Apple’s next major event is set for Sept. 12, and it’s likely we’ll see a new iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9 and possibly the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. I’ve been wearing the current Ultra for almost a year, and it’s without doubt the best Apple Watch money can buy. But there are features I’d really like to see in the next version.
The public beta of WatchOS 10 previews some Apple Watch Ultra updates like topographic maps and support for Bluetooth accessories including power meter pedals. These additions go a long way to help the Apple Watch Ultra stand out as a top-tier smartwatch, though I hope we get even more safety- and sports-focused options on the Ultra 2.
Watch this: What’s New in WatchOS 10 for Apple Watch
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Emergency SOS via Satellite on the Apple Watch
A standout iPhone 14 feature is Emergency SOS via Satellite that lets you message with an emergency dispatcher even when you’re out of cellular range. The new safety tool has already saved lives, so it makes sense to bring it to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Hopefully, you’d never need to use Emergency SOS via Satellite, but for people who use the Ultra as an outdoors adventure watch, it would be an incredibly valuable safety feature.
Smaller bezels would really capitalize on that big 49mm case size.
James Martin/CNET
Recovery metrics to help you train better
The Apple Watch tracks a bevy of health and fitness stats like VO2 Max, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels and heart rate variability. I’d love to see the Apple Watch Ultra 2 interpret all those metrics by giving us some recovery metrics like other sports and endurance watches.
This could be as simple as guidance to help you identify if a bad night’s sleep will impact your training readiness the next day. Visually, I’d love to see something like an extra ring in the Activity app that shows if you’re ready to tackle a workout or how “charged” you are based on the previous day’s activity and night’s sleep. Maybe even throw in some customized suggestions for workouts you might want to try from Fitness+ based on your readiness.
Similar features already exist on other sports watches. Garmin has the Body Battery to indicate how your body is coping with a training routine, while Polar shows metrics like cardio and muscle load after a workout. Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score ranks your readiness out of 100 and surfaces some workouts you might want to try depending on the score.
