Why we need Apple Watch Ultra?

This was an Apple Watch for the intrepid explorer, which arguably few tech journalists swarming the Ultra models at the Steve Jobs Theater were.

In fact, I’d contend that most people aren’t hardcore outdoors enthusiasts who need 49mm titanium cases, a sapphire crystal lens, WR100 water resistance, and EN13319 certification for diving.

The Ultra is a bit of an odd duck because it’s positioned as a Garmin competitor. (See: aforementioned sizzle reel.) But as we discovered in our in-depth video review, that’s not what it really is.

The hiking safety features didn’t always work as intended, and as a dive watch, it was proficient at the basics but had limitations for more technical use cases. A Garmin, Coros, or Polar watch is a multisport watch first and a smartwatch second.

The Ultra is the reverse. As a result, its fitness features are best suited for part-time adventurers and weekend warriors.

Those who do tend to be tech-savvy folks who are frustrated with the lack of smart features on Garmins and other multisport watches. I’m not sure how many of those folks there really are.

In addition, in the few months, I partook in a local run club, I saw dozens of Garmins and regular Apple Watches but not a single Ultra.