| Apple Watch Ultra | Suunto Vertical | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $799 | $599★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 63g★ | 70g |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m |
| Battery | 2.1 days | 20 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | great★ |
| Next model | — | — |
The Ultra 4 lasts roughly twice as long as the Series 12, with up to 45 hours of GPS workout tracking in Max Extended Workout mode. Satellite Emergency SOS works without cellular or WiFi coverage.
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day and HRV every five minutes, feeding a 0–10 readiness score.
The 49mm titanium case and 3000-nit display make this watch usable in full direct sunlight and water depths up to 100m (recreational scuba diving to 40m).
The Vertical 2 replaces the MIP screen with a bright 1.5" AMOLED LTPO — delivering vivid colour maps and improved night readability while still providing 65 hours of dual-band GPS.
An integrated LED flashlight is new to the Vertical 2, adding practical trail and camp utility without a separate device — especially useful for early morning and night runs.
Global topographic maps with dual-band GPS, 20-day smartwatch battery, and an AI Coach that personalises training load and recovery recommendations directly on the watch.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$599 vs $799 over 3 years.
20 days vs 2.1 days battery.
12 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
63g.
Serious athletes, trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who need the most durable, most accurate GPS watch Apple makes. Also for iPhone users who simply want the best Apple Watch regardless of sport, and value the extra battery life over the Series 12.
Full details →Mountain runners, alpinists, and expedition athletes who want full offline maps, long GPS battery, and a bright AMOLED display in a rugged adventure watch. Suunto loyalists who need the brand's navigation precision and now want a readable colour display in the field.
Full details →