensors: Same advanced sensors on rear of both models to track heart rate, take ECGs, detect falls, and more.
• Activity Tracking: All standard fitness tracking features will be identical including steps, calories, workouts, etc.
• Compass & Altimeter: Available on both, but enhanced features exclusive to Ultra 2.
• Dive Features: Ultra 2 will have depth meter, water temperature sensors, and diving-specific metrics. Not available on Series 9.
• Night Mode: Improved visibility for Ultra 2 when in dark environments. Standard display on Series 9 not optimized for darkness.

Other Differences

• Speakers: Ultra 2 has dual speakers for much louder max volume. Better for phone calls and walkie talkie use.
• Safety Features: Ultra 2 has 86db emergency siren to scare away wildlife, signal for help, or alert others. Also has enhanced fall detection.
• Crown Guard: Ultra 2 has a protruding guard to protect the digital crown from accidental presses. No guard on Series 9.
• Wayfinder Watch Face: Exclusive new compass-based watch face on Ultra 2 designed for navigation.
• Colors: Ultra 2 comes in titanium only. Series 9 available in wider range of colors including Product RED aluminum.
• Price: Ultra 2 will command at least a $150-200 premium over aluminum Series 9 models. Stainless steel Series 9 closes the gap.

Which Should You Buy?

For most users, the Apple Watch Series 9 will strike the best balance of features, performance, and price. But outdoor adventurers or athletes who value larger screens, durability, longer battery life, and specialty features will find the Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the splurge. It ultimately comes down to budget and intended use case when choosing between these two impressive smartwatches.