Returning the Ultra? [MERGED]

[schlupps]

mods do a good job around here 👍 kudoz!

 

[PatrickNSF]

yep. the Ultra finally makes Apple Watch a practical tool for the many runners who train for longer endurance events like the marathon... not that regular Apple Watch can't do it, but doing 3, 4, 5 hour runs (in particular if cellular is used) wipes much of the battery out making it a near necessity to immediately charge the device to use it as a regular watch the remainder of the day, something that isn't practical when you are busy trying to fit your running into your life. many of us made due by using multiple apple watches but that isn't good either. the Apple Watch ultra now easily handles the typical training load of marathoners with power to spare for the full day, or more.

I do think Ultra is marketed to adventure / ultra-marathon athletes and while some of that may be possible it comes with caveats like using lower power modes and then likely being right back in the previously described scenario where after lengthy training you would need to charge immediately but maybe in Ultra version 2 or 3 it will get there. but for "normal" marathon athletes, sprint triathletes etc. the Ultra finally makes the Apple Watch a practical device that fits into your life.

I use sleep tracking for recovery, but I could make do with 2 to 3 days of battery life (though 5+ with the Garmin Epix would be preferable). I think where the Ultra still falls short for me is Workout screen customization (I'd like to see HR zones with split pace and average pace on one screen), disabling touch during runs (but having buttons scroll through screens) and all the Garmin training/recovery metrics.

The hardware is an improvement, but I think the software still falls short for an endurance runner.

 

[bandrews]

I use sleep tracking for recovery, but I could make do with 2 to 3 days of battery life (though 5+ with the Garmin Epix would be preferable). I think where the Ultra still falls short for me is Workout screen customization (I'd like to see HR zones with split pace and average pace on one screen), disabling touch during runs (but having buttons scroll through screens) and all the Garmin training/recovery metrics.

The hardware is an improvement, but I think the software still falls short for an endurance runner.

I agree about disabling touch. The Ultra needs to be usable without the touchscreen - there are enough buttons to do it if they wanted to. It's my only criticism of it.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

I've had the Ultra since Friday's release. I'm in love with this thing!! I really love the rugged look, and the overall size. Looks great on my wrist! Beautiful piece of technology!!

Coming from the Garmin Tactix Delta, I prefer the Apple interface, and overall functionality. My biggest issue, is battery life. I get 18 days with the Garmin, and my experience with the Ultra is 48 to 55 hours. As much as I love the Ultra, I am likely returning it simply because I am spoiled in not having to throw my watch on the charger every other day, or worry about taking a charger on vacation.

Tough to let this go, as again its a bad a?* looking device.

I'm quite certain you were aware this would be the case prior to buying the watch. Even if you didn't watch the keynote, a simple Google search could've answered this very obvious question for you. Apple never marketed this as a Garmin competitor when it comes to battery life. It was very clear, to everyone with eyes & ears, that this would watch not be on a similar level in that regard.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

I have a 7 series 45mm and the Ultra now. The screen is definitely bigger on the Ultra. People saying it’s not, don’t have both to compare. Or don’t own one or the other period.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

It’s a new device and this is an enthusiasts’ forum. Other forums like Reddit have a more balanced sampling of viewpoints about the device, including more critical and negative comments. So in some ways, this forum is a safe harbor for enjoying and celebrating Apple products. Saying you’ll return or likely return something sets some people off because it’s interpreted as offensive/judgmental/critical of what they like and they’re rather sensitive to the opinions of others. Don’t worry about the reactions. You didn’t bash the device. Commenters who get all worked up are riding the hype train hard and fast right now, but it’ll eventually settle and everyone will be cool in a few weeks. In the meanwhile make the purchase/return decision that’s right for you and for any reason - i.e., ignore the inevitable “but you knew the specs before you ordered!” comments 🤣😁

Very obvious troll attempt here, but I'll bite.

What does this mean exactly? I don't see how someone being satisfied with a purchase means they are "riding the hype train." It sounds like the exact opposite. The ones riding that train, are the ones who purchased it, knowing full well it wasn't going to fit their needs. And per usual, instead of admitting they made an obvious mistake, they try to pass off specs (which were all clearly indicated before release) as shortcomings.

So yes, "but you knew the specs before you ordered!" is valid here.

 

[Shadowbech]

So I ended up returning the AW Ultra today. Just can't do it. I'm going to be using the AW 7 SBTi 45 mm.

The side where the side button and crown sits is just too ugly for me.

 

[JOHNGAETANO]

Well this friendly forum made my decision easy. Took the Ultra back. No desire to be apart of this group. "I should have known the battery life was less when I ordered it”. “ What did I expect”.

 

[shr631]

Well this friendly forum made my decision easy. Took the Ultra back. No desire to be apart of this group. "I should have known the battery life was less when I ordered it”. “ What did I expect”.

As long as you feel you made the right decision for you, then all good. Yeah it can suck when you feel like people are suddenly judging you for your purchase/return actions. But don’t be a stranger. The folks on this forum are mostly pretty smart and chill. It’s just a new product and it’s kind of polarizing so there’s a lot of excitement around it. Fwiw I returned mine too (and yes I knew the specs before buying lol 🤣🤣)

 

[shr631]

So I ended up returning the AW Ultra today. Just can't do it. I'm going to be using the AW 7 SBTi 45 mm.

The side where the side button and crown sits is just too ugly for me.

Nice, I had the S7 SBTi and loved it! Very unique expression of apple’s design imo. Rock it with joy friend

 

[Luba]

I just got my Ultra and have only worn it so far for half a day. It's not as thick and big as I feared, but a couple things aren't working correctly. I like to use Assistive Touch which allows me to use an AW with one hand, I especially like using it with Apple Pay, but it's not working correctly on the Ultra. It works correctly with my S7 so I'm thinking it's not a software issue. Initially looking at the Ultra screen it looked less crisp than a S7 with sapphire. I think it's because the sapphire on the Ultra is thicker. It's sort of the same difference between the glass display vs the regular sapphire. I forget how it's measured, but looking through glass is indeed more crisp than sapphire, so we weren't imagining it. It's not a big difference and I've gotten used to the less crisp Ultra display. At first I felt under the gun because pre-order for AW occurred right after the announcement. No time to ponder, and no opportunity to check it out in person. But it works out for we get to use the Ultra and then decide. Apple must know by putting us "under the gun" there would be numerous returns.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

Apple must know by putting us "under the gun" there would be numerous returns.

I’m sure they expected plenty of returns. Mainly because people seem more concerned with being among the first to own a new product, rather than ensuring they’re making a good decision.

Perhaps if those who were apprehensive would do the sensible thing & simply wait until they could see the product in person, there wouldn’t be as many returns. Apple certainly did not put a gun to anyone’s head to preorder.

 

[Luba]

I’m sure they expected plenty of returns. Mainly because people seem more concerned with being among the first to own a new product, rather than ensuring they’re making a good decision.

Perhaps if those who were apprehensive would do the sensible thing & simply wait until they could see the product in person, there wouldn’t be as many returns. Apple certainly did not put a gun to anyone’s head to preorder.

I'm certainly not sensible when it comes to Apple products . . . too afraid if I waited and then wanted it I'd have to wait until December or later to get it.

 

[bsmr]

unfortunately its the big bezel and case the screen is the same size as series 7/8 but worse because the more rounded corners so you lose text

But you will win in other scenarios.
Have a look at length. There’s more area instead of less.
Compare the pin field. AWU has a bigger display with more area!

 

[leebroath]

Think I'll be going back to my Series 4 and returning the Ultra

I'm just looking at it and at £849 (plus £29 for AC+), mostly what I really need is still located on the Series 4

Which by the way is still in absolute mint condition after giving it a few knocks over the years, unlike what an Ultra will be like, judjing by how easy it picks up a scratch after a slight knock.

 

[drew0020]

Think I'll be going back to my Series 4 and returning the Ultra

I'm just looking at it and at £849 (plus £29 for AC+), mostly what I really need is still located on the Series 4

Which by the way is still in absolute mint condition after giving it a few knocks over the years, unlike what an Ultra will be like, judjing by how easy it picks up a scratch after a slight knock.

I said this elsewhere but the Ultra lacks day to day durability which is so important for so many of us. I’ve seen pictures that people have posted and the watch looks worse after 3 days than 1 year of my SS S7. Crazy!

I still think the Ultra is a good watch, but just not for me.

 

[leebroath]

I said this elsewhere but the Ultra lacks day to day durability which is so important for so many of us. I’ve seen pictures that people have posted and the watch looks worse after 3 days than 1 year of my SS S7. Crazy!

I still think the Ultra is a good watch, but just not for me.

Do you know if the Series 8 Graphite SS has that coating (same as Series4), if so that might be a better purchase.

I read somewhere it helps with keeping in a better condition.

 

[bandrews]

I said this elsewhere but the Ultra lacks day to day durability which is so important for so many of us. I’ve seen pictures that people have posted and the watch looks worse after 3 days than 1 year of my SS S7. Crazy!

I still think the Ultra is a good watch, but just not for me.

I've worn mine out on the farm doing manual work every day since I got it and every morning to the gym. It's a bit grubby but no damage. These office environments some people work in sound terrifying.

 

[drew0020]

I've worn mine out on the farm doing manual work every day since I got it and every morning to the gym. It's a bit grubby but no damage. These office environments some people work in sound terrifying.

I work from home, but the office is a dangerous place 😂

 

[MsRandall]

I attempted to return my ultra and just couldn’t do it so I still have mine

I might need to keep both my titanium 7 and the ultra because I can’t decide which one I want

 

[snerkler]

I think I'm reluctantly going to return my Apple Watch Ultra. I really like the watch, and think it's by far and away the best looking Apple Watch, plus I really like the Wayfinder faces but one thing I've always liked about my aluminium Series 4 is that I can wear it everyday (work (hands on job), exercise, riding my motorbike etc) and not know it's there, whereas with the Ultra is too heavy and bulky and kind of 'gets in the way' to the point it can get a bit irritating at work. (Obviously overall it's not a particularly heavy watch especially compared to a 'proper' watch, but it is noticeable for me day to day)

I think it would get to the point that I'd want to take it off and put it on my desk all day. Not an issue per se, but this is what I used to do with my Breitling and so if I'm going to do this with my Ultra I may as well start wearing my Breitling again instead.

I'd like to upgrade to the series 8 as I really like the bigger screen of the ultra (I believe the series is only a fraction smaller) and the always on display, however I'm not too fond of the series 8 aluminium colours. Difficult for others to comment I know as it's and individual thing, but if I bought the Stainless Steel am I going to find the same issue that I'm having with the Ultra? Obviously it's less bulky but the weight is closer to the Ultra than it is my Alu Series 4.

 

[IT Provisor]

I think I'm reluctantly going to return my Apple Watch Ultra. I really like the watch, and think it's by far and away the best looking Apple Watch, plus I really like the Wayfinder faces but one thing I've always liked about my aluminium Series 4 is that I can wear it everyday (work (hands on job), exercise, riding my motorbike etc) and not know it's there, whereas with the Ultra is too heavy and bulky and kind of 'gets in the way' to the point it can get a bit irritating at work. (Obviously overall it's not a particularly heavy watch especially compared to a 'proper' watch, but it is noticeable for me day to day)

I think it would get to the point that I'd want to take it off and put it on my desk all day. Not an issue per se, but this is what I used to do with my Breitling and so if I'm going to do this with my Ultra I may as well start wearing my Breitling again instead.

I'd like to upgrade to the series 8 as I really like the bigger screen of the ultra (I believe the series is only a fraction smaller) and the always on display, however I'm not too fond of the series 8 aluminium colours. Difficult for others to comment I know as it's and individual thing, but if I bought the Stainless Steel am I going to find the same issue that I'm having with the Ultra? Obviously it's less bulky but the weight is closer to the Ultra than it is my Alu Series 4.

As one who has only had stainless steel models (with the ceramic being the exception for Series 2 and 3), I almost notice NO difference in weight between stainless steel and the Ultra (probably due in part to the titanium that it's made of). With that said, why not go for the stainless steel model? It's more durable, looks more premium, and has more bands that can go with it...

 

[snerkler]

As one who has only had stainless steel models (with the ceramic being the exception for Series 2 and 3), I almost notice NO difference in weight between stainless steel and the Ultra (probably due in part to the titanium that it's made of). With that said, why not go for the stainless steel model? It's more durable, looks more premium, and has more bands that can go with it...

Thanks. The reason for my hesitancy is that for day to day I need/prefer a watch that I don’t notice/feel on my wrist, and allows me to fully bend my hand back without the Watch impeding this. The bulkier the watch the more this is a problem.

I don’t like tight fitting watches so inevitably the watch will move around, the heavier the watch the more it ‘flops around’.

 

[IT Provisor]

Thanks. The reason for my hesitancy is that for day to day I need/prefer a watch that I don’t notice/feel on my wrist, and allows me to fully bend my hand back without the Watch impeding this. The bulkier the watch the more this is a problem.

I don’t like tight fitting watches so inevitably the watch will move around, the heavier the watch the more it ‘flops around’.

Totally understand. Just to help persuade you further, my mom, who likes lightweight, slim watches is a Series 7 41mm silver stainless owner and she's NEVER noticed any weight issues with it! Trust me: you'll have NO issues yourself. However, even if you do somehow have one, don't forget that, if you buy it through Apple, you have up to 28 days to change your mind and return yours (14 days for the receipt and another 14 days to send it back if you bought yours online). With that and the fact that you're upgrading from a Series 4, you literally have NO reason not to!

 

[snerkler]

Totally understand. Just to help persuade you further, my mom, who likes lightweight, slim watches is a Series 7 41mm silver stainless owner and she's NEVER noticed any weight issues with it! Trust me: you'll have NO issues yourself. However, even if you do somehow have one, don't forget that, if you buy it through Apple, you have up to 28 days to change your mind and return yours (14 days for the receipt and another 14 days to send it back if you bought yours online). With that and the fact that you're upgrading from a Series 4, you literally have NO reason not to!

Yeah, Apple are great with their returns/change of mind policy.

I’m a bit gutted the Ultra isn’t suitable for my needs as it’s the first Apple Watch I’ve thought looks nice, with the casing and flat screen it ‘almost’ looks watch like

I do hope the form factor filters down.