Apple Watch Ultra 2: Seamless, Smart, and Exactly What I Needed 🍏⌚

From Series 6 to Ultra: My Upgrade Story

Before switching to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, I had been using the Apple Watch Series 6 (46mm) for quite some time. It did the job—and fit well into my Apple ecosystem—but after testing out the Garmin Forerunner 965, I started thinking more seriously about upgrading.

On May 16, I made the leap and bought the Ultra 2. What I got was exactly what I hoped for: a tougher, smarter, longer-lasting version of everything I liked in the Series 6 —with a serious boost in both form and function.

What I Love About the Ultra 2

Seamless Ecosystem Integration

• Unlocks my Mac
• Handles calls and messages effortlessly
• Syncs with Health, Fitness+, and third-party apps instantly
• AirPods auto-switch just works
• Use as remote control for my Apple TV
• View who’s at the door via Aqara doorbell integration

This level of integration is something you just don’t get with other platforms—it all works right out of the box.

Great for Daily Fitness

I’m not an ultra-runner or deep-sea diver, and I don’t need dozens of sport modes. But for running, cycling, strength training, and sleep tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers more than enough.

• Workout app: Simple, but reliable
• Heart rate tracking: Accurate for my needs
• Sleep tracking: Improved and now usable
• Activity rings: Still addictive in a good way
• Strava sync: Works perfectly

More Insights with Athlytic

One area where I felt Apple could improve is recovery and readiness tracking —something I missed after using WHOOP and Garmin. That’s where the Athlytic app really shines. It uses your Apple Watch data to provide:

• Recovery scores
• Strain analysis
• HRV trends
• Sleep performance

This adds a layer of context that’s missing from the default Health and Fitness apps. If you’re someone who likes a bit more insight without leaving the Apple world —Athlytic is a must-have.

The Screen & Battery

• Display: Bright, super readable, even in full sunlight
• Battery: Easily lasts 2–3 days on a single charge (and more in low power mode)

Compared to the Series 6, this is a major leap forward—especially for outdoor workouts and long weekends.

Where It Could Improve

No product is perfect, even in Apple land.

• Sleep and recovery insights (default apps) are still too shallow
• No native stamina/VO2 features like Garmin
• Watch face customization is still fairly limited

But with third-party apps like Athlytic, most of the fitness data gaps are filled.

Final Thoughts

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and want a watch that blends fitness, health, and smart features into one solid, beautiful package, the Ultra 2 is a no-brainer.

It may not have all the hardcore athlete metrics, but it fits perfectly into daily life —whether I’m training, watching TV, or checking who’s at the door.

Summary

I’ve gone from Series 6 to Garmin and back—and with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, I feel like I’ve landed on the right device for my lifestyle. It does what I need, stays out of the way, and fits into everything I already use, from workouts to home automation.