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When the Apple Watch Ultra launched, I was genuinely excited.
In fact, I was one of its biggest supporters within the diving community.
For the first time, a major technology company had produced a smartwatch that could function as a legitimate recreational dive computer. Combined with apps such as Oceanic+ and later Mares Dive App, the Apple Watch Ultra appeared to offer the perfect blend of everyday technology and underwater functionality.
As someone who enjoys technology and spends a lot of time underwater, I thought the future had arrived.
Unfortunately, my opinion has changed.
The news that the original Apple Watch Ultra is already losing support for the latest Apple software highlights a major problem with using an Apple Watch Ultra as a dive computer. Despite costing as much as many premium dive computers, it follows the lifecycle of a consumer electronic device rather than a piece of diving equipment.
That means a very expensive dive computer can become obsolete far sooner than most divers would reasonably expect.
The first thing divers need to understand is that the Apple Watch Ultra is not actually a dive computer.
It is a smartwatch with dive computer functionality added through software.
That may sound like a minor distinction, but it makes a huge difference.
Traditional dive computers are designed from the ground up for underwater use. Every aspect of their design focuses on diving.
They are built for:
The Apple Watch Ultra is designed to do hundreds of different things. Diving is simply one of many functions.
The Apple Watch Ultra was never a budget option.
When it launched, it cost roughly the same as many high-end recreational dive computers.
For similar money, divers could purchase:
These are purpose-built dive computers designed specifically for underwater use.
Many divers will still be using these computers ten years from now.
The same cannot necessarily be said for the Apple Watch Ultra.
This is the issue that has completely changed my view.
The original Apple Watch Ultra launched in 2022.
Just a few years later, it is already reaching the point where it will no longer receive the latest Apple software updates.
The watch will not suddenly stop working.
However, that is not really the point.
Once a device falls out of Apple’s support cycle, owners may eventually lose access to:
This is normal for consumer electronics.
It is not normal for dive computers.
A Shearwater, Suunto or Mares dive computer purchased today will likely remain fully functional long after multiple generations of Apple Watches have come and gone.
This is where I started questioning whether the Apple Watch Ultra is really good value for divers.
When I bought mine, I viewed it as a premium dive computer that also happened to be an excellent smartwatch.
Now I realise it is actually the opposite.
It is a premium smartwatch that happens to function as a dive computer.
The difference matters because the support lifecycle is driven by Apple’s consumer electronics business model.
As software support ends, a device that cost hundreds of dollars gradually becomes less attractive and eventually obsolete, not because it has failed, but because the ecosystem has moved on.
That is a frustrating outcome for something that costs as much as a dedicated dive computer.
The Apple Watch Ultra relies on third-party dive software.
The best-known option is Oceanic+, which was heavily promoted alongside the watch’s launch.
However, divers can also use alternatives such as Marea Dive, which has developed a strong following among Apple Watch users.
Both apps work well and have helped make the Apple Watch Ultra a capable recreational dive computer.
However, they introduce another layer of dependency.
You are relying on:
If any part of that chain breaks, the diving experience can be affected.
With a dedicated dive computer, the manufacturer controls both the hardware and the diving software, creating a much more stable long-term platform.
Another consideration is cost.
Many dedicated dive computers have no subscription fees.
You buy the computer and use it.
The Apple Watch Ultra often requires an ongoing subscription for full dive functionality, particularly with Oceanic+.
Over time, those costs accumulate.
The true ownership cost becomes much higher than the initial purchase price.
Apple has done an impressive job improving battery life on the Ultra.
However, it still cannot compete with many dedicated dive computers.
On a dive holiday, liveaboard or intensive training programme, battery management becomes a real consideration.
Many traditional dive computers can operate for weeks or months between charges.
The Apple Watch Ultra requires much more frequent charging.
That may not be a major problem for occasional divers, but it is a limitation for professionals and frequent divers.
For recreational diving, the Apple Watch Ultra performs well.
As divers progress, however, many want additional functionality.
This can include:
Purpose-built dive computers are designed with these developments in mind.
The Apple Watch Ultra remains focused on recreational diving.
This is perhaps the biggest issue.
A diver who purchases a quality dive computer today may still be using it ten years from now.
Some divers are still using computers that are considerably older than that.
An Apple Watch owner, on the other hand, is effectively buying into a replacement cycle.
Every few years there will be:
This is perfectly normal for smartphones and smartwatches.
It is far less appealing when you are expecting a long-term piece of life-support-related diving equipment.
Garmin deserves special mention because it sits somewhere between the two worlds.
The Garmin Descent range combines smartwatch functionality with serious dive computer capability.
Garmin also has a long history of supporting outdoor and specialist devices for extended periods.
For divers wanting both smartwatch and dive computer functionality, Garmin arguably offers a more balanced solution.
If you already own an Apple Watch Ultra, there is no reason not to enjoy it.
It is an excellent smartwatch and a capable recreational dive computer.
Apps such as Oceanic+ and Mares Dive work well and make diving accessible from a device many people already wear every day.
However, if your primary goal is to buy a dive computer, I no longer believe the Apple Watch Ultra represents the best value.
For similar money, you can purchase a dedicated dive computer that:
A few years ago, I would have enthusiastically recommended the Apple Watch Ultra as a dive computer.
Today, I am much more cautious.
The hardware itself remains impressive. The diving apps work well. The overall user experience is excellent.
The problem is longevity.
When I buy a dive computer, I expect it to remain useful for many years. I expect it to accompany me through thousands of dives. I do not expect it to become obsolete because a software company decides it has reached the end of its support cycle.
That is exactly what appears to be happening with the original Apple Watch Ultra.
If money is no concern and you enjoy having the latest technology, the Apple Watch Ultra may still be a great choice.
If you are looking for a long-term investment that will remain relevant for years of diving adventures, a dedicated dive computer remains the smarter purchase.
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
I will be back soon
