The Apple Watch Ultra has gained a lot of attention for being Apple’s most durable and feature-packed smartwatch yet. With LTE connectivity now standard and a larger battery, the Apple Watch Ultra feels more independent from the iPhone than ever before. But, can it truly stand alone for an entire day without needing an iPhone? I decided to put it to the test and share my experience. Here’s what I found after using the Apple Watch Ultra as my primary device for a day.
Morning: Starting with a Fresh Battery
I started my day with a 100% battery, relying solely on my Apple Watch Ultra. I used the sleep alarm I set the night before, which gently woke me up. After doing my morning routine, I prepped for a jog. With my AirPods connected and my smart door lock (HomeKit-enabled), I walked out with just my watch, no need for keys.
| Activity | Battery Remaining |
| Sent 7 messages | 100% |
| Morning jog (30 mins) | 92% |
Workout: Exercise Tracking and Smart Features
During my jog around the lake, I used the Workout app, ensuring I closed my activity ring before heading back home. By the time I finished, I had 92% battery left. Thanks to HomeKit, I unlocked my door with the watch.
Apple Watch Ultra Key Features Used:
- Workout app
- HomeKit smart lock
- Music streaming via AirPods
Mid-Morning: Productivity and Minor Hiccups
After my jog, I swapped bands to avoid getting my main band wet in the shower. Post-shower, I faced a brief issue with dictation, but it resolved itself. The morning got busier as I sent and received 41 messages, though I did face some signal issues in the house.
By the time I headed out for errands, I was at 68% battery. I used Siri to set reminders and handled various tasks using Apple Pay at Target. However, my trust in Apple Maps was tested when the map data wasn’t as up-to-date as Google Maps, making me rely on my iPad for a local business phone number.
Afternoon: Work and Errands
By 2 PM, after a series of tasks, my Apple Watch Ultra’s battery had dropped below 50%. I ran more errands, including a quick stop at Panda Express for lunch and using Apple Pay for purchases. Later, I visited a Chase ATM, where I appreciated the convenience of accessing my account with just a tap of the watch.
Activity Summary by 2 PM:
- 30-minute workout
- 59 messages sent/received
- 2 Siri requests
- 1 phone call.
Battery Challenges: LTE and Charging
By late afternoon, my watch entered the red zone (below 20% battery), signaling a low battery alert. While the Apple Watch Ultra has an impressive battery life, using LTE constantly takes a toll, so I decided to charge it while finishing up some household tasks.
Battery Tip: If you’re using LTE all day, expect to charge your Apple Watch at some point.
Evening: Final Thoughts on the Apple Watch Ultra
After charging up to 37%, I wrapped up my day by washing my car, a surprisingly effective way to close out my activity rings. I experienced some signal strength issues indoors again, but it didn’t hinder my overall usage. By the end of the night, after another low battery warning, I clocked out for the day with just 5% battery remaining.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra Ready to Replace Your iPhone?
In some areas, the Apple Watch Ultra shines brightly:
- Battery life: Survives a full day of LTE use, but charging mid-day is likely.
- Workout and fitness tracking: Excellent features for fitness enthusiasts.
- Connectivity options: Apple Pay, Siri, and HomeKit integration enhance the user experience.
However, it’s clear that while the Apple Watch Ultra can handle most daily tasks, it’s not yet a full replacement for your iPhone. You’ll likely still need your iPhone for more complex tasks, detailed app interactions, and some services like Apple Maps (which isn’t as reliable as Google Maps).
Conclusion: Apple Watch Ultra’s Best Use Cases
The Apple Watch Ultra is a fantastic standalone device for fitness, communication, and light daily tasks. However, it’s at its best when paired with your iPhone, complementing your daily routine.
Key Takeaways:
- Battery life is solid but expect to recharge if you’re using LTE extensively.
- Fitness and productivity tasks are handled easily, making it great for an active lifestyle.
- Apple Maps and limited app interactions still leave room for improvement.
If you’re considering replacing your iPhone with the Apple Watch Ultra, you’ll find it covers most essentials. But for those few areas where it falls short, you’ll be glad you have your iPhone nearby.
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