Apple Watch Pro: What It Is & Should You Buy It?

The Apple Watch Pro (officially Apple Watch Ultra) is Apple’s rugged, larger, and more durable smartwatch aimed at athletes, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts. You enter your activity goals and usage patterns, and it delivers advanced metrics, longer battery life, and a tougher build than the standard Apple Watch. This article explains what the Pro/Ultra offers, how it differs from other models, and whether it’s worth the higher price.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a given workout. The formulas are:

• Pace = Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km) — result in min/km
• Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Time (min) ÷ 60) — result in km/h

Where Time is in minutes and Distance is in kilometers. If you use miles, convert miles to km (1 mile = 1.60934 km) before using the formula.

Worked Example

Using the default values: 60 minutes and 10 km.

1. Pace = 60 ÷ 10 = 6.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (60 ÷ 60) = 10.00 km/h

So a 60-minute, 10-km run gives an average pace of 6:00 per km and an average speed of 10 km/h. The calculator rounds to two decimals.

What Is the Apple Watch Pro (Ultra)?

Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra in September 2022 as a separate, premium tier alongside the Series 8. It is often called the “Pro� because of its advanced features and higher price. The Ultra has a 49mm titanium case, a flat sapphire crystal display, and a brighter screen (up to 2000 nits). It is designed for extreme sports: it is WR100 water resistant (suitable for recreational scuba to 40 meters), has an IP6X dust resistance rating, and is certified to MIL-STD-810H for shock and temperature. It also includes a customizable Action button, a second speaker, and a three-microphone array for better voice pickup in wind.

The Ultra runs watchOS (same as other Apple Watches) but has exclusive watch faces and features like a precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) for more accurate tracking in challenging environments. It also supports a dive computer app (Oceanic+) that turns the watch into a dive computer, though that app requires a subscription.

How Does It Compare to Other Apple Watches?

Here’s a quick comparison of the Ultra vs. the standard models (Series 8/9/10):

• Size and weight: Ultra is 49mm and about 61g (titanium), while standard models are 40-46mm and lighter.
• Battery life: Ultra lasts up to 36 hours normal use (60 hours in low-power mode), double the 18-hour rating of standard watches.
• Durability: Titanium case, flat sapphire crystal, and a more rugged design; standard watches use aluminum or stainless steel and have a curved glass front.
• GPS: Ultra has dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) for better accuracy; standard watches use L1 only.
• Action button: Ultra has a physical orange button that can be customized to start a workout, mark a waypoint, or trigger a siren.
• Price: Ultra starts at $799, while standard models start around $399.

If you are a trail runner, scuba diver, or mountaineer, the Ultra’s extra durability and battery are worth it. For everyday fitness and notifications, a standard Apple Watch is lighter and cheaper.

Key Features and How to Use Them

Here are the most useful features of the Apple Watch Ultra and how to get the most from them:

• Action button: Set it to start a workout, take a photo, or turn on the flashlight. Go to Settings > Action Button.
• Precision GPS: Works automatically; no setup needed. It improves tracking in cities with tall buildings and in forests.
• Backtrack: Uses GPS to record your route and helps you find your way back. Start it from the Compass app.
• Siren: Hold the Action button (or press and hold the side button) to sound an 86-decibel siren that can be heard up to 180 meters away.
• Dive computer: Install Oceanic+ from the App Store and subscribe to use dive features. The watch is rated to 40 meters for recreational diving.
• Night mode: On the Wayfinder watch face, turn the Digital Crown to switch to a red-on-black display for night use.

Battery Life and Charging Tips

The Ultra’s battery lasts about 36 hours with typical use, which is roughly double the standard Apple Watch. In low-power mode, it can last up to 60 hours. To extend battery life further:

• Disable the Always-On display (Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On).
• Turn off cellular when you don’t need it (Control Center > Cellular icon).
• Use a dark watch face (OLED pixels are off for black areas).
• Close unused apps by pressing the side button and swiping apps up.

Charging is via the same magnetic fast-charger cable as other Apple Watches. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours, and a 2-minute charge gives about 8 hours of sleep tracking.

Common Problems and Fixes

Here are frequent issues Ultra owners face and how to solve them:

• GPS inaccurate: Make sure you have a clear view of the sky. If it’s still off, restart the watch and phone, and check that Location Services is on for the Workout app.
• Action button not working: Go to Settings > Action Button and reassign it. If it still doesn’t work, restart the watch.
• Battery drains fast: Check Settings > Battery for usage. Disable features you don’t use (like cellular or noise monitoring).
• Watch face doesn’t show Wayfinder: The Wayfinder face is exclusive to Ultra. Long-press the watch face, swipe to add, and select Wayfinder.
• Dive app not working: Ensure you have a subscription and the app is updated. The watch must be in water mode (press the side button) to start a dive.

Should You Buy an Apple Watch Ultra?

The Ultra is a niche product. It is ideal for:

• Trail runners and hikers who need multi-day battery and accurate GPS.
• Scuba divers and water sports enthusiasts (with the Oceanic+ app).
• People who work in harsh environments (construction, field work) and need a tough watch.
• Anyone who wants the latest Apple Watch with the largest screen and best battery.

If you only use your watch for notifications, workouts at the gym, and sleep tracking, the standard Apple Watch (Series 9 or 10) is lighter, cheaper, and has the same core health features. The Ultra’s extra weight and bulk may be uncomfortable for some.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

The Apple Watch Ultra is not a medical device. Its heart rate, blood oxygen, and ECG readings are for fitness and wellness, not diagnosis. The dive computer function is for recreational use only; it is not a substitute for professional dive training. Also, the MIL-STD-810H rating is not a guarantee of survival in all conditions; it is a laboratory test, not a real-world promise.

For the calculator above, remember that pace and speed are averages. If you stop during a workout, the average includes the stop time unless you pause the workout. For interval training, use the Workout app’s “segments� to see per-lap splits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple Watch Ultra the same as the Apple Watch Pro?

Yes, the “Apple Watch Pro� was the rumored name before launch; the official name is Apple Watch Ultra. It is the top-tier model in Apple’s lineup.

Can the Ultra be used for scuba diving?

Yes, with the Oceanic+ app (subscription required). The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters (WR100) and is rated for recreational diving to 40 meters. It is not for technical or saturation diving.

How long does the Ultra battery last with GPS?

With continuous GPS workout tracking, the Ultra lasts about 12 hours (with normal GPS). With the low-power GPS setting, it can last up to 60 hours, but that reduces GPS accuracy.

Does the Ultra have a blood oxygen sensor?

Yes, it has a blood oxygen sensor, but in some regions (like the US) the feature is disabled due to patent disputes. Check your local availability.

Can I use a standard Apple Watch band with the Ultra?

Yes, the Ultra uses the same 44mm/45mm/49mm lug size, so all standard bands fit. However, the Ultra’s case is thicker, so some bands may sit differently.

Is the Ultra worth the extra $400?

Only if you need the ruggedness, battery, and advanced GPS. For most people, the standard Apple Watch is a better value. If you are an athlete or explorer, the Ultra’s features justify the price.

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in t | Workout time | min | 60 | 0 | 1440
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2