Apple gets even more serious about the endurance watch game with new Ultra 2

It’s always an exciting event for tech enthusiasts around the world, but over the last few years Apple’s “Fall Event” has offered some exciting news for triathletes. Last year it was the announcement of the new Apple Watch Ultra, a device that signalled Apple was getting serious about the triathlon and endurance market.

The latest Apple Watch can get you through an Ironman … and much, much more

Today the company took things a step further with the announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The neOw watch takes all the features that made the watch a viable training option for serious triathletes much further, and also build on the features we learned about with the announcement of the new Watch OS 10 announced earlier this year, including Bluetooth connectivity to be able to do things like track power data while riding.

Here’s a quick preview of some of what we learned about the two new watches Apple announced today.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The latest version of the watch maximizes the real estate on the watch so you can really take advantage of the new features of watchOS 10. The extended display now has more real estate (while the watch stays the same size) so you can take advantage of seeing lots of data while training. The new screen provides up to 3,000 nits of brightness, which will be perfect for athletes training and racing in bright, sunny conditions.

The new Apple designed S9 SiP chip in the watch provides incredible computing power. The chip is so fast that you can actually answer your phone or turn off an alarm by simply tapping your thumb and index finger.

Despite the addition of these features, battery life will stay at 36 hours, with up to 72 hours in low power mode.

Your Apple Watch just got way smarter about tracking your run data

Apple watchOS 10 update

The new operating system for the watch provides impressive GPS performance, heart rate info, expansive running metrics and a slick multisport workout mode that automatically detects when you’ve gone from swim to bike to run. As mentioned earlier, the new OS also allows you to track your power output while on the bike.

The watch will automatically calculate your FTP and come up with appropriate power zones to help with your training and provide a new FTP score at the end of every month based on your training efforts.

Thanks to the new measurement capabilities, you’ll be able to add power and cadence to your workout view, and set up custom workouts and race route challenges where you can take on your previous best performances on a specific course. All of this will be enhanced on the new version of the Ultra with its added screen real estate.

Apple has also added Training Peaks functionality to the mix, too, so you’ll be able to download specific workouts right to your watch. Cycling  workouts started on your watch will automatically show up on your phone as a live activity – a feature we’re not sure many aero-serious triathletes are going to take advantage of, but is certainly an option for those willing to mount their iPhone’s on their handlebars.

Apple Watch Series 9

The Series 9 offers many of the same features that we’ve seen added to the Ultra this year, including the new S9 chip. That will allow for that game-breaking double tap feature, along with better use of Siri functionality.

You get 18-hour battery life, which is more than enough for regular training, so those not looking at more ultra-oriented training and racing can still get lots of training and racing functionality from the Series 9, allowing them to wear a smaller and cheaper watch.

We’ll have more detailed info on the watches later today. Look for a more detailed review of the new Ultra over the next few weeks!