Apple’s September 9, 2024 Glowtime announcement introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a satin-black titanium finish. It was a new color option for the 2024 Ultra 2, not a new watch generation: Apple’s listed core specifications remained the same as the natural-titanium version. Apple opened preorders on announcement day and set September 20, 2024, as the store-availability date.
What is new about the black Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The change is the exterior finish and matching band hardware. Apple says the black case combines a custom blasting process with a diamond-like carbon physical vapor deposition coating over Grade 5 titanium. The back crystal is dark zirconia to match. Apple describes the coated surface as scratch-resistant and durable; those are Apple’s claims, not the result of an independent comparative durability test.
Apple said the black and natural cases use 95 percent recycled titanium. Its specifications list the black case at 61.8 grams and the natural case at 61.4 grams, but do not explain the 0.4-gram difference. The published figures do not establish a performance difference between finishes.
Black and natural titanium: what differs?
| Detail | Black titanium | Natural titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Satin-black coated Grade 5 titanium | Natural Grade 5 titanium |
| Case weight | 61.8 g | 61.4 g |
| Core Ultra 2 specifications | Same listed model specifications | Same listed model specifications |
| Price and availability | Apple’s U.S. launch starting price was $799 in September 2024; current price and stock are not established here | Apple’s U.S. launch starting price was $799 in September 2024; current price and stock are not established here |
The finish is therefore mainly a visual choice. Apple’s launch release announced black hardware options for the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band, alongside the existing natural finish options.
#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular, 49mm] - Titanium Case With White Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gGnPrmuQL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 — Rugged, capable, and built to meet the demands of endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sport enthusiasts — with a specialized band for each. The S9 SiP enables a superbright display and a magical new way to quickly and easily interact with your Apple Watch without touching the display. Up to 36 hours of battery life and 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
- CARBON NEUTRAL — Apple Watch Ultra 2 paired with the latest Alpine Loop or Trail Loop is carbon neutral. Learn more about Apple’s commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
- EXTREMELY RUGGED, INCREDIBLY CAPABLE — 49mm corrosion-resistant titanium case. Large Digital Crown and Customizable Action button for instant control over a variety of functions. 100m water resistance.
- BIGGEST, BRIGHTEST DISPLAY YET — Apple’s brightest Always-On Retina display is easy to see, even in direct sunlight. More room for adding complications to customize your watch face and enough space to view six metrics at once.
- THE FREEDOM OF CELLULAR — Cellular is built in. You can call and text without your iPhone, even overseas with international roaming. Stream your favorite music and podcasts. Get directions with Maps.
Matching Titanium Milanese Loop
Apple also introduced a Titanium Milanese Loop in black and natural titanium. The company described it as its first metal band for Apple Watch Ultra, woven from aerospace-grade titanium and fitted with a dual-button, parachute-style buckle. Apple characterized it as lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It is an optional matching accessory, not a requirement for using the watch. The launch announcement does not provide independent comfort or durability testing.
Ultra 2 specifications that did not change with the finish
Apple’s technical specifications for the 2024 Apple Watch Ultra 2 list a 49 mm-tall, 44 mm-wide and 12 mm-deep Grade 5 titanium case. The watch has an always-on Retina LTPO2 OLED display with up to 3,000 nits maximum brightness, an S9 SiP and 64 GB capacity.
Rank #2
- Always‑On Retina LTPO OLED display
- Battery estimates: Apple lists up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Actual results vary with use, configuration, network and signal strength, among other factors.
- Water and dust: Apple lists water resistance to 100 meters under ISO 22810:2010 and IP6X dust resistance. It also specifies recreational scuba diving to 40 meters and says not to dive below that depth. Water resistance is not permanent and can diminish over time.
- Compatibility: Apple lists iPhone XS or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), running iOS 18 or later. Feature availability can vary by device and region.
watchOS 11 features highlighted at launch
The September 2024 announcement paired the black finish with watchOS 11. Apple highlighted the Vitals app, training load, sleep apnea notifications, a Tides app and more ways to customize the Action button. Custom Workouts also gained interval-planning options, while the Action button could be assigned options including Stopwatch, Backtrack, Flashlight, Translation, Voice Memos and Shazam. These describe the launch context; check Apple’s current compatibility and regional availability information for a feature you plan to use.
Apple says sleep apnea notifications are intended for people aged 18 or older who have not received a prior diagnosis, and lists availability on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Ultra 2. Health features are not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult Apple’s feature information and its footnotes for qualifications.
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Rank #3
![Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular, 49mm] - Titanium Case With White Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed Premium)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Zz0RXXruL._SL160_.jpg)
- 49mm (1.92") 502x410pixels, 326PPI, Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, Flat sapphire crystal display, 3000 nits brightness
- 64GB 1GB RAM, Apple S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, 4-core Neural Engine, PowerVR GPU, 564mAh Battery
- watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 10.4, Bluetooth 5.3, 100m water resistant (WR100), 40m swimproof/diving (EN13319)
- MIL-STD 810H certified, ECG certified, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, Third-generation optical heart sensor, Multiday battery life, up to 36 hours of normal use
- 3G: 850/ 700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/12/13/14/17/18/19/25/26/39/40/41/66 - eSIM. Cellular LTE model Compatible with GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc. Contact Carrier to Register.
Launch price and timing
Apple announced the black finish on September 9, 2024, when preorders opened, and said store availability would begin September 20, 2024. Apple stated a U.S. starting price of $799 at launch for Apple Watch Ultra 2 in either black or natural titanium. That is historical launch pricing, not a current price or confirmation of present stock; check a current retailer or Apple’s regional store for today’s offer.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Midnight Ocean Band, One Size (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NQgyV24pL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH ULTRA - Rugged and capable, built to meet the demands of endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts - with a specialized band for each. Up to 36 hours of battery life, plus all the Apple Watch features that help you stay healthy, safe, and connected.
- EXTREMELY RUGGED, INCREDIBLY CAPABLE - 49mm corrosion-resistant titanium case. Larger Digital Crown and more accessible buttons. 100m water resistance. Customizable Action button for instant physical control over a variety of functions.
- BIGGEST, BRIGHTEST DISPLAY YET- A bright Always-On Retina display that’s easy to see, even in direct sunlight. More room for adding complications to customize your watch face.
- FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES - Advanced metrics in the Workout app, including Heart Rate Zones and Running Form. Precision dual-frequency GPS for accuracy, distance, route, and pace calculations. Trail Loop band is thin, light, and flexible, designed especially for runners.
- FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS - Redesigned Compass app delivers all-new views and functionality. Mark your location with Compass Waypoints. Backtrack uses GPS to map where you’ve been so you can retrace your steps. Alpine Loop band is extremely rugged and secure to meet the needs of hikers and climbers.
Sources
- Apple Newsroom: Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available in black titanium, September 9, 2024
- Apple Support: Apple Watch Ultra 2 technical specifications
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
