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
@@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.
@@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
@@DIVEindotcom I do own an Apple Watch Ultra. So far, I’ve only used Apple’s built-in “Depth” app for diving, but I plan to use Oceanic+ in the future. My comment above is a year old- have your Apple Watch Ultra views changed in that time?
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.
Fantastic review. Very comprehensive and thoughtful. I am a runner, cyclist, and swimmer that also scuba dives. This watch seems perfect for my lifestyle.
Much appreciated! Have you considered any of the Garmin Descent, such as the G1 or Mk3i? They are more sportswatch (versus smartwatch) and really great for active people who scuba dive.
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.
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!
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.
I've been on the verge of buying this watch instead of a Garmin MK2. But having to rent the diving app with this sort of an unreasonable price just throws me off. Hey Apple, how greedy can you become? Not to mention the prices for the wrist bands which don't even fit properly for divers. Even though I'm an Apple fan, this is outrageous and it topped my pain level concerning Apple prices. So, thank you heaps for this imformative video. You definitely spared me a lot of fustration! Well done mate! Keep it going!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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)!!!
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.
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.
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.
True, dive computers don’t have subscriptions, but you can’t upgrade like an app can, hence apple app watch can. We’re not just getting a dive computer but watch that can track, hike, follow and a shit more things. Anyways, the app can be used for a month for a cup of SB coffee. My opinion, I’m good with it, as long as it WORKS.
Ha ha, true. It's not more than most people buy a coffee for without thinking twice. Yes, it just needs to work 100%. We've tried stressing it and making it fail. No luck yet, but we'll continue trying.
What a great and useful review! My daily watch is Apple Watch3 and my dive computer is Crest CR4. Recently, I’m considering to buy Garmin MK2 or Apple Watch ultra. Here’s my point of view: MK2 doesn’t have touch screen so it’s not easy to use in daily life or dive parameters setting. The screen resolution of MK2 is very bad comparing with AW Ultra (OLED screen) that is why AW Ultra looks much brighter than all the dive computers. Above reason makes me feel like AW Ultra is the better choice and question why MK2 can be so expensive. All in all, I think I’ll go with AW Ultra even though that Garmin MK2 is many divers’ dream computer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Excellent review - thanks. The only thing that would have been good to include is what / how useful are the emergency features on the Apple Ultra in the context of diving? Could it act as a Personal Locator Beacon or make auto contact maritime emergency services? On the surface does the functionality of GPS / Cellular and eSim / walkie talkie (over what distance does the walkie talkie system operate?). Under water, could it keep you in contact with dive buddies & aware of their location in low visibility or if separated? I think these options could give it a major plus over dive computers or current PLB solutions? Hope that's useful & thanks again.
Thanks. And good point. It'll only work if you're within cellular range, but then it's like bringing a phone on your dive (a thing most divers wouldn't do). So, for far-out dive spots, it won't work, but close to shore you can make the call before you're back in. While efoiling I did have my Apple Ultra make an emergency call after a fall. It does this based on fall detection and will dial automatically. I didn't have an emergency, but I just fell into the water. It's nice to have.
Many people use Apple Watches as their every day watch, like me…I golf, hike, kayak, use it for music, etc…I use dozens of apps through the apple eco system.
I think that's precisely the purpose with the Ultra. A Swiss Army Knife of smartwatches that can use apps to unlock the sensors delivered on an easier-to-use interface. But it's clearly for people who ALSO dive, rather than primarily for divers.
it’s not air integrated! 25:37 Then it’s not a dive computer, it’s a smart dive watch. With the Garmin mk 3i you can now send text messages to your buddies. 🤯👌🏻
Excellent review. Thank you. I'm looking forward to taking it underwater to check first hand. I am a regular diver since 2000, and the subscription based app is a first for a dive computer; I HATE IT, I mean the financial plan. 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. Maybe Apple will open its App Store to another 3rd party app that offers it, or maybe Oceanic will reconsider its financial plans by adding it if enough people ask for it. Maybe one day, Air Integration will also be added. Who knows. After all, the watch is Bluetooth and Wifi compatible. Your screen comparison was very insightful. The Ultra's UW screen looks far brighter than the Teric I dive with, which is already one of the brightest screens on the market. It's too bad the Ultra stops monitoring the dive when deeper than 40m/130ft; this is a huge security issue, unacceptable for any diver that goes, accidentally or not, deeper once in a while, meaning at this point, the Apple Watch Ultra cannot be used as the primary or even secondary dive computer but only as a backup information dive watch. I agree with you that for the occasional non-deep OWD/AOWD, it should be fine, though. The apps on the watch are great for daily use and I wonder if, during the dive, you can change screens and monitor your heart rate. This would be fantastic. Can you also use the timer during a dive? Thanks again for your review.
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.
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 !
I’ve recently got the Ultra to replace my Suunto D5/9 and Apple Watch 5. Besides the Air Integration that I also miss, I believe the biggest difference with the Garmin Descent MK2 is the fact that the Apple Watch is not just a Smartwatch, it’s a standalone phone! That’s IMO, the biggest delta with anything else out there.
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.
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.
problem with the Apple Watch for me since I use it everyday for fitness the heat from the sensors create a rash which is super annoying and had to go to a dermatologist to get cortisone for it to go away so take that into consideration even tho it was super useful I got rid of the Apple Watch as my skin health was way more important to me
I completely understand where you're coming from! A one-time payment can feel more manageable than a subscription model. Think it depends how often you intend to use it and what for. If you only dive 1-2 weeks a year, then $20 isn't so bad. It’s always good to have options that suit different preferences!
I bought this watch a couple of days before leaving for a diving holiday. I installed the Oceanic+ app. First dive: fantastic readability ! But after 10 minutes, at a depth of 22 meters, the screen showed temperature icon and after another minute went completely dead. After the dive I tried hard reset etc, but it stayed dead. Is back to Apple now. Water temp was 26°C. I'm really anxious to know what their answer's gonna be. Luckily I always dive with 2 "real" Suunto dive computers, so I had my back-up.
Air integration could be done with a tank thingy that talks bluetooth. Then Oceanic would just need to add the reading of that device. It’s not really something for the watch to do itself. Which is good, because it -could- be done with the current Ultra.
Bluetooth does not work under water (not this main frequency). You need an other frequency which the watch lacks. The only thing that might work would be Garmins way of sonar air integration - this might even work with the microphone of the Ultra. But that one is patented by Garmin and they will fight you to death before they will leave that selling point to other watches.
@@craigfoster5470 Well if they wanted, they would just add the transmitter. It really isn’t anything groundbreaking. Heck I bet they even could release the tank module themselves and cash in additional 200-300$.
It's kinda apples and oranges as far as who those two watches are for. I think the Mk2i is a better comparison than the Teric, as Garmin's is also a true Smartwatch. The Teric is pretty awesome for diving in all sorts of conditions. Oceanic+ is targeted to recreational divers that do scuba every once in a while.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
It's probably not the same, but I still remember when Blackberry was the shizzle and refused to change when the first iPhone came out. Still, there's a lot of resistance in the dive community to the Ultra with the Oceanic+ (w/subscription).
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.
Can you tell me if the app keeps the logged dives in memory when you buy the one month subscription for example? Just bought an Ultra 2 and I don't dive a lot anymore. Great useful review, thanks a lot!
That is apathetic offer by Oceanic, $80.00/year! The Apple watch is far beyond any other smartwatch and worth the money compared to dive computers but the Oceanic subscription is a no go. Someone should come out with an app that bluetooths to a tank pressure monitor.
@Bradley Axmith The 40m as ‘limit’ has much to do with data initially gathered by Haldane (1908) and US navy testing (1958) and based on that the processing of data, calculating and modelling safe-safer-safest algorithms and maximum ‘no-dec’ times to near zero below 40m as found on common very conservative dive-tables from PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS and Comex for recreational diving with standard pressurized air (79%N2 / 21%O2). Since for recreational diving ruling bodies globally agreed also that: ‘a diver must ALWAYS be able to do a direct ascent to the surface from any depth (at max 18m/min) WITHOUT the need for decompression stops.’ So the 40 meter ‘limit’ is IMHO adopted out of these two, just as additional calculated safety for sport-diving in general. Possibly over time confirmed (to some extend as correlating factors) by DAN-data? Reality, also confirmed by my own experiences, is that with for example just a few minutes of deco-stop time calculated by a dive-computer, regardless if penalized for this by diving below or well above(!) this 40m ‘limit’, if you naturally and relaxed continue your dive and ascent to shallower parts of the reef around 10-15m during the last half of the dive, by the time you reach the initial calculated deco-stop depth (e.g. @5m), this deco-stop is mostly already timed back to ‘no-dec’ by your computer long before you actually reach that depth! This is because you already start off-gassing N2 during the slow ascent towards that initially calculated deco-stop depth, as calculated in real-time by your dive-computer! Exceptions for a calculated mandatory deco-stop at depth NOT being scrapped halfway this example are, when you: - did much repetitive a/o deep diving in the last 24 hours; - jojo-diving - (too) fast ascents - working hard under water (if air-consumption is also calculated in realtime) - cold water diving - recently flew (to) soon after scuba-diving If you guys really want to understand where the ZH-72 model and ZH-L16C / ZH-L8ADT derivatives for dive-computers in more scientific details with background all the way back to Haldane tables for bell-diving, I can advise reading this: amzn.eu/d/ixa3mNG This is THE 170 pages small booklet (reads more like an academic paper), from Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann and Ernst Völlm founding fathers of all Zurich (ZH) models and their embedded implementations in many modern-day diving computers. Really interesting stuff for academic Scuba nurds! After reading it, you probably reach the same conclusion: Apple and Oceanic went in the wrong direction by in-dive excluding decompression calculation ‘only’ after descending below 40m. Since going (far) below 40m (shortly) does inhibit exponentially more calculated risk attracting N2 related issues, nonetheless a very similar decompression risk when diving constantly around 30-40m for long(er)! Therefore strange Oceanic+ app allows for ‘long(er)’ diving upto and above 40m, but scraps in-dive(!) the ‘deeper’ dive (just) below 40m?!?🤯
Always up for nerding out on these subjects. I'm not disagreeing at all. I was merely observing the similarities between dive tables and the Oceanic Plus depth limit. We're going to keep looking into this.
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.
I thought the Oceanic App gave you info beyond 40m 🤨 my Cressi Cartesio gaves info up to 120m... not like I am diving near that, but it is good to know! 😂
Where was the comparison to just the depth app that is on the watch? That's the question I really want the answer to: Is the watch worth it as a Dive Computer WITHOUT the subscription app?
Apple watch is not rated 100m as in ISO6425, it is referencing 100M as in watch rating where 100m means "suitable for swimming and water sports" moreover says water resistance is not permanent feature. So hood luck using it every day for diving. It is just intended for show and casual use of 6 dives/year resort folks.
No, this is the first dive computer I've heard of with this shallow max depth. But do keep in mind that most divers are not trained to go beyond 30 meters (100 feet)
@@DIVEindotcom surely that's not the point. Should you end you going deeper, for whatever reason, you would expect your dive computer to carry on tracking your dive to keep you safe and give you the right advice and information. Just stopping is a terrible solution.
First things first, pay over 1k USD for a dive computer only or .8k USD for a watch you can use for everything including diving (yes includes EAN up to 40% for a small fee of .08k annually. What’s the problem? Do the math… .08k annually or 1k immediately and hope it lasts 5 years 🤷🏼♂️ seems like a no brainer
I do have a question because I don’t own one but will the Apple Watch Bluetooth connect to any of the HUD’s on the market and will it connect to an Bluetooth air pressure sensor and integrate that information back into the Oceanic+ app? I’ve found zero information related to these two questions. Anyone?
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’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.
![Top 10 Best Dive Computers in 2024 | Tested while Diving [Side-by-side] #scuba #divecomputer](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4kxeB6tR4oo/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
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.
This is possibly the best Apple Watch Ultra/scuba diving review I’ve seen.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Do you own a Apple Ultra? Have you considered the Oceanic+ app?
@@DIVEindotcom I do own an Apple Watch Ultra. So far, I’ve only used Apple’s built-in “Depth” app for diving, but I plan to use Oceanic+ in the future. My comment above is a year old- have your Apple Watch Ultra views changed in that time?
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.
Fantastic review. Very comprehensive and thoughtful. I am a runner, cyclist, and swimmer that also scuba dives. This watch seems perfect for my lifestyle.
Much appreciated! Have you considered any of the Garmin Descent, such as the G1 or Mk3i? They are more sportswatch (versus smartwatch) and really great for active people who scuba dive.
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?
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.
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!
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.
I've been on the verge of buying this watch instead of a Garmin MK2. But having to rent the diving app with this sort of an unreasonable price just throws me off. Hey Apple, how greedy can you become? Not to mention the prices for the wrist bands which don't even fit properly for divers. Even though I'm an Apple fan, this is outrageous and it topped my pain level concerning Apple prices. So, thank you heaps for this imformative video. You definitely spared me a lot of fustration! Well done mate! Keep it going!
APPLE WATCH IS A SUPER WATCH, AND TO KNOW THAT IT TRULY ALLOWS TO GO DIVING WITH IT IS ACTUALLY AMAZING.
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.
Wow - one of the best product reviews i've seen!
Cheers!
This was a really well made video about the apple watch ultra.Thank you every so much for sharing...
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!
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.
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.
Perfect video that also provides the most thorough review of this watch. The review is in-depth, accurate, and well presented.
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 :)
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.
When you said subscription I say nope. I was going to get one. Thanks, because now it’s a big fat NO.
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.
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.
Went Garmin descent mark 2I. No regrets.
True, dive computers don’t have subscriptions, but you can’t upgrade like an app can, hence apple app watch can. We’re not just getting a dive computer but watch that can track, hike, follow and a shit more things. Anyways, the app can be used for a month for a cup of SB coffee. My opinion, I’m good with it, as long as it WORKS.
Ha ha, true. It's not more than most people buy a coffee for without thinking twice.
Yes, it just needs to work 100%. We've tried stressing it and making it fail. No luck yet, but we'll continue trying.
What a great and useful review!
My daily watch is Apple Watch3 and my dive computer is Crest CR4. Recently, I’m considering to buy Garmin MK2 or Apple Watch ultra. Here’s my point of view: MK2 doesn’t have touch screen so it’s not easy to use in daily life or dive parameters setting. The screen resolution of MK2 is very bad comparing with AW Ultra (OLED screen) that is why AW Ultra looks much brighter than all the dive computers. Above reason makes me feel like AW Ultra is the better choice and question why MK2 can be so expensive.
All in all, I think I’ll go with AW Ultra even though that Garmin MK2 is many divers’ dream computer.
水下又用不了觸摸屏，即使是apple也是用按鈕操作的。ultra本身價格不便宜，訂閱一年就要80usd，不訂閱只能看個深度。你確定這一套加起來比一次買斷的其他潛水電腦更便宜？如果是價格因素影響你選擇潛水電腦，那麽我其實推薦你買suunto的d5什麼的，再便宜點還有zoop，大把東南亞潛導教練都在用，算法久經考驗便宜耐操。不過你提到的cr4我就不推薦，他的減壓算法有大問題，便宜確實沒好貨：）
cr4只適合非常保守的進行不超NDL的休閒潛水，一旦超過NDL他就要開始亂來了。不僅亂來連減壓計劃都是刻板的5m3min，根本不會管你超NDL超多久下的是什麼深度。不過考慮到他的價格，這些好像也不是什麼大不了的問題。但是就他對於用戶生命安全毫不負責的態度，我個人是不推薦使用的。
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.
That's pretty cool! This is a really thorough review of the Apple Watch Ultra Dive & app, thoroughly appreciated! Awesome footage too.
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.
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.
Great review. One missing thing that the App doesn’t give you your average depth after the dive.
Good point! They are updating a lot of features, so if you submit it to Oceanic, it might be a ting they'd add in the future.
The Apple Watch is great for everyday use and is a great watch for everyone. We can change screens and monitors. This is fantastic.
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.
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!
Happy to hear that! Have you been considering the Oceanic+ App?
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!
Excellent video that also provides the most thorough review of this watch. The review is in-depth, accurate, and well presented.
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.
Need to see if tracking could be added so you are able to go back to the boat
Like find my iPhone, but just with divers? Find my diver, could be a new Apple feature.
Your video is great, I liked the watch you showed, it has good things.
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
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!!
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.
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.
Great video, thank you. New sub here.
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.
Excellent review - thanks. The only thing that would have been good to include is what / how useful are the emergency features on the Apple Ultra in the context of diving? Could it act as a Personal Locator Beacon or make auto contact maritime emergency services? On the surface does the functionality of GPS / Cellular and eSim / walkie talkie (over what distance does the walkie talkie system operate?). Under water, could it keep you in contact with dive buddies & aware of their location in low visibility or if separated? I think these options could give it a major plus over dive computers or current PLB solutions? Hope that's useful & thanks again.
Thanks.
And good point.
It'll only work if you're within cellular range, but then it's like bringing a phone on your dive (a thing most divers wouldn't do). So, for far-out dive spots, it won't work, but close to shore you can make the call before you're back in.
While efoiling I did have my Apple Ultra make an emergency call after a fall. It does this based on fall detection and will dial automatically. I didn't have an emergency, but I just fell into the water. It's nice to have.
Many people use Apple Watches as their every day watch, like me…I golf, hike, kayak, use it for music, etc…I use dozens of apps through the apple eco system.
I think that's precisely the purpose with the Ultra. A Swiss Army Knife of smartwatches that can use apps to unlock the sensors delivered on an easier-to-use interface. But it's clearly for people who ALSO dive, rather than primarily for divers.
Surface time for freedivers would be nice.
it’s not air integrated! 25:37 Then it’s not a dive computer, it’s a smart dive watch. With the Garmin mk 3i you can now send text messages to your buddies. 🤯👌🏻
Excellent review. Thank you. I'm looking forward to taking it underwater to check first hand.
I am a regular diver since 2000, and the subscription based app is a first for a dive computer; I HATE IT, I mean the financial plan. 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. Maybe Apple will open its App Store to another 3rd party app that offers it, or maybe Oceanic will reconsider its financial plans by adding it if enough people ask for it.
Maybe one day, Air Integration will also be added. Who knows. After all, the watch is Bluetooth and Wifi compatible. Your screen comparison was very insightful. The Ultra's UW screen looks far brighter than the Teric I dive with, which is already one of the brightest screens on the market.
It's too bad the Ultra stops monitoring the dive when deeper than 40m/130ft; this is a huge security issue, unacceptable for any diver that goes, accidentally or not, deeper once in a while, meaning at this point, the Apple Watch Ultra cannot be used as the primary or even secondary dive computer but only as a backup information dive watch. I agree with you that for the occasional non-deep OWD/AOWD, it should be fine, though.
The apps on the watch are great for daily use and I wonder if, during the dive, you can change screens and monitor your heart rate. This would be fantastic. Can you also use the timer during a dive?
Thanks again for your review.
I really wish I could sync my dives with the Oceanic Plus app with the Diverlog+ app. I’m also eager for air integration.
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it
Mk2 came out 3 years ago, I would hope the ultra have more features lol. I’m waiting for that MK3i
Good review thank you
Hi Ted,
Thanks,. I'm 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.
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.
Glad it was helpful! The depth limit is it's biggest con for sure. We are working the Mk3i review as we speak, so keep an eye for it! 👀
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.
I’ve recently got the Ultra to replace my Suunto D5/9 and Apple Watch 5. Besides the Air Integration that I also miss, I believe the biggest difference with the Garmin Descent MK2 is the fact that the Apple Watch is not just a Smartwatch, it’s a standalone phone! That’s IMO, the biggest delta with anything else out there.
Yes, very true. I think I could replace my phone with the Apple watch in most cases. It's only the browsing features that are not really there yet.
@@DIVEindotcom …and the cameras ;)
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.
Great review about Apple Watch Ultra.Thanks for all the information.I will definitely try it.
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.
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
problem with the Apple Watch for me since I use it everyday for fitness the heat from the sensors create a rash which is super annoying and had to go to a dermatologist to get cortisone for it to go away so take that into consideration even tho it was super useful I got rid of the Apple Watch as my skin health was way more important to me
would be happy to pay oceanic 130 USD for a one time cost but a subscription is not an option at all.
I completely understand where you're coming from! A one-time payment can feel more manageable than a subscription model. Think it depends how often you intend to use it and what for. If you only dive 1-2 weeks a year, then $20 isn't so bad. It’s always good to have options that suit different preferences!
I am interested in trying one of them.
This could have been so great but locking features of your $800 smartwatch behind a paywall is one of the most frustrating things I have seen apple do
I bought this watch a couple of days before leaving for a diving holiday. I installed the Oceanic+ app. First dive: fantastic readability ! But after 10 minutes, at a depth of 22 meters, the screen showed temperature icon and after another minute went completely dead. After the dive I tried hard reset etc, but it stayed dead. Is back to Apple now. Water temp was 26°C. I'm really anxious to know what their answer's gonna be. Luckily I always dive with 2 "real" Suunto dive computers, so I had my back-up.
Air integration could be done with a tank thingy that talks bluetooth. Then Oceanic would just need to add the reading of that device. It’s not really something for the watch to do itself. Which is good, because it -could- be done with the current Ultra.
Bluetooth does not work under water (not this main frequency). You need an other frequency which the watch lacks. The only thing that might work would be Garmins way of sonar air integration - this might even work with the microphone of the Ultra. But that one is patented by Garmin and they will fight you to death before they will leave that selling point to other watches.
Too bad. That would be PERFECT! On the good news side, it's pretty clear that Apple -could- figure it out if they wanted to. :)@@MetallicReg
@@craigfoster5470 Well if they wanted, they would just add the transmitter. It really isn’t anything groundbreaking. Heck I bet they even could release the tank module themselves and cash in additional 200-300$.
Great review, but without Air Integration the Apple watch will forever be in second place behind the Shearwater Teric.
It's kinda apples and oranges as far as who those two watches are for. I think the Mk2i is a better comparison than the Teric, as Garmin's is also a true Smartwatch. The Teric is pretty awesome for diving in all sorts of conditions. Oceanic+ is targeted to recreational divers that do scuba every once in a while.
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.
Excellent review! Very Thorough!
Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
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
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
Can you call for rescue on open water with this ultra?
Yes, if you're within the cellular range.
Excellent review!!
Thank you very much.
Glad you liked it!
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.
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.
Should be interesting how this affects stand alone divers watches , and companies like Garmin, Suunto, etc..
It's probably not the same, but I still remember when Blackberry was the shizzle and refused to change when the first iPhone came out.
Still, there's a lot of resistance in the dive community to the Ultra with the Oceanic+ (w/subscription).
i like it this apple drive computer
Great review! Thanks!
Great video and advice!!
I am interested in the longer wrist band. you mentioned an extension but have you seen a longer longer wrist band? Thanks
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.
@DIVEIN how does it measure how much oxygen you have left ??
There's no air integration. At least, not yet.
very useful
Can you tell me if the app keeps the logged dives in memory when you buy the one month subscription for example? Just bought an Ultra 2 and I don't dive a lot anymore. Great useful review, thanks a lot!
It keeps the logs, also after stopping the subscription.
@@DIVEindotcom Thanks a lot!
The snorkel mode sucks. I need a true Freedive mode. Do you know if apple will release an update with this mode ?
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.
That is apathetic offer by Oceanic, $80.00/year! The Apple watch is far beyond any other smartwatch and worth the money compared to dive computers but the Oceanic subscription is a no go. Someone should come out with an app that bluetooths to a tank pressure monitor.
@Bradley Axmith The 40m as ‘limit’ has much to do with data initially gathered by Haldane (1908) and US navy testing (1958) and based on that the processing of data, calculating and modelling safe-safer-safest algorithms and maximum ‘no-dec’ times to near zero below 40m as found on common very conservative dive-tables from PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS and Comex for recreational diving with standard pressurized air (79%N2 / 21%O2).
Since for recreational diving ruling bodies globally agreed also that: ‘a diver must ALWAYS be able to do a direct ascent to the surface from any depth (at max 18m/min) WITHOUT the need for decompression stops.’
So the 40 meter ‘limit’ is IMHO adopted out of these two, just as additional calculated safety for sport-diving in general. Possibly over time confirmed (to some extend as correlating factors) by DAN-data?
Reality, also confirmed by my own experiences, is that with for example just a few minutes of deco-stop time calculated by a dive-computer, regardless if penalized for this by diving below or well above(!) this 40m ‘limit’, if you naturally and relaxed continue your dive and ascent to shallower parts of the reef around 10-15m during the last half of the dive, by the time you reach the initial calculated deco-stop depth (e.g. @5m), this deco-stop is mostly already timed back to ‘no-dec’ by your computer long before you actually reach that depth! This is because you already start off-gassing N2 during the slow ascent towards that initially calculated deco-stop depth, as calculated in real-time by your dive-computer!
Exceptions for a calculated mandatory deco-stop at depth NOT being scrapped halfway this example are, when you:
- did much repetitive a/o deep diving in the last 24 hours;
- jojo-diving
- (too) fast ascents
- working hard under water (if air-consumption is also calculated in realtime)
- cold water diving
- recently flew (to) soon after scuba-diving
If you guys really want to understand where the ZH-72 model and ZH-L16C / ZH-L8ADT derivatives for dive-computers in more scientific details with background all the way back to Haldane tables for bell-diving, I can advise reading this: amzn.eu/d/ixa3mNG
This is THE 170 pages small booklet (reads more like an academic paper), from Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann and Ernst Völlm founding fathers of all Zurich (ZH) models and their embedded implementations in many modern-day diving computers.
Really interesting stuff for academic Scuba nurds!
After reading it, you probably reach the same conclusion: Apple and Oceanic went in the wrong direction by in-dive excluding decompression calculation ‘only’ after descending below 40m.
Since going (far) below 40m (shortly) does inhibit exponentially more calculated risk attracting N2 related issues, nonetheless a very similar decompression risk when diving constantly around 30-40m for long(er)! Therefore strange Oceanic+ app allows for ‘long(er)’ diving upto and above 40m, but scraps in-dive(!) the ‘deeper’ dive (just) below 40m?!?🤯
Always up for nerding out on these subjects. I'm not disagreeing at all. I was merely observing the similarities between dive tables and the Oceanic Plus depth limit. We're going to keep looking into this.
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.
I thought the Oceanic App gave you info beyond 40m 🤨 my Cressi Cartesio gaves info up to 120m... not like I am diving near that, but it is good to know! 😂
Where was the comparison to just the depth app that is on the watch? That's the question I really want the answer to: Is the watch worth it as a Dive Computer WITHOUT the subscription app?
No, it's not a dive computer, but just a dive watch that will show you time and depth. Same as a "normal" dive watch will do.
@@DIVEindotcom thanks for the response.
Great watch
Apple watch is not rated 100m as in ISO6425, it is referencing 100M as in watch rating where 100m means "suitable for swimming and water sports" moreover says water resistance is not permanent feature. So hood luck using it every day for diving. It is just intended for show and casual use of 6 dives/year resort folks.
Stopping working at 40m sounds incredibly dangerous. Do any other watches work like this?
No, this is the first dive computer I've heard of with this shallow max depth. But do keep in mind that most divers are not trained to go beyond 30 meters (100 feet)
@@DIVEindotcom surely that's not the point. Should you end you going deeper, for whatever reason, you would expect your dive computer to carry on tracking your dive to keep you safe and give you the right advice and information. Just stopping is a terrible solution.
this is for recreational diving tool. it is no technical diving tool.
First things first, pay over 1k USD for a dive computer only or .8k USD for a watch you can use for everything including diving (yes includes EAN up to 40% for a small fee of .08k annually. What’s the problem? Do the math… .08k annually or 1k immediately and hope it lasts 5 years 🤷🏼♂️ seems like a no brainer
I do have a question because I don’t own one but will the Apple Watch Bluetooth connect to any of the HUD’s on the market and will it connect to an Bluetooth air pressure sensor and integrate that information back into the Oceanic+ app? I’ve found zero information related to these two questions. Anyone?
What is the device two units over from the apple watch that looks like a fatter ultra?
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’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.