Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price, Specs & Availability 2024

Irish retailers are still stocking the Apple Watch Ultra 2 despite US discontinuation rumors tied to a Masimo patent dispute. Refurbished units remain available directly from Apple Ireland, but cellular functionality won’t work in Ireland due to outdated legislation. That’s a meaningful split worth sorting through before you buy.

Battery Life: Up to 36 hours normal use ·
Low Power Mode: Up to 72 hours ·
New Finish: Black titanium ·
Display: 49mm ·
Availability: Currys.ie, Harvey Norman, Select Online

The specifications below come from Apple’s official Ireland product listing and support documentation.

Is it worth getting the Apple Watch Ultra 2 now?

That depends on where you’re shopping and what you need it for. In the US, direct Apple sales were paused in December 2023 due to a patent dispute with Masimo over blood oxygen sensing technology. In Ireland, the picture is different—retailers like Harvey Norman and Select Online still carry the GPS + Cellular model, and Apple Ireland sells refurbished units directly.

Pros and cons

The implication: if you want the GPS features and rugged build, the Ultra 2 is still a capable buy in Ireland—just don’t count on cellular working there.

Current pricing and deals

Amazon US discounted the Ultra 2 by $150 (19%) amid the global uncertainty. In Ireland, prices vary by retailer, with Klarna offering payment plans for comparison shopping. Refurbished units on Apple Ireland provide the most reliable pricing from an official channel.

Buyers seeking the GPS-only model for Irish use will find better value than those chasing the non-functional cellular variant.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 being discontinued?

Apple’s official Irish website lists the current lineup as Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. However, the refurbished Ultra 2 remains available on Apple Ireland, which suggests it’s winding down rather than fully discontinued. The situation mirrors what happened with Series 9—neither is actively sold as new by Apple, but both linger in secondary channels.

Apple Store status

Apple stopped selling both Series 9 and Ultra 2 on apple.com starting December 21, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. ET, pausing sales during a Presidential review period of an ITC order. The review ended on December 25, 2023, but Apple has since moved forward with newer models as its primary offerings.

Retailer stock levels

Harvey Norman Ireland advertises the GPS + Cellular Ultra 2 with the Natural Titanium case and Tan Alpine Loop. Select Online Ireland also stocks the watch, though buyers should verify current availability as inventory fluctuates. The refurbished Apple Store in Ireland continues listing the model.

The pattern: Apple has shifted focus to newer hardware, but the Ultra 2 hasn’t been officially killed—it’s just been demoted to refurbishment status while third-party retailers clear remaining stock.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2 better?

The Ultra 2 is the clear winner over the original Ultra, and the improvements justify the generational gap for most buyers. Apple added the S9 chip, a brighter display (up to 3,000 nits), and expanded storage to 64GB. The performance gains are measurable in daily use, particularly for navigation and health tracking.

Key upgrades

• Processor: S9 SiP versus S8 in original Ultra
• Display: 3,000 nits peak brightness versus 2,000 nits
• Storage: 64GB versus 32GB
• Double Tap gesture control exclusive to Ultra 2
• On-device Siri processing for health data

Performance differences

Battery life stayed consistent at roughly 36 hours with regular use, extending to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. The 564mAh cell inside the Ultra 2 delivers the same endurance as its predecessor, which is still competitive against most Android rivals. CNET noted the rugged features remain class-leading for outdoor athletes.

The trade-off: if you already own an original Ultra, the jump isn’t essential. For new buyers, the Ultra 2 is worth the premium for the brighter display and faster chip.

What is the difference between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3?

Based on available information, Apple’s Ultra 3 represents a spec refinement rather than a ground-up redesign. The company has not disclosed Ultra 3 differences in the research materials provided, but the pattern from past iterations suggests incremental improvements in processing power and health sensor accuracy.

Specs comparison

The table below compares known Ultra 2 specifications against the largely undetermined Ultra 3 feature set.

Future-proofing

Without confirmed Ultra 3 specifications in the source materials, a direct comparison is speculative. However, Apple typically supports older watches with software updates for 4–5 years, meaning an Ultra 2 bought today would likely receive watchOS updates through 2027 or 2028.

What this means: the Ultra 2 remains a sound purchase for long-term software support, even if a newer model exists. Future-proofing depends more on Apple’s software roadmap than hardware generation.

Can my Apple Watch track my period?

Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes Cycle Tracking, a feature introduced across the Apple Watch lineup with watchOS 6. The watch uses wrist temperature data collected overnight to help estimate ovulation and predict menstrual cycles. The feature syncs with the Health app on your paired iPhone for a fuller picture of your data.

Cycle Tracking features

Cycle Tracking logs period start dates and provides retrospective ovulation estimates. Unlike dedicated fertility monitors, it doesn’t offer real-time hormone readings, but Apple has steadily improved accuracy with each watchOS update. The feature is available without a cellular connection—all data stays on your paired device.

Ovulation and pregnancy insights

Apple’s temperature sensing, combined with heart rate variability and other metrics, gives estimated windows for fertility. Users can log symptoms, flow details, and other notes directly in the Health app. The feature is particularly useful for those trying to conceive or managing irregular cycles.

The catch: Cycle Tracking on Apple Watch isn’t a medical device. It provides estimates, not clinical diagnoses. Anyone with serious reproductive health concerns should consult a healthcare provider alongside any tracking app.

How does the Ultra 2 compare to other premium smartwatches in Ireland?

In the Irish market, the Ultra 2 faces competition from Samsung Galaxy Watch models and Garmin’s rugged line. The comparison table below outlines key differentiators in pricing, battery life, and ecosystem compatibility.

The comparison reveals that Apple leads on ecosystem integration but trails on raw battery endurance. Garmin’s solar-assisted models win for multi-day expeditions, while Samsung offers competitive durability at a lower price point.

Clarity on what’s confirmed versus what’s still unclear

What people are saying

A Presidential Review Period is in progress regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission… pausing sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 from apple.com starting December 21st.

— Apple via press communications (covered by 9to5Mac news coverage)

The cellular Apple Watch is not available in Ireland… due to wording in the legislation produced for mobile phones back in the 1990s.

— Apple community discussion thread on Irish regulatory barriers

Summary

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 occupies an unusual position in 2024: officially past its prime in Apple’s lineup, yet physically available through Irish retailers and the refurbishment channel. The US sales ban that began in December 2023 never affected Ireland, but neither did it trigger any cellular service activation—the feature sits dormant due to outdated Irish legislation defining mobile devices.

For Irish buyers, the Ultra 2 remains a capable rugged smartwatch, particularly for GPS tracking, outdoor sports, and health monitoring. Battery life, water resistance, and build quality hold up well against newer competition. Just don’t buy it specifically for cellular functionality.

For buyers in the US, the path is murkier—direct Apple sales remain closed, and third-party stock has likely thinned. Anyone seeking a new Ultra 2 in America should check authorised resellers or consider whether an Ultra 3 better fits their needs.

The bottom line for Irish shoppers: prioritise the Ultra 2 for its GPS accuracy, rugged durability, and health tracking—not for cellular connectivity that remains blocked by legislation.

Related reading: iPhone 8 Release Date and Pricing · Galaxy Z Fold to Buy in Ireland

In Germany, the black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular model is currently available at deals from 579 euros through retailers tracked by idealo.

Frequently asked questions