TESTCENTREEXTRA
Trick or treat ?
Apple ’ s new dive computer
Apple Watch Ultra / Oceanic + app
COMPANY : APPLE / OCEANIC PRICE : £ 849 ( PLUS SUBSCRIPTION ) WEB : WWW . APPLE . COM
WWW . OCEANICWORLDWIDE . COM
There ' s always something of a buzz when tech giant Apple launches a new product . Of particular interest to divers is the latest Apple Watch Ultra , which adds a fully-functioning dive computer to its many surface-related features . While an actual example of the watch wasn ' t available as SCUBA went to press , here ' s what we know so far . The Ultra features a 49mm aerospace-grade titanium case plus a flat sapphire crystal face and full-colour Retina display . Depth-rated to 100 metres it offers a host of land and surface-based features , including apps for running , biking and swimming . Health monitoring is catered for , with heart rate , ECG and blood tracking apps . The difference between the Ultra and its predecessors however , is Apple ' s link-up with Huish Outdoors and its new Oceanic + app . While the watch itself is rated to 100m , the maximum depth of the Nitrox capable app ( up to 40 % oxygen ) is restricted to the recreational diving limit of 40 metres . Whether this may be expanded upon in the form of a software update in the future remains to be seen . The dive mode screen is laid out vertically with ( from top-to-bottom ) current depth ; no deco / deco time ; dive time ; minutes to surface and temperature . On the left of the face is a colour-coded , sliding scale Variometer which spins up or down indicating ascent / descent rates and deco / safety stops . Secondary screens are accessed via the watch ' s rotating crown . Unlike previous Oceanic dive computers which have used the DSAT and Z + algorithms the Apple / Oceanic + now utilises the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm . This has the benefit of gradient settings that can be better matched to a buddy ' s other-brand computer .
There are a variety of programmable audible / haptic alarms for depth , time and CNS , plus a compass and an automatic GPS feature which records entry and exit points . However , before rushing out to buy the Ultra , be aware that you will also ( if you don ' t already own one ) require an iOS 16 compatible iPhone . You ’ ll need it to set up and run the dive app . Without the crucial link between watch and phone , the app will not function . The second , and potentially controversial issue , is that the fully-functioning dive app is only available via a paid-for subscription . Although prices for the UK have yet to be announced , in the US they start at $ 4.99 per day , $ 9.99 / month ( intended for casual or vacationing divers ) or a $ 79.99 / year subscription for the more active diver . A Family Sharing ( up to five persons ) option , affords members of the same household use of the app for $ 129 / year . Also due for release is the Oceanic + Smart Housing which not only turns your iPhone into a camera but allows your dive computer ' s display to be overlaid on the phone . NH
A full Test Centre review of the Apple Watch Ultra and Oceanic + app will appear in the next edition of SCUBA .
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