The Apple Watch Ultra takes the popular smartwatch in a robust new direction. Along with a new form factor, it offers the biggest screen and biggest battery ever.
Add a number of other unique features such as an action button and built-in siren, the watch is a perfect companion wherever you roam.
Here are some of the best apps for the Apple Watch Ultra.
1. Oceanic+
The Oceanic+ app can turn any Apple Watch Ultra into a full-fledged dive computer. With the dive planner, you can enter important information and then view the no-decompression time to see the time limit at a certain depth. While underwater, the watch will display depth, water temperature, course and much more. After the dive, you can see information such as GPS entry and exit position along with a summary of the dive.
You can even use the action button on the Apple Watch Ultra to launch directly into the app’s preview screen. And during a dive, selecting the button will highlight a compass bearing.
With the free version of the app, you can use depth tracking, GPS tracking, logbook for up to 12 dives, use of snorkeling and more. A subscription unlocks additional features such as decompression information, tissue loading, shared dive conditions and much more.
Download: Oceanic+ (free, subscription available)
2. Weather graph
If you’re ready to take your Apple Watch Ultra off the beaten track, you probably need to know the weather conditions. While many great Apple Watch weather apps are available, Weathergraph offers some unique features. If you’re ever out of mobile or Wi-Fi signal, the app will cache the last known forecast for up to 24 hours, so you’ll always have an idea of what Mother Nature will be up to.
While the Apple Watch app itself is a great way to quickly see weather conditions, the Weathergraph really shines with its Apple Watch complications. One of the header options is a beautiful graph that can display the forecast details for a custom period on the watch face.
The app is a free download. A subscription will unlock additional features such as a real-time rain/snow forecast and multiple forecast sources.
Download: Weathergraph (free, subscription available)
3. WorkOutDoors
For the premium Apple Watch model, WorkOutDoors is a great alternative to the stock Workout app. The customizable app can track 38 different activities, ranging from horseback riding to indoor rowing and everything in between. For the training types, you can configure multiple screens with a pool of more than 600 data fields and graphs, so you can see the information most important to you.
You can also link actions to a specific gesture. So, for example, you can double-tap the screen to bring up the music controls.
It is far from everything. The feature-rich maps can be cached on the watch for offline use, which is perfect when taking your Apple Watch ultra off the beaten track. There is also a topographic vector map option with configurable contours and ground shading perfect for hiking. You can even use a map-only mode when you don’t want to start a training session.
The app’s map covers the entire planet without the need for additional purchases. It does not require an iPhone to use.
Download: WorkOutDoors ($6.99)
4. Hills
Any skier or snowboarder needs to check out Slopes for Apple Watch Ultra. As you might have guessed by the name, the app is all about tracking your runs during the winter season. With the watch you can record a lot of information such as top speed, lifting time vs. run time, vertical, distance, average speed and much more.
The app also supports the Apple Watch Ultra Action Button. Instead of having to take off your gloves and interact with the screen, you can press the action button to start a workout. The app will automatically find out which resort you are at or if you are in the backcountry.
Slopes is free to download. With an optional subscription, you can unlock additional features such as ride-by-ride maps, offline test maps, effort level recorded on Apple Watch and more.
Download: Bakker (free, subscription available)
5. Audible
Sure, you can download music to the Apple Watch Ultra. But you may not know that you can also follow along with an audiobook thanks to Audible. You can listen to an audiobook without needing an iPhone, just download the title directly to your Apple Watch Ultra. Just use a pair of Bluetooth headphones, or AirPods, and enjoy a book. You can also stream a title if you’re within range of a mobile or Wi-Fi signal.
While the app is free, a subscription is required to listen to most of the audiobook selections.
Download: Audible (free, subscription available)
6. Goose map
Never be without a map on Apple Watch Ultra with Goose Maps. The standalone app is available both offline and online on the wearable device. There’s no need to worry about bringing an iPhone. You can take advantage of both pedestrian and bicycle navigation to get where you’re going. There’s even an option to search for places around you like a restaurant or store. To help you find a popular place, you can bookmark places that you will access later.
When you’re away from the city, you can use the trail map style of the app that shows elevation lines and contrasting trails.
The app is free to download and use for a free 7-day trial period. After that, you need a subscription to use the app. You can even choose a light or dark color scheme.
Download: Goose Maps (free, subscription available)
7. Lifeline: Beside You in Time
And it may come as a surprise, but you can even get a gaming fix on the Apple Watch Ultra. Lifeline: Beside You in Time is the last text-based game in the series that tells the story of the hapless astronaut Taylor. You will help them make life-or-death decisions in a branching story.
But there’s a big twist, you can also communicate with T2, Taylor’s “evil twin” to help or hinder the effort. You can reply to Taylor’s text from notifications on your Apple Watch. An Internet connection is not required to play.
Download: Lifeline: Beside You in Time ($3.99)
Make Apple Watch Ultra even better
While the Apple Watch Ultra is a great smartwatch, these apps can help take the experience to a new level. Whether you’re diving, listening to an audiobook, or something else, apps can enhance your viewing experience.
