As a daily runner, the Series 10’s slim profile convinced me to ditch my Apple Watch Ultra. Big mistake. Here’s why the Ultra makes the most sense for athletes of all stripes.
It’s been almost a year since I swapped the original Apple Watch Ultra for the Series 10, and my verdict is in: It’s not a worthwhile upgrade for runners, and I’m eager to switch again to the Ultra 3.
The Ultra debuted in 2022, during my upswing into daily runs. Apple’s rugged smartwatch was probably beyond my ambitions; it was aimed at a niche crowd of outdoor adventurers, our review observed. But I took the plunge, telling myself that the Ultra’s advanced GPS and Action Button, specifically, would be good for my new routine.
I was right. After a year with the Ultra, I found it not only good for running, but also a great watch all around. However, at 1.9 by 1.7 by 0.6 inches (HWD), the Ultra was noticeably thicker than the Series 8 that came before it, which protruded less than half an inch (0.4 inches) off the wrist. Great for squeezing in premium features, but bad for fitting under dress shirts.
The Ultra 2 didn’t move the needle on this point, so the original Ultra remained my go-to running companion until last year when Apple unveiled the Series 10. With its thin frame and large display, it was too tempting not to try, but I now find myself longing to go back to the Ultra. Here’s why I encourage athletes to stick with Apple’s beefy smartwatch.The Series 10 Looks Great on Paper
On the surface, the Series 10 looks like a compelling replacement for the Ultra line.
