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Apple Watch Ultra - page 3

New Garmin smartwatches take on Apple Watch Ultra

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Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Photo: Garmin

Garmin unveiled three rugged new fēnix 7 Pro Series smartwatches Wednesday, giving Apple Watch Ultra a run for its money. The new multisport GPS watches have a lot in common with Ultra, including similar pricing depending on which features you select.

But the Garmin watches also offer a built-in LED flashlight and solar charging that helps provide 37 days of battery life in “smartwatch mode” and 139 days in “expedition mode,” according to the company.

Enter to win the ultimate protection for your Apple Watch Ultra [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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With 8-foot drop protection, this rugged case/band combo (with screen protector) is a great match for your Apple Watch Ultra.
With 8-foot drop protection, this rugged case/band combo (with screen protector) is a great match for your Apple Watch Ultra.
Photo: Elkson

Apple Watch Ultra owners, this week’s giveaway is for you. We teamed up with Elkson to give away five Quattro Pro 2.0 cases for Apple Watch Ultra. All winners also will receive an Apple Watch Ultra screen protector for an added layer of protection.

This great bundle retails for $25.99. It’s excellent for any Apple Watch Ultra wearer who’s looking for some extra comfort and protection.

Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display pushed to 2025

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
An Apple Watch Ultra with microLED screen is still a couple of years away.
Photo: Apple

Apple has reportedly delayed the Apple Watch Ultra’s rumored transition to microLED screens. Initial rumors suggested the company could make the switch by 2024.

However, display analyst Ross Young believes Apple has pushed back the change to the second half of 2025.

Grab the Apple Watch Ultra at its lowest price ever

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
Save big on your Apple Watch Ultra purchase with this deal.
Photo: Apple

You can grab the Apple Watch Ultra with the Green Alpine Loop for a new low price of $729.99 from Amazon, saving $69.01 on your purchase.

A $50 discount will appear on the listing page, with the additional $19.01 off applied at checkout. Other variants of the watch are available with a more modest $50 discount.

‘iPhone Ultra’ concept envisions what a titanium iPhone might look like

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Mockup of the rumored iPhone Ultra
This might be what an "iPhone Ultra" looks like.
Mockup: Jonas Daehnert

Apple is reportedly working on an “iPhone Ultra,” an even-more-premium iPhone that sits above the Pro series. A designer wondered if that might mean an iPhone Pro mixed with an Apple Watch Ultra, and dreamed up a concept device that merges the two.

The result is fun and gorgeous, if not anything Apple is likely to ever make.

Will new HomePod dazzle our ears like the original? We hope so. [The CultCast]

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Two HomePods and the logo for
We've got our ears all cleaned out and ready to listen.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first reviews of the 2023 HomePod make Apple’s updated smart speaker sound pretty formidable. We can’t wait to hear for ourselves. (Unfortunately, if you didn’t already place your HomePod order, you’re probably looking at a substantial hang time.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • An iPad with a folding screen might be just around the corner.
  • Retina alert: Apple Watch Ultra might get an even bigger, brighter screen next year.
  • Former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s latest creation is … a bright red nose!

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

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World Surf League names Apple Watch ‘official wearable’

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Pro surfers won't have to strain to see and hear on-shore announcements.
Pro surfers won't have to strain to see and hear on-shore announcements.
Photo: Brent Bielmann, WSL

The World Surf League adopted Apple Watch as its official wearable Friday. The move enables pro surfers to use the water-resistant smartwatch with a certain app to track crucial metrics during competitions.

This marks the first time Apple Watch has become official equipment for a pro sport.

Here’s everything the Apple Watch buttons do

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What Do The Buttons Do? (old version)
The buttons on the Apple Watch switch apps, activate Apple Pay, open Siri and more.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Apple Watch borrows a lot from the iPhone, but the biggest difference between them is down to the extra buttons. They each do different things whether you click, double-click or hold them down. What do the Apple Watch buttons do?

This guide was written before watchOS 10 changed and moved a lot of these features. See our updated guide if you’re confused why your Watch suddenly works differently.

US judge rules Apple Watch infringes on sensor technology patent

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Apple Watch 6 was the first model to include the pulse oximetry sensor.
Apple Watch 6 was the first model to include the pulse oximetry sensor.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

A judge in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday that Apple infringes on one of medical device maker Masimo’s patents for light-based pulse oximetry sensor functionality and components used in Apple Watch 6 onward. The sensor measures blood oxygen levels.

Next the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will decide whether to ban imports of Apple Watches that include the sensor, Masimo said.

In a statement, Apple disputed the ruling.

Apple’s in-house display could debut on the Apple Watch Ultra in 2024

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Apple Store logo in Chengdu, China with two people standing in front of it
Apple wants to shift away from Samsung for its product displays.
Photo: Unsplash

Apple wants to reduce its reliance on sourcing displays for its products from Samsung and LG. So, the company is working on its own custom displays that it intends to use as early as 2024.

This would mark another move from Apple to develop more components it uses on its devices in-house.

First Apple Watch with microLED screen could be on the way

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First Apple Watch with microLED screen could be on the way
A future Apple Watch Ultra might include a cutting-edge microLED screen.
Photo: Apple

Apple will bring a microLED screen to its wrist wearable, according to a reliable source of insider info. This would replace the OLED displays currently in Apple Watch.

A switch to microLED would bring an improved type of screen: brighter and less prone to burn-in.

What to expect from Apple in 2023, plus our best of 2022 picks [The CultCast]

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This year was good for Apple, but 2023 looks even better!
This year was good for Apple, but 2023 looks even better!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re talking about all the Apple gear we’re certain will arrive in 2023 — and some we just hope will materialize.

Also on The CultCast:

  • An Apple Watch Ultra clone for less than $50?!?
  • More on Apple’s penny-penching strategy of skimping on cloud storage by serving up lower-resolution files.
  • Our picks for best of 2022 — part two!

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

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An Apple Watch Ultra for $48? No, but you can get this obvious knockoff.

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It sure looks the part, but does it do all the rough stuff?
It sure looks the part, but does it do all the rough stuff?
Photo: Pebble

Some rugged, outdoorsy types might hesitate over the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag. But what if they could get a lookalike watch for less than $50?

The Indian company Pebble — no relation to the Pebble smartwatch outfit acquired by Fitbit — said it will ship just such an option soon. And the Pebble Cosmos Engage looks just like the real thing. But it probably doesn’t function like a real Apple Watch Ultra.

watchOS 9.2 boosts Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life while tracking Multisport workouts

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
Your Apple Watch Ultra will now last longer while tracking Multisport workouts.
Photo: Apple

Alongside iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, Apple also dropped watchOS 9.2 for all compatible Apple Watch models. Besides packing several new features, the update improves the Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life.

Interestingly, Apple does not mention this improvement in the watchOS 9.2’s release notes.

Enter to win a tough, titanium Apple Watch Ultra band from Lululook [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Cult of Mac giveaway: This titanium Apple Watch Ultra band from Lululook is as robust as they come.
This titanium Apple Watch Ultra band from Lululook is as robust as they come.
Photo: Lululook

This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a sturdy Apple Watch Ultra Titanium Band from Lululook. The band matches the new Apple Watch Ultra perfectly, thanks to its sleek titanium finish.

Enter below for your chance to win this gorgeous titanium band, which retails for $33.99.

New Oceanic+ app turns your Apple Watch Ultra into a dive computer

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Thanks to Oceanic+ and Apple Watch Ultra, this diver will have all the information he needs to dive safely.
Thanks to Oceanic+ and Apple Watch Ultra, this diver will have all the information he needs to dive safely.
Photo: Apple

Apple made a splash Monday in the world of scuba diving, noting that divers can now add the Oceanic+ Dive Computer App to their Apple Watch Ultra and use a companion app for iPhone.

Designed by Huish Outdoors in collaboration with Apple, Oceanic+ takes advantage of Apple Watch Ultra’s depth gauge and water temperature sensors to provide divers crucial information on forays up to 130 feet beneath the surface.

Apple Watch Ultra gets a rare $60 discount for Black Friday

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Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: For extremophiles
This is the Black Friday Apple Watch Ultra deal you have been waiting for.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra has dropped to its lowest price for Black Friday. You can grab the watch with an Alpine Loop wristband for $739, down from its $799 MSRP.

The rugged titanium case and multi-day battery life make the Apple Watch Ultra ideal for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fortitude tactical bands toughen up your Apple Watch (Ultra included)

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Tefeca Fortitude bands give strength to all Apple Watches, including Ultra.
Tefeca Fortitude bands give strength to all Apple Watches, including Ultra.
Photo: Tefeca

There are plenty of nylon and canvas Apple Watch bands out there, but they don’t all have Fortitude. Tefeca Fortitude, that is. It’s a line of extra-tough and handsome bands that are super-comfortable — especially the Ultra Wide versions, which are as wide as an Apple Watch Ultra case.

And a wide band isn’t just comfortable. It offers a distinctive, masculine look — like you’re on a mission.

And if you act fast, you can get a great discount on the bands in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. See below.

We’re back to discuss Dynamic Island, Apple Watch Ultra and more [The CultCast]

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This week on The CultCast: Dynamic Island tips, Apple Watch Ultra ecstasy and more.
We've got Dynamic Island tips, ecstatic Apple Watch Ultra first impressions and more.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon returns from his Florida vacation just in time to rave about the Apple Watch Ultra and share some tips on how to use the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Remembering Steve Jobs, who died 11 years ago this week.
  • The iPhone’s switch from Lightning to USB-C is coming sooner rather than later.
  • Are iPhone cameras really good enough to replace DSLRs?
  • Vacation talk, including how Erfon barely avoided a nasty Hurricane Ian surprise.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

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Best Apple Watch Ultra bands: Rugged and ready for adventure

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
Photo: Apple

From the three bands Apple designed especially for the chunky Apple Watch Ultra to several other worthy options, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to a rugged band that can handle whatever you throw at it and Apple’s toughest timepiece.

In our roundup below, we cover Apple’s best options for bands to pair with the high-performance Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, we found other great (and more-affordable) choices from brands like Carterjett, Kordiz, Mifa, Nomad, Pinnacle and Spigen.

Apple Watch Ultra lives up to durability claims in hammer test

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Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: For extremophiles
The Apple Watch Ultra is truly ultra-durable.
Photo: Apple

A YouTuber has put the Apple Watch Ultra through an intense test to determine its durability. The wearable was dropped multiple times, repeatedly hit with a hammer, and even put in a jar of nails.

The watch emerged unscathed from the ordeal. While not an ideal replica of real-world use, the test gives a good idea of the Apple Watch Ultra’s durability.