Why You Can Trust CNET Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 vs. SE: The Entire Lineup Compared
Here's the full breakdown of the differences between each new smartwatch model.
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How does the Apple Watch Ultra stack up against the other new smartwatch models?
Apple unloaded a slate of new smartwatch models during its "Far Out" event on Wednesday that includes fresh features such as car-crash detection, temperature sensors and family planning trackers. Among the reveals was the introduction of Apple Watch Ultra, starting at $799 (£849, AU$1,299), with a release date of Sept. 23. The company also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8 beginning at $399 (£419, AU$629) and Apple Watch SE for $249 (£259, AU$399), which will both be available on Sept. 16. The entire lineup is open for preorders now.
Apple's SE lacks several features that the pricier models have, including temperature sensors and women's health monitors. However, it has a larger display than the Series 3, is faster than its predecessor and comes with emergency SOS, AirPod compatibility and fall detection. The Series 8 comes with two temperature sensors and menstrual cycle trackers.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a completely new addition to Apple's smartwatch collection and is designed for extreme sports enthusiasts. With a titanium case, in-dial compass, diving software and 36-hour battery life, Apple describes it as a "versatile tool for anyone who appreciates outdoor adventures, water sports and endurance training." It also comes with the new temperature sensors and family planning software.
All models will come with crash detection, customizable faces and the Medications feature, but there are key differences in each watch. We outline the specs for every Apple Watch in the lineup in the chart below, allowing you to compare the three versions for yourself.
Apple also revealed a new range of iPhone products, showcasing a lineup of four models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. AirPods Pro also received an upgrade for this year, and will reportedly arrive with improved audio quality and battery life.
Read more: Apple Watch SE Hands-On: Lower Price, Faster Performance
Apple's Newest Releases
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 vs. SE
| Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch SE (2022) | ||
| Starting price | $799 (£849, AU$1,299) | $399 (£419, AU$629) | $249 (£259, AU$399) | |
| Size | 49mm | 41mm/45mm | 40mm/44mm | |
| Display | Always-on retina OLED, 2000 nits peak, nearly 27% more screen area than SE | Always-on retina OLED, nearly 20% more screen area than SE | Retina OLED | |
| Display resolution | 410x502 | 352x430 (41mm), 396x484 (45mm) | 324x394 (40mm); 368x448 (44mm) | |
| Durability | Diving (40m), water resistance (100m), MIL-STD 810H7, IP6X dust resistance | Water resistance (50m) | Water resistance (50m) | |
| Sensors | Depth, temperature, blood oxygen, electrical heart, optical heart, compass, always-on altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS/GNSS, ambient light | Temperature, blood oxygen, electrical heart, optical heart, compass, always-on altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS/GNSS, ambient light | Optical heart, compass, always-on altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS/GNSS, ambient light | |
| Safety features | 80-decibel siren, crash detection, fall detection, noise monitoring, emergency SOS, international emergency calling | Crash detection, fall detection, noise monitoring, emergency SOS, international emergency calling | Crash detection, fall detection, noise monitoring, emergency SOS, international emergency calling | |
| Processor | Apple S8 system-on-a-chip | Apple S8 system-on-a-chip | Apple S8 system-on-a-chip | |
| Colors | Natural titanium | Aluminum: midnight, starlight, silver, red; stainless steel: silver, graphite, gold; titanium: natural, space black | Aluminum: midnight, starlight, silver | |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (60 hours in low power mode) | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) | Up to 18 hours | |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | |
| Connectivity | LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, W3 wireless chip, U1 chip | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, W3 wireless chip, U1 chip, optional LTE | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, W3 wireless chip, optional LTE |