The Apple Ultra 2 is their biggest and toughest watch with several features that work well for navigational support – but there are issues.
The Ultra 2 from Apple is the biggest and toughest watch they have, with several features that work well for navigational support. The precision dual frequency GPS gives accurate location information, but for hill walkers and mountaineers the best way to get this data is through third party apps.
Kirsty’s verdict
Overall the Apple Ultra 2 wouldn’t be my top choice for a GPS watch for hillwalking and mountaineering.- Fairly slim fit on the wrist
- connectivity to phone apps
- Battery life
- price
- limited navigation info
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £799 |
| Weight | 71g with nylon strap |
| Case size | 49mmx49mm |
| Screen | LTPO2 OLED Always on Retina |
| Battery life (with GPS on) | 17 hours |
| OS grid ref | Yes, through OS Locate |
| Mapping | No |
| Operation | Touchscreen and buttons |
| apple.com |
Although most mapping apps don’t show the maps on the watch, and you need to use your phone to view them, Wikiloc does show maps and can be used to follow a pre planned route and see path options. OS Locate works well to give your grid reference and elevation too, which can then be put onto your map to continue navigating. The compass app also has a backtrack option, which allows you to retrace your steps if you set it to record them.
The major downside to this watch is the battery life. I was lucky to be able to get two full hill days of tracking activity from a single charge, which didn’t serve me well for multi day trips. The stated use time is up to 36 hours, but GPS tracking runs the battery down faster.
As it’s like a small phone on your wrist, there are also other features that run down the battery with multiple apps sending notifications, but it does mean you can call or message from the watch directly.
There are three buttons and a dial, which open menus and offer options, but you need to use the touchscreen to get into apps. Between the slim buttons and touchscreen, it’s not the best watch for using with gloves and water on the screen can also mess with the touchscreen.
It is waterproof though, and can be used for swimming, plus stands up to wet days in Scotland! The nylon strap is comfortable, and while the body of the watch is quite big, it sits in a nice place and doesn’t feel too bulky.
Overall the Apple Ultra 2 wouldn’t be my top choice for a GPS watch, but if you’re looking for something that has phone notifications, measures a variety of metrics, tracks lots of different activities plus has a GPS and a few navigational features then it’s not a bad option.
Testing Notes
Kirsty took this watch hillwalking, mountaineering, rock climbing, biking, and swimming all across Scotland, both within her job and her personal days out. She has a small wrist diameter, so a bigger case size is more noticeable. Weights are taken from Kirsty’s own scales. To compare other options, check out our guide to the best GPS watches for hillwalking.
This review was first published in the March 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
