Bummer not to see a more meaningful Ultra 2 update. I would have at least considered it. I recently received the new Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire and, while expensive, it is really a stunning piece of hardware. Perhaps it's not quite as well crafted as the Ultra, but it certainly is close and has a better battery and, in my mind, better software specifically for people more serious about fitness. (In my case, running ultras.)

What's neat about the Ultra is the idea of heading out for a run with no phone and your podcasts are still synced. "Running (mostly) free." Half the time, though, I start my run and realize the content isn't really there because it can only sync on the charger with more than 50% battery.

It's all to say, Apple products are tough because they arrive to markets late and then self-impose one- or two-year update cycles. It's SO SLOW getting to parity with existing solutions.