Diving with the Apple Watch Ultra: Review of the Oceanic+ Dive computer app
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- First testing of Apple’s Dive Computer: Our dive team went scuba diving with the new Oceanic+ App that turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a proper dive computer.
We got early access to the Oceanic+ App and stress-tested the Ultra in deep waters to see if Apple’s dive computer is worth it-and if it’s safe.
Read the full review here:
www.divein.com/diving/apple-w...
▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Introducing the Apple Watch Ultra
1:45 - Price & Subscription
4:13 - Diving with the Apple Watch Ultra
6:37 - Screen Alarms
9:42 - Using the Oceanic+
12:14 - Screen Brightness
12:54 - Build Quality & Size
16:52 - The Algorithms
17:41 - What we Don't like
17:46 - Depth Limit
19:32 - Battery Time
21:22 - What are we missing
24:34 - Who Should by the Apple Watch Ultra
Reviews of the best Dive Computers: www.divein.com/diving/dive-co...
Dive Computers we used for comparison in this video:
Garmin Descent Mk2/Mk2i: www.divein.com/diving/garmin-...
Garmin Descent G1 Solar: www.divein.com/diving/garmin-...
Shearwater Teric: www.divein.com/diving/shearwa...
Shearwater Peregrine: www.divein.com/diving/shearwa...
Suunto D5: www.divein.com/diving/suunto-...
Cressi Donatello: www.divein.com/diving/cressi-...
Oceanic+ App: apps.apple.com/app/id1610517133
Watch and Oceanic+ App provided by Huish Outdoors for our honest review.
#oceanic+ #oceanic #scubadiving #AppleWatchUltra #AppleWatch #Apple
This is possibly the best Apple Watch Ultra/scuba diving review I’ve seen.
This is so in depth. The time put into this video and the review of the watch is just amazing. This video has provided me so much information I wanted to know. Thank you for that!
Apple Watch Ultra should be used only by trained divers for recreational dives of 130 feet (40 meters) or less. Always follow diving safety protocols and dive with a buddy.
A truly great review with a ton of useful information. Super helpful. I understand the Oceanic App penalizing you for exceeding the maximum depth for recreational diving of 40m. But it should do so only AFTER the dive (e.g. locking for 24 hours), but NOT DURING the dive. It should definitely not lock up during the dive and stop showing vital information (like no deco time, safety stop, etc.) and locking up, make you rely on a backup computer (which you hopefully have and that hopefully did not fail). I think this is a huge safety issue.
its not the oceanic app that penalizes you, its the Apple depth app.
I must say it is an incredible product in the truest sense of the word. Thanks to you, our experience with such videos is increasing. I'm waiting for the rest of the videos.
I really don’t like and I think it’s not safe that the app blocks after 40 mts. I think it should force you go up but keep logging time and saturation
This. You're exceeding your depth limits which puts your NDL at risk. That's NOT the time to stop keeping track of the dive.
Well, it's hard to force people up if they've exceeded the depth, but agree it's an odd limit. If you don't have another dive computer as primary, you have to descend and do an Emergency Decompression stop.
It's much like you would do if you're diving with a dive table.
Emergency Decompression Guidelines
If a no-decompression limit is exceeded by 5 minutes or less, make an 8-minute stop at 15 feet and remain out of the water for 6 hours before diving again.
If a no-decompression limit is exceeded by more than 5 minutes, make at least a 15-minute stop at 15 feet and remain out of the water for a minimum of 24 hours before diving again.
And again, I need to stress if you plan to dive to or near the limits. Then this is not a dive computer for you. There are plenty of other capable dive computers that will help you here.
The AWU and Oceanic+ work for the recreational dive planning dives at max 60-100 feet and are happy here. Most divers are not going deeper anyway.
Agreed, there could be many reasons to exceed this maximum, even if this was not planned: sudden down-current, diving a swim-through that came out deeper than expected, or even needing to rescue a buddy. At such depths, the very last thing the computer should do is to stop recording and calculating profiles.
As @Original KK is spot on, what if you didn’t plan to dive anywhere near the 40m/130ft limit with the Ultra and this v1.0 version of this Oceanic+ app, but dipping below this limit happens unplanned because of a failing bcd, ‘washingmachine’ of strong vertical oceanic-currents, helping out another diver in distress (within your own abilities), etc. etc. aka ‘unknown🔮future’ then… too bad & tough luck to you?!?
‘Luckily’ because of good redundant planning, your backup non-Ultra dive computer continues to give you this vital (no-)dec data still!🙏
@@RdashP I checked with Oceanic, and the app will continue to track in the background down to 44m. Beyond that, the hardware's limitations keep the app from recording your dive profile.
Perfect video that also provides the most thorough review of this watch. The review is in-depth, accurate, and well presented.
It would be nice to have a 'one time purchase' dive app, I'd be all for it and guess others out there are, too.
That's the only thing keeping me from getting one as a backup to my Perdix. I just can't see paying a subscription for a dive computer and I won't let companies think it's ok to start using that sort of sales model.
I believe you can do a daily (expensive) or monthly purchase. I plan to use this option, buying a single months worth when we go on a two week dive vacation. Seems like not a bad way to go, rather than buying it for a whole year when I’m only diving maybe 4 weeks out of the year
I think it comes with a built-in dive and anorkling app. Buying the Oceanic plus app is optional. Thinking of buying this.
@@rossbrigolimusic As far as I know, it doesn't have a scuba app without the Oceanic+ app. Yes, it has a depth gauge and a dive timer, but then you are reduced to diving with dive tables, which is a pre-dive computer way of diving.
If you intend to use it for specifically scuba, you need the app for your own health and safety. Decompression sickness is no joke.
@@rossbrigolimusic It isn't optional - for Scuba it is essential. And even with all that cost this watch only has options that are found in the 100-200$ range - not the ones of dedicated gear.
Great job! This is so deep. The time spent on this content and watch review is truly amazing. This excellent video has provided me with very good information that I wanted to know. Thank you very much.
The review is solid.the description is on point.
The watch is great
Will go get myself one.
Wow - one of the best product reviews i've seen!
Apple and oceanic should pay you for such review
Could you possibly be a little bit *less* specific about what you disliked, or disagreed with? Sheesh...
@@pjmmccann nothing at all it’s great and the most detailed review about using the oceanic+ app on apple w ultra I really liked the details and his professionalism
@@ahmedsamy8406 Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
Fantastic review. Very comprehensive and thoughtful. I am a runner, cyclist, and swimmer that also scuba dives. This watch seems perfect for my lifestyle.
This is an excellent review. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I recently picked up the Apple Ultra and downloaded the Oceanic app, altho we won’t be diving until next May. I plan to purchase a one month subscription at that time. I was planning to compare it to my Garmin Descent MK2, but you have essentially done that for me.thank you again.
Excellent video that also provides the most thorough review of this watch. The review is in-depth, accurate, and well presented.
That's pretty cool! This is a really thorough review of the Apple Watch Ultra Dive & app, thoroughly appreciated! Awesome footage too.
So much information covered and I love the comparison footage to see the difference of the interfaces. Since this does seem to really be an app for new divers I would love to see a tutorial on how to set up the Apple Watch Ultra for your first dive with it, compared to your other favorite beginner dive computer.
Very informative video, It is an amazing thing that the Apple watch Ultra can get that deep down in the ocean and still give you the same quality as if you were in the surface that is quite impressive though.Thanks so much for sharing
This was a really well made video about the apple watch ultra.Thank you every so much for sharing...
You guys went all out on this review! This is so well done. I'm interesting in knowing how the subscription model is going to work for them, it does seem like everything is moving in that direction.
The subscription model is a bad idea, one emanating from excess greed, which explains the "direction" you mention. As consumers, we buy a product and then expect to own it. Renting it, should be an option rather than "the only" option. Over the years, I have avoided every subscription application I have run into and switched to other applications if one I used suddenly decided to go rogue. If upgrades are provided, we could be offered the option to pay for the upgrade, rather than be forced into a pay into a program ad infinitum so that we can keep our application from ceasing to exist, which usually includes losing the data created from such a program. Similarly, for the Apple Watch dive app. I just won't use it!
Great review about Apple Watch Ultra.Thanks for all the information.I will definitely try it.
Great review, thanks for your thorough evaluation…I love the Apple Watch for everyday use regardless of diving …one of, if not my favorite Apple devices, is the Apple Watch…the dive feature is huge bonus‼️…I scuba dive regularly at least 300 dives per year within the Tropic of Capricorn… coral and macro photography are my world. Not a tech diver, nor a deep diver since most of the best coral is 80ft and above (usually avg 30 feet) this is perfect solution for me. I also free dive for photography so it works for me in this regard. Obviously not for everyone but a great rendition for the Apple product line up.
Thank u guys for The nice video. was extremely helpful
It's easy to use; the crown and buttons are phenomenal as far as user interfaces go
I have an Ultra and would never use it in place of a dive computer. Without gas analysis, the Ultra is useful only as a backup dive computer.
It's such a fantastic review!! Thank you for it!! Was wondering though if there are any major differences with the Ultra 2. Do you know if Apple addressed some of the week spots you mentioned in the review? Thinking on buying an Ultra 2 but max depth 40 metres in the first Ultra is not that great to me
When you said subscription I say nope. I was going to get one. Thanks, because now it’s a big fat NO.
There is a ton of information covered, and I appreciate the film used to compare the interfaces. I would love to see a tutorial on how to set up the Apple Watch Ultra for your first dive with it in comparison to your other preferred beginner dive computer because this does seem to be an app for new divers.
very lovely review, incredibly in depth, you seem like such a great person, thank you very much
Good watch you can use in water. One of the best reviews I have seen or heard. One unit for everything is better than having multiple things for everything. I am interested in trying one of them.
Your video is great, I liked the watch you showed, it has good things.
I picked up the Apple Watch Ultra (AWU) for my running. Previously I used the Garmin Fenix 5. I do half and full marathons, however I don't think I'd ever get the most out of the Garmin devices. The AWU does what I need it do and has the functionality of the iPhone. It appears that if I ever decide to dabble into diving I can use it for this as well. I would need to buy another Garmin watch to be able to do this. The AWU is quite perfect for individuals who may not need a high-end Garmin watch. but rather something versatile.
Here is my scenario: I got watch ultra first day it was released, week later I did 4 dives with it. How long does the Apple Watch keep logs of the previous dives? I was trying to sync it with Oceanic App - did not work.
Great video and advice!!
the review have been very well done and will help people findung their DiveComputer.
Great review. Thanks
I bought this watch a couple of days before leaving for a diving holiday. I installed the Oceanic+ app. First dive: fantastic readability ! But after 10 minutes, at a depth of 22 meters, the screen showed temperature icon and after another minute went completely dead. After the dive I tried hard reset etc, but it stayed dead. Is back to Apple now. Water temp was 26°C. I'm really anxious to know what their answer's gonna be. Luckily I always dive with 2 "real" Suunto dive computers, so I had my back-up.
I am a little bit confused that you compare a 100€ Cressi budget single button computer, to an apple watch regarding setting handling. :D
Of course single button computers suck regarding setting, but it is good to go diving on a budget.
All in all seems to work for recreational fun under water, also the bright and visible display is good, but I dont like this subscription model.
For people that do own this anyways, might be a nice feature to try out - alright for backup anyways if your real computer runs out of business all of a sudden.
I think the depth limit of 100m is a nice commercial statement but nobody sane going tec will bring this to the "party".
Very nice video to get an Idea of the product. Thank you!
Great review! Thanks!
Great review video! Not a fan of the subscription to store my dives but I get that since its a 3rd party company they want their data stored. I do love me some Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Mac Book Pro owner) but I still prefer my Atmos Mission 2 that gives me the same overall usage for less. Now if they offered a air integrated version, then I am all in.
I am interested in trying one of them.
This is such an amazing review I learned so much about this watch it’s very simple detail that help me learn more about the watch and diving
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
I love my Apple Watch Ultra and next week I am going to use it as a dive computer here in Mexico. I will test out the Oceanic+ App for one day but I am just a OWD and normally not in the area of needing decompression times, so the basic depth app already would be fine but at the other hand when you just go diving once a year on vacation and you just pay 10$ for safety. That's ok even I really don't like this subscription models and it seems to be a new trend overall to make more money with everythink.. At least they give you the option to buy it for one day or month.
Thanks for your vlog! The subscription was a turn off, but I guess you can determine how often you will dive in a year and then decide how much you're willing to shell out. I use a dive computer on my console and a wear a simple wrist computer as a backup. Been using Apple Watches since the day they first came out.
I have an apple watch as well, it became essential these days, really useful .
I really wish I could sync my dives with the Oceanic Plus app with the Diverlog+ app. I’m also eager for air integration.
I am interested in the longer wrist band. you mentioned an extension but have you seen a longer longer wrist band? Thanks
thx for the review :)
imma gonna stick with my descent g1, longer battery life & no subscriptions is a win for me
plus i use suunto zoop novo as secondary dive comp
Really great and in-dept review focusing on actual practical topics. Great dive computer for some. The cut-off of 40m is unfortunately a deal breaker for me (simply for safety reasons). I'm looking forward to your review of the new Garmin MK3i :) Hope you will review it soon.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Top review
Excellent review!!
Thank you very much.
Glad you liked it!
Many features are free. I'd like to know about dive planning and surface interval, which are not specifically mentioned on the free vs paid chart.
Good review thank you
Hi Ted,
Thanks,. I'm glad you liked it.
What is the device two units over from the apple watch that looks like a fatter ultra?
Excellent review! Very Thorough!
Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
very useful
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it
For the casual vacation diver, the Ultra is amazing. It's truly is a do it all type smart watch!
Yes, it is. I was amazed by the smartwatch's features and capabilities and how clear it was underwater.
Great video, thank you. New sub here.
The snorkel mode sucks. I need a true Freedive mode. Do you know if apple will release an update with this mode ?
i like it this apple drive computer
Is there a way to sync logbooks? How to synchronize them if you have different devices for different dives? This can really be a pain in the ass. Obviously, it is more convenient to always use a computer of the same brand, with one application. For example, you've started your way in diving with your Apple Watch Ultra. Then, a year later, you decided to go deeper. Technical diving. Or maybe you've tried CCR and fell in love with it? What you're gonna do? Wait for another version of Apple Watch Ultra, that would be ready for tec dives, support different gasses and CCR? Or maybe you want to switch from your iPhone to an Android phone (like Samsung). From Mac to Windows and vice versa. What are you going to do then? You need a new device. But all your previous dives are logged in the Oceanic+ app. Apple is very good at tying people into its ecosystem, isn't it? If it suits you - go to the apple. As for me, I like to switch phones and laptops. Garmin seemed more versatile to me. This is a more advanced dive computer. This is a more advanced sports watch. But it's not as good a smartwatch as the Apple Watch. You should own both if you can affort it and you realy need some kind of true full functional smart watch. But do you really need a smart watch? I have used dosen of them: Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Amazfit, Fitbit and many others. And what kind of watch do I have on my wrist most of the time? Omega Seamaster.
Excellent product. Depth limit is something they can change with a software update. Hopefully they will fix it soon. Even if we exceed the limits, it should still keep logging every information as it would be needed to clear any deco/ ceiling times. And also oceanic/apple should introduce a pod that’s compatible with all the ultra watches. I am an instructor dive almost everyday. By the way, Suunto D5 is highly not recommended!!
APPLE WATCH IS A SUPER WATCH, AND TO KNOW THAT IT TRULY ALLOWS TO GO DIVING WITH IT IS ACTUALLY AMAZING.
Love the integrated air of the Mk2i and the form factor of the G1 Solar. But the Ultra with Oceanic+ is such a simple and user friendly computer that it could be better for occasional, recreational divers. Still, it’ll be interesting to see the number of subscribers they get.
Yes, that would be interesting. How many will sign up fro the subscription?
Not sure we'll find out, but it would be great to see a breakdown of what kind of subscriptions: daily subscriptions vs annual, for example.
Gamin transmitter beeps and it’s annoying, imagine hearing beeping the whole dive
For the recreational vacation diver, the subscription is fine. Just pay $ 9.99 for the month you're diving in the tropics.
If you're a regular diver, the subscription is waaaay too expensive.
And then there's the point that it's a smart watch with planned obsolescence. So you'll use it for maybe 3-4 years, and it'll be time for an upgrade.
I'll stick with the Perdix. That's a way better investment for the serious diver. It'll last you at least 10 years, and can follow you from a beginning recreational diver, through a technical diver, to a commercial diver.
Hi Eelco,
Yes, that's a good point. A smartwatch or any such device will often be obsolete within a few years, and you'll need to upgrade. This is not the case with a dive computer. I occasionally still use my Suunto Stinger, that's +15 years old but still works great for a dive trip.
With a Perdix, I'd see no reason to change anyway.
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for great review! Im really on the fence with this, as a dive computer. I think paying $800.00US and then also paying for the app is lame. Thatll turn a lot of people away Id bet. Also, even tho Im a recreational diver, having the 130’ limit is also lame. Sometimes I will do a deeper dive, but them I’m out of luck with my $800.00 computer🤷♂️. And of course lack of AI....ugh. What Im wondering is, if the watch is rated to 330’, why the 130’ limit for computer? I’m guessing its the app that is the limitor and not the watch itself, so maybe theyll make an upgrade later? All that being said, I think I may purchase it anyway, for use in exercising and health.
I dive enough so I don't mind the subscription as long as they keep updating the app and keep adding features. I wish in the gear section you could add any equipment brand/model. I like the idea of sharing current conditions at a site. I live on an island, and I could choose a dive site based on true current conditions. I would not use this as my main computer unless I am on a vacation, and I didn't plan on diving originally. It is my back up computer and I like the other features of a watch. I only recommend this to people who have apple products, are looking for a new watch and are divers. If you are looking for something just to dive with there are much better options at this price point.
hello what best watch for
diving underwater there are watches with gps underwater?
Great watch
The Apple Watch is great for everyday use and is a great watch for everyone. We can change screens and monitors. This is fantastic.
Went Garmin descent mark 2I. No regrets.
Great review, in-depth and informative content! The Apple Watch Ultra seems simple and easy to use when diving.
That's amazing. I can not believe how far technology has come. Has me flabbergasted.
I'm just getting back into diving since being absent from 1992, so the shock of it all🧐😂. Computers and no dive tables(for the most part), huh? Itll take me a bit to trust computers.
As an occasional scuba diver for many years, I think the subscription is a great deal. Some years, I might scuba for a week in Egypt and then a few times in Northern Europe. Other years, I won’t scuba at all. The price for this is really cheap with the daily/ weekly/ monthly fee compared to renting or buying a dive computer. I don’t like the 40m limit but never plan dives deeper than 30m. I also never dive alone, and wouldn’t be perfectly comfortable if we both used AWU. All in all, I am really glad the dive computer is there when I need it and at a great price!
This is a REALLY good review!! I have this watch and I’m actually going diving with it tomorrow since the Oceanic app finally came out. Is there a night dive setting to turn the screen off or down?
Thank you, Chris! Enjoy.
No, there's not, and this might be an issue regarding your night vision. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how it is used on a night dive.
@@DIVEindotcom Any updates on night diving issues concerning brightness? Great review! So absolutely thorough.
Thanks for this great review. I owned myself a Garmin Descent G1 Solar, as all these fancy colour screens are superfluous. Another thing what i think, if you are about to do deep diving and you aren't a certified deepdiver yet, this product wont help you to push your limits. But thats only my opinion. Anyway, the review have been very well done and will help people findung their DiveComputer
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your feedback. Agree, a lot of divers go beyond the limits of their training. This might help a lot of divers to refrain from doing so. And to be honest, there's a reason why you need to be trained for deep diving.
The Shearwater Peregrine is my go-to. I have the Ultra but won't be relying on it for diving. I'll probably use the day package once, which is 0.99 USD as of now, but the subscription fee is ridiculous.
When you have a Shearwater Peregrine, I'd see no reason not to use that. It's a great dive computer, and you don't need to pay for a subscription.
Best of both worlds here. Use your SP as your primary and your Ultra as a backup. Easy
Great review!! I got it the very first day it came out and use it every day!! Love the diving future but the depth limit its a deal breaker for diving, it won’t be my primary or secondary diving computer as long as that limit remains in place !
Thanks for sharing!
This makes good sense if you're ever diving close to the limits.
Very thorough review. I've just used it diving in Thailand. Visibility on our first dive was 4-5m only yet this still performed really well. My eyesight isn't great when it comes to reading small print on my Suunto D9 so this bright, colourful screen was brilliant - so much easier to read in all conditions. Deco stops & ascent rates displays are great. Subscription feels punchy at first but given the functionality of the watch/app then that issue quickly goes away. Highly recommended.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the screen brightness is fantastic on this one-the best we've seen so far.
I have an active monthly subscription that I bought yesterday. I am getting the error “Scuba not available” message in Dive Settings. The Scuba option is dim in Dive Mode. I have synced phone and watch apps. Both apple watch ultra and iPhone XS iOS 16.4 apps show that I have a monthly subscription. As it is the app is useless for scuba. How do I fix this so I can use the scuba features?
In using the dive features, would the user also have to have data to be able to use the watch throughout the dive (from entering dive boat to getting back on dry land)? Data becomes an issue if you are traveling internationally when diving.
I don't think you need data.
You need to ensure you have an active subscription before leaving an area with data/wifi, but from there on you should be fine. I think it maps out GPS points (without data) and will first upload data once it has access to the internet again.
Mk2 came out 3 years ago, I would hope the ultra have more features lol. I’m waiting for that MK3i
It does look great and at the moment the subscription seems affordable but presumably they can increase it whenever they want and the idea that a company like Apple can take what they want when they want from my bank account will never sit well with me. If they were not so greedy I would probably get one. You say that the subscription model is becomming more common, it only will if we let it. Great review, many thanks.
as a constant Apple Watch user who use it everyday for health tracking, fitness recording, smart watch feature, I am really into upgrading it. Now that I am getting my PADI, I am seriously considering upgrading my current AW to the ultra
If you already have an AW, I'd recommend getting a dedicated dive computer that can last you at least a decade. You can upgrade to the AWU when it's time to upgrade your AW.
Hi Z J & @@bloodymarvelous4790
I'd have to agree with Eelco. You can get far with a dedicated dive computer, and I'd hate to see a perfectly fine working AW go to waste if it's not due for a change.
Best regards
Torben - DIVEIN
@zj7396
That's what I did. Upgraded my AW6 to AWU and sold my Mk2i.
Nice review. May I know if you would review Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well?
At the moment, we don't have a plan to do it. The difference is not that great. The screen is brighter, and then there are a few changes to the hardware. It's not something I think any diver would notice.
Thanks. Do you think the improved hardware will benefit to battery usage so that may be a single charge on the Apple Watch ultra 2 can do 4-5 dives? @@DIVEindotcom
Kan man Connect sin tank pot til sit Apple Watch ultra ?
So i got an ultra and really like it, will likely dive it over the weekend but was curious about your charging comments. I have been seeing this thing fast charge using the supplied cable to 50% in 30 min and just over an hour to 100. What are you doing different that it is taking all night?
Enjoy :)
That might have come out wrong. It's super fast at charging.
I charged it to 100% in the morning. After two dives and the whole day out, it was at 52%. So, to me, the issue would be if it would last for the second day of diving if you forget to charge it at night.
It's not the actual driving part that takes up that much battery. I just found myself using it for a bunch of other things, like making calls, messaging people, etc.
Any news about compatible tank air pressure transmitters (10 months later)?
Sonar (sound) because BT range is only a few inches under water.
No, there's still no news about it. I'll ask Oceanic, but so far, they have not been talking about this.
You charged it all night and it was only at 52%? Mine charges completely in like 2 hours. I think your charger is messed up or the watch.
Personally I absolutely love mine. You get sooo much out of it as a standard watch with added dive capabilities. Most dives are between 60-100 feet, that's where the bulk of life is for most dives. In all my years of diving I've only been at 40 meters a few times which was during training courses. I have been testing it since July and my experience resulted in me selling my Mk2i and using the AWU as a primary dive watch with a Peregrine as a backup.
Thanks for the very well made video!!
I agree with all you said, I’m an Apple guy.
However, I only use my Ultra as backup. My main is the MK2i.
What I would like in the Ultra…:
. Air sensor
. Better battery
. Apple diving app so there is no need to pay the Oceanic subscription.
Apple comes with all kind of apps in all their devices, why this one should remain the exception?
Just my opinion.
Interesting review - as noted, Apple Watches aren’t necessarily as good for sports overall as garmins - and to me it’s not worth my while paying so much for a watch that’s somewhat limited in sports tracking and now is starting to charge subscriptions on top of a significant sticker price even considering all the other smart watch features one gets.
Huge Apple fan, however will stay with Suunto D5 because I like air integration and don't like stuff that does all other things but uses too much battery. Will stick with my Samsung watch for everything else.
The price difference should be between the Series 8 stainless steel and the Watch Ultra. Only USD 50 difference…
It is a bargain if you ask me…
And the subscription is ok for me as far as almost nobody is going to dive every week…
One month is USD 10 for a Swiss Knife watch.
The Watch Ultra is a GEM!
I agree, for safety it should allow you to go past 40meters. Plus it is not air integrated, so it can’t tell you when you’re low on air at your current breathing rate or how much time your air supply can provide you at your current depth. I assume they are developing a simple sensor like other hose-les air integrated sensor based DCs.
Well, most divers aren't certified past 40 meters anyway, and the standard PADI dive table doesn't go deeper than 40 meters. If you exceed 40 meters by accident, you must end the dive. It's not that big a difference to this.
I was just part of a media brief with Apple and Oceanic, and it didn't sound like a transmitter is coming any time soon.
Thank you for the review. One thing I don't understand... Dive gear normally lives a pretty tough life. There's always a decent chance that you bang or scratch your computer against something big, heavy and/or sharp. Computers like a suunto zoop or shearwater perdix are built like a tank. They'll get wear marks, but they'll be fine. Even the mk2i has a bezel that will protect the screen. I struggle to imagine the apple watch will not show significant wear after some time diving. No big deal for a dedicated dive computer, but do you want this on your everyday apple watch? How well will the screen handle a bump by a cylinder falling in waves, or someone sitting on it while you're changing out of your wetsuit? Not something you want to happen, but plausible in a diving environment....
The Screen is sapphire crystal so that won't scratch within normal dive activity or rough daily activity. This is the most solid Apple Watch build to date, but how much it'll hold up, in the long run, is hard to say. I'll keep you updated and make a video in a few months to show how much it can take.
My MK2i is scratched on the sides(again screen is sapphire crystal and does not scratch) but shows visible signs of usage.
Looking forward to the update :D
Thank you for this well made Review. I’m wondering, do I need to have my phone with me at all times when I go diving? Usually I tend to leave it in my hotel room.
Will I still be able to set up a dive without it?
Tia :-)
Hi @johntaylor2971
No, you don't need to bring the phone out on the dive. Just make sure that it's set up correctly, with the subscription, before you go out.
Then you should be all good.
@@DIVEindotcom Ah, ok, thank you! Though it doesn’t make the decision easier….😄
This watch is very tempting…
I’m an open water diver planning on getting my advanced this spring/summer. With that being said I dive at least 1 time a month so is this a watch that would benefit me with just having my open water or should I wait to get the Apple Watch ultra for when I get my advanced open water?
The clear and reliable alerts and info on the Oceanic+ make it very suitable for open water divers. As you use it more, it will remain relevant as a purely recreational dive computer. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, the experience will likely please you. Just figure out whether you want to pay into the subscription. If the money is not an issue, you won't be disappointed with the watch, assuming you like Apple's way of steering your life when you're topside.
I'm just now getting PADI certified and already had the Apple Watch Ultra 9 and just happened to purchase the Oceanic+ app. Thank you so much for such a thorough review...I feel like I made a good purchase w/ the app (for once)!!!
Glad you liked the review :)
Great review! How did you find the 'auto start' feature? Not sure what I did, but ended up with a normal Apple Workout as the Oceanic + app started, but then failed. I couldn't get back to it throughout the whole dive! Dive 2, I used manual set up which worked fine. However, the app is a bit basic with few features and no import/export options. As is, it won't become my primary computer/logbook any time soon...thoughts?
Go into SETTINGS on the watch, choose GENERAL, then press on AUTO-LAUNCH. You'll be able to toggle the auto-launch and be able to choose which app (Depth or Oceanic's). Cheers.
@@bradleyaxmith3954 Yeah, that I had done. App started but then somehow got switched over to an Apple Workout. Not sure what happened...
@@lsdscuba The only reason I can think of that it switches over to Workout is if you press the orange button by mistake on the left hand side of the watch. Remember that it will lock in a dive only after descending past 3-5 feet or so.
@@bradleyaxmith3954 Good call. That was probably what happened as my Action Button is set to Workout and it was very early in the dive that I noticed it...