The new Apple Watch Ultra has received the full teardown treatment from YouTube, where it’s been revealed that replacing its battery is a bit of an ordeal.
The iFixit team has put Apple’s new premium rugged smartwatch through its paces, with some clear points of contention.
Things are off to a good start with the news that the Ultra is the first Apple Watch to feature screws on the back of the device. You’ll be able to get into the innards of the watch a little easier, with the right Apple-specific tool, of course. On the downside, removing the next layer will completely destroy the sticky joint that holds this section in place.
It seems that accessing the battery on the Apple Watch Ultra is a bit of an ordeal, requiring you to remove the screen. That’s not great news, since this is the only major component you’ll likely want to replace a few years down the road. Sure enough, the screen cracks as the tester tries to remove it.
This tester also claims that the Ultra’s raised lip is an overselling feature, as it does little to protect the screen. The Apple Watch Ultra may be well protected from side impacts, but it’s very vulnerable to impacts from any other angle.
Apple announced its new rugged smartwatch at the iPhone 14 launch event a few weeks ago. For £849 / $799, it offers a bigger, sturdier Apple Watch with chunkier controls and a bigger, brighter display.
MIL-STD 810H military ruggedness ensures it can take more abuse than previous App Watch devices and also has the ability to survive sub-zero temperatures. Divers can take it to a depth of 100 meters, and Apple has provided them with the Oceanic Plus app to get detailed information about things like depth, pressure, location, and safety warnings about things like decompression rates.