Apple Watch Ultra with Action button and 36-hour battery life launched, priced at PHP 52,990

Alongside the new iPhones is the launch of the company's biggest fitness watch, the Apple Watch Ultra.

Say hello to Apple's biggest fitness watch yet!

It comes with three new bands catering to different environments!

After a year of rumors, Apple finally announced its latest rugged, premium smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra. It is the current top-tier among the American giant's smartwatch lineup. 

It has a new button guard on the side, a new 49mm titanium case, revamped digital crown, and a new Action button. The latter can be customized for various purposes, including workouts, compass waypoints, and a new backtrack feature. The buttons and crowns are also designed to work with gloves, a gift for outdoor athletes.

Apple Watch Ultra's display has a sapphire crystal and 2,000 nits of brightness. It also has three built-in microphones to improve sound quality as well as reduce ambient noise like the wind.

The Watch Ultra has cellular capability and should last up to 36 hours on a single charge. It also has an extended battery life of 60 hours when using a new low-power setting. This mode still allows the user to measure their heart rate and GPS.

According to Apple, the Ultra has enough battery life for most users to complete a long-course triathlon, which involves a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon.

Moreover, the Ultra has improved multiband GPS including the new L5 frequency. It also has a trackback feature, which helps you retrace your steps in case you accidentally lose your way.

Apple Watch Ultra has an 86-decibel siren to help others locate the user.

For water sports, the watch automatically launches a new depth app when the user is underwater to show time, depth, and temperature. It's also certified to EN 13319 for scuba divers, with a diving depth of up to 40m.

Apple also introduced three new bands: Alpine, Trail, and Ocean. These bands cater to different environments. 

The Trail loop is designed for runners and is made of a lightweight textile with a tab to help adjust fit easily. Meanwhile, the Alpine Loop has two layers made of high-strength yarn to provide adjustability and security via a G-hook fastener. Lastly, the Ocean band is designed for water sports since it stretches and uses tubular geometry for a better fit.

Price and availability

Apple Watch Ultra - PHP 52,990

There is no word yet about its local availability, but, in case you're wondering, it will roll out in US stores on September 23.