the Apple Watch Ultra – Double Battery Life, bigger screen
There’s much more to follow but here are some headlines for now:
the Apple Watch Ultra Review – not ULTRA, definitely Big, Expensive & Rugged
The wholly new Apple Watch Ultra includes a new GPS chip and algorithms that support L1+L5 frequencies for greater precision. It claims to be the most accurate wearable in that respect.
A single, new customisable button can be used to add laps, mark positions or enter transition and a new looped strap is their lightest yet

There are more features like WR100 resistance, re-imagining the Watch as a certified 40m (En13319) dive computer, back-to-start route re-tracing and an 80 decibel siren for emergencies.
The existing button and more coarse crown are redesigned, cellular is included in every model, 3 microphones and 2 speakers now give greater voice clarity during calls.
Oh. Double the battery life will get you through an Ironman with full-accuracy GPS. Normal battery life is stated as 36 hours which almost doubles up to 60 hours with
Q: How Much is the new Apple Watch Ultra?
A: $799 on September 23rd.
Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by the5krunner

tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.


How is this L1-5 GPS, in theory, compare to GPS systems in the latest Garmin watches?
the same. ish. could be better.
Garmin has l1/l5 and multi constellation. Apple may well have multi constellation too.
it might even be the same chip under the hood. (Mediatek/Airoha)
I doubt that the price will be 800€ when the new iphone 14 will cost +30% in EU
yes you’re right, it’s 999€ which isn’t even consistent with the UK price £849…ie it’s probably more than it should be if my FX maths are correct