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
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The Blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
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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. ID
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