Apple Watch Series 10 vs Ultra 2: What's the Difference?

After a decade on the shelves, the Apple Watch has evolved from the minimalist Series 1 model to a suite of fully-fledged wearable mobile devices. Today, the range encompasses three separate models: 

As the Apple Watch family continues to grow more feature-rich with each generation, it can be tricky to know exactly which model suits your needs. Here, we break down and compare every key feature of the Series 10 and Ultra 2, examining the relative strengths and weknesses of each model. We also explore some alternatives, and explain how a cellular Apple Watch plan enables you to get online anywhere.

The Apple Watch Series 10: key features explained

Purely based on appearance, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the least Ultra-like Apple Watch model to date. The sleek, slimmed-down housing is less than a centimeter thick, with the entire watching clocking in at a barely-there 30 grams (depending on the casing size and band used).

Under the glass, though, it's a different story. For the first time in Apple’s history, the regular Apple Watch model outperforms the Ultra in terms of processing speed and power: the Series 10 is built around the all-new S10 chip, while the Ultra 2 runs on S9. In practical terms, the difference is barely noticeable, though it’s an interesting pivot on Apple's part and raises important questions about the relative value and performance of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.

The Series 10 also received an all-new screen: buyers can now choose between 42 and 46mm versions, both of which feature new wide-angle technology. In theory, this makes it easier to check your Watch screen from further away and at more natural angles. While the Ultra 2 doesn’t boast this technology, it does have a larger screen overall.

Since the launch of the Apple Fitness+ app in 2021, the core Apple Watch line has been increasingly marketed as an exercise companion and coach. The Series 10 is no exception, delivering more intricate metrics than ever thanks to its upgraded sensors. The revamped Watch OS 11 Fitness+ app now supports an even wider range of sports and workout modes including pickleball and breath meditation.

Notably, the Series 10 is now capable of tracking underwater activities. For the first time, the core model features a depth gauge (accurate up to 6 meters) and water temperature sensor. Despite these new shallow-water capabilities, Apple maintain that the Series 10 is not suited to “activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth”. For more strenous watersports, buyers must turn to the Ultra 2.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2: key features explained

Now in its second iteration, the Apple Watch Ultra line has stood as Apple’s fastest, strongest Watch, combining durability with high performance. Other than the aforementioned S9 chip, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a higher-end model than the Series 10 in nearly every regard. This is reflected in the price, with an Ultra 2 retailing for $300 more than a cellular Series 10.

The most obvious differences between the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 are appearance and size: the Ultra 2 is only available with a 49mm-wide screen, housed in a hefty titanium shell and featuring the Ultra line’s signature knurled crown as well as a luminous orange "action button", which can be assigned different roles. The hefty casing isn't just for show: it houses additional features like a larger battery (with an approximate lifespan of up to 36 hours, or twice as long as the Series 10) and a built-in siren.

The watch can function up to 100 meters underwater (twice as deep as the SE or Series 10), and is, according to Apple, suitable for “high-speed watersports” like powerboating and jetskiing.

In terms of performance, the Ultra 2 is capable of all the same features as the new Series 10. All Apple Watch models feature cellular connectivity as standard. The buyer simply needs to select an Apple Watch cellular provider.

Cellular Apple Watch plans

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra are available with cellular connectivity, meaning they can download an eSIM and get online anywhere with mobile data. When purchasing a cellular Apple Watch, buyers can select a cellular plan from a handful of official Apple connectivity partners, including BetterRoaming.

Installing an eSIM on an Apple Watch is simple - it takes less than a minute and can be done directly on the Watch. Visit the BetterRoaming Apple Watch site to learn more about an Apple Watch cellular plan and get online on your Series 10 or Ultra 2 today.

Apple Watch plans

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