A recent study conducted by data scientist Rob ter Horst at the University of Vienna has revealed that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 exhibits superior heart rate accuracy compared to competing fitness trackers from brands like Garmin, Samsung, and Whoop. The findings, derived from testing the watch with a public beta of the upcoming watchOS 26 update, showcase the device’s capabilities in a controlled setting.
For this assessment, ter Horst utilized a Polar H10 chest strap as the benchmark for heart rate measurements during an indoor running workout. The results indicated that the heart rate sensor of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 closely aligned with the Polar H10’s data, with minimal discrepancies. This is particularly noteworthy as the Whoop MG, branded as “Medical Grade,” showed a deviation of around 6% from the H10, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 deviated by 3%. In comparison, the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Fenix 7 exhibited deviations of 7% and 9%, respectively.
Performance Across Different Activities
The testing did not stop at heart rate monitoring. When evaluating other forms of exercise, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 consistently performed well, matching the Polar H10’s accuracy for cycling and outdoor running. In contrast, the Whoop MG exhibited a significant deviation of 15%, with the Garmin Forerunner 570 not far behind at 12%.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also demonstrated noteworthy capabilities in sleep tracking. According to ter Horst’s findings, the device achieved approximately 73% accuracy for tracking REM and deep sleep, and 86.5% accuracy for light sleep, as compared to a Hypnodyne ZMax control device. This performance surpasses that of the Oura Gen 4 ring, while competitors like Samsung, Whoop, and Garmin fell short in this category.
Future Prospects for the Apple Watch Ultra
Looking ahead, speculation is mounting regarding an enhanced version of the Apple Watch Ultra, tentatively dubbed the Ultra 3. Expected to debut at Apple’s upcoming device launch event in early March 2024, this new model is rumored to feature an improved display, 5G connectivity, and advanced health monitoring capabilities, including the detection of high blood pressure.
Despite its impressive performance, the Apple Watch series, including the Ultra model, continues to face challenges regarding battery life. While many more affordable competitors boast the ability to operate for weeks on a single charge, users hope that Apple can enhance the energy efficiency of its sensors to address this concern.
In summary, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out in a crowded market of fitness trackers, offering compelling accuracy in heart rate and sleep tracking. As the competitive landscape evolves, consumers will be watching closely to see how Apple’s next offerings stack up against both established rivals and emerging technologies.
