I Used Apple Watch Ultra WITHOUT an iPhone... 

I think Apple has unintentionally opened the door for a new type of audience to exist. I bought an Ultra and I have left my house multiple times now without my phone and I’m loving the feeling. I could definitely see myself using it in place of my phone for an extended period of time no problem. It sounds dumb, but I kind of feel a bit naughty every time I do it. 😂 At the same time, you begin to realize how much time you waste scrolling through nonsense on a phone.

*The fact that a watch (from Apple, Google, Samsung, etc...) can stay connected over cellular is one of the most underrated features, IMO.* I've been doing it since the days of the LG Watch Urbane & I can't go back to Bluetooth-only Smartwatches. Do I use the cellular connectivity all the time? No, but when I need it, I'm glad it's there. I like the freedom of knowing that if I accidentally leave my phone inside I don't need to go back & get it to maintain some basic features like SMS, calls, payments. It's also a nice way to disconnect a little while outside. Sure, I'll still get notifications, but without a phone, I know my interactions will be limited & that can be a good thing.

I ordered the Ultra specifically for this purpose back on launch day. I even went as far as porting my number to an Apple Watch Family Setup line to get rid of the phone tether completely (except for initial setup and occasional updates). I miss out on a bunch of Apple Watch features, but music, calls, text messages, nav and the rest of my essentials are available. It's been great to look up and see the world a lot more often. This type of lifestyle is not for everyone, but I've noticed my stress and anxiety have gone way down and my enjoyment of life has gone way up!

This video was very interesting for me. I just got this watch as a non-watch person. I have a habit of leaving my phone at my deck at work, not a huge issue until I lose track of time and start missing meetings. I have now left my phone at home a few times on accident and felt fine with it. It confirms more and more that I am able to get closer to my goal of looking at my phone less and less. I may wear the watch more at home now so I can leave my phone in the bed room.

Been a while I've watched unbox therapy, great to see content is still top tier.

This is a positive change in type of content. Please create more of this!

Love love love this, Lew! Amazing how watch features we used to only see in scifi are all slowly becoming the norm. Someone put a screen projector in smartwatches already!💯💯💯

This was quite interesting. I knew there were serious expectations for the new Ultra Watch series, but I think your experiment exceeded that. Apple does a pretty great job! Now we’d love to see it put to the test outdoors, skiing, surfing, mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc. I’m curious to see how it holds up. Either way, great job by Apple, and great job on your content! Been with you since the beginning, glad to see other people enjoy your videos now too.

Next Apple Watch is gonna be called Apple Watch Pro Ultra Mega Super Max

I got mine this week. So in love with design and functionality.

We need more of this type of content from this channel! It's gold!

ngl playing ice hokey part was impressive , and I loved how truly lew and the crew implemented all the activity from smallest to the biggest details that was massive video I guess and I love seeing it being done by the leader UT , the community is so proud guys

I think this is what we want to see from tech reviewers to experience tech products in real life

i find it fascinating hearing your thoughts on being phoneless, which i can safely assume would mimic most people's experiences seeing how completely attached we are to our phones daily. how quickly humanity has adapted to havinga smartphone with one at all times. to the point where it almost feels like an extension of our bodies, an extra limb we have acquired (represented in your explanation of "i feel like i'm missing something") it's almost ironic that with the introduction of a smartwatch like the apple watch which we initially assumed would cause us to be EVEN MORE attached to our phones and our social apps and consuming content at an even more rapid and immediate pace, made peopel start to explore the idea of detaching from the non essential features of phones and only keeping the absolute necessary. the only difference between that and just going with a "dumb" phone is that you can actively select in a way the things you consider essential rather than just assuming it's phones and texting. something like GPS navigation has become essential in my life and something i would incredibly miss from going phoneless. I have already began detaching from many social media sites and online activities and trying to focus more on real world experiences, hoping to one day indeed go phoneless and detach from the internet like the old days. but navigation and maps always was a heavy dependence for me. hopefully with the ultra (which i am planning on buying primarily as a fitness tracker within the apple ecosystem) will help me accelerate the detoxing of internet distractions great video Lew!

The fact that’s it’s so easy to text either by typing , swiping or voice makes it super useful jeje I could never quite get used to typing with the other ones

One of the best videos I’ve ever sent for information… I think you just broke thru an idea that many have wondered but no one has ever dared to venture out on … well done sir , definitely have open new possibilities 😊

It has the capability to be a very productive device - lack of distraction from social media and other phone addictions. And then you're just on the go with working out, attending meetings, making calls, purchases and navigating. Pair this with a laptop/tablet for emails, for work/academic stuff and it's great for days where you don't need a whole phone/camera. Crazy, I hope other companies take on a similar approach to enhancing productivity - because a smartphone is amazing, but we are in times that having one can be counterproductive and overwhelming. :)

As an app developer, I'll take this video 100% to heart. And make sure any future projects I work on, I'll push for a better smart watch interface to make it a better experience for the user :) Even not having their phone :)

Really appreciate this.. Please make a video on living with these as alternatives... cause this probably will be future anyway.. 1) Phone -> Smart Cellular Watch 2) Camera (also Action Cameras), All types of Screens, Earphones -> Smart Glasses 3) TV, Home theatre -> Portable (Projector + Speaker) something like Samsung freestyle 4) Laptop -> (Tablet + Single Board Computer) like Raspberry pi 5) All Chargers & Data Cables -> Wireless Power & Data transfer (Something similar to AirPower maybe)

I just did a 3 day stretch with the Ultra on a single charge. It has been a massive upgrade in my opinion

I LOVE THIS VIDEO! I am from one of the older generations and a professional who really doesn’t value cell phone addiction of any kind, but I hadn’t figured out how to lose it especially since even my job uses it for authentication - you have given me a way to leave it in a draw!! 😊

Would be awesome to see it work as a car key, car navigation, and audio playback function. That would be amazing, leaving the car keys at home and having everything else in the car work.

I had an unintentional situation that was similar. I had to fly out east to visit clients for the week. I left on a Monday and my phone had fallen out of my pocket in the yard and I did not have any time to go back home and get it without missing my flight. All that I had in my kit was Apple Watch Ultra, Airpods Pro and my iPad Pro. My wife sent my phone to the company that I was consulting to with a next day early delivery - $130.00. It never came and I had to fly out that evening. It did finally get there but, a day late. I created a label and sent it to that person that had received it but, they did not get it in the mail until the following week. So, I decided to embrace the experience and see what it was like. Due to these facilities being new to me, I did not connect to their WiFi - I was totally on LTE for the entire time. After long 10-12 hour days, I would be somewhere between 10-25% battery by the end of each day but, I was making it. The problem that I ran into was the emails did not synchronize and I could not receive SMS. To say that it was an optimal experience would be a lie but, I was able to get by. FYI - the day that it came was the day that I had to fly out again. It was delivered about 2 hours after I was traveling so, I had to wait 2 more days to get it. Total time to run on Apple Watch Ultra without my phone was 9 days. When I turned it back on, there were lots of missing messages on my iphone. I am not sure why but, there was no lack of communication because, I could still communicate on my iPad Pro.

This is the video I’ve been looking forward to ever since the first smartwatch was created

Great video. I like how you recognized the difference between a smart watch and a sports/fitness tracker. So many reviewers compare the battery life to a device that has zero smartwatch features, some don’t even have SCREENS! Sleep tracking seems to drain the battery more than any other regular feature. It’s working hardest when we’re doing the least.

After having several smart watches, including several Apple Watches, I have been consistently frustrated with battery life. Nothing worse than being on a hike and having a dead battery. So, I upgraded to Ultra 2 about 5 days ago. So far, loving the watch except that apps like compass, etc. keep opening unintentally when screen or buttons get bumped. Today, a normal use day, my battery at 75%. Yes, I have screen always on as I really like that feature. Probably used it a bit less than usual. So, I’m not really sure how you got such excellent battery results. Not sure I want to pay another cel fee to use watch without iPhone nearby, but I’m now more tempted to do so, and leave the phone behind on some occasions. Thanks for your test, very insightful!

yes. I am curious to replace phone with watch.. I wish I had this watch... Great video ... really love the idea of day without phone without loosing connectivity

I had it charged on a Thursday night at 6:20pm, 98% battery. It ran out Sunday morning at 8:33am. 62 hours and 13 minutes. I think if I had the last 2% I may have made 63 hours. I did use this watch the way I would, texts, emails, phone calls. I never used low power modes even at 10%. Always on was on. Thus was a week ago before the latest update. Yes, I still used my iPhone 13 Pro Max for searches and some calls and videos.

This is exactly why I got an Apple Watch. It’s difficult parting with the phone, especially without a cellular watch. Having it nearby makes me always tempted to pick it up. However, for all of my notifications, communication, payment, etc., the watch works just as well for me. It’s like all the good parts of having a phone (minus the camera), just without the possibility of mindlessly consuming content. It really is freeing, when I don’t have the phone in my hand. I’m not stressed about missing notifications or anything. I can just go out and live life like I haven’t in years, with the phone just chilling in the depths of my bag next to my wallet.

I switched to iPhone 14 Po Max to see what it is like to daily drive an iPhone. The big thing for me was losing my Galaxy watch, so I also grabbed the Ultra watch. After 1 day I was seriously impressed. I still think the S22 Ultra is the superior phone, but when it comes down to the watch and ecosystem, Apple nailed it. The first thing I said to my wife was "I could actually leave the house without my phone if I wanted to", and that is a nice option to have. Only real thing I would lose is videos.

Great video. Very good sample of what it would be like without a phone. I think this would be great for people that want to stay connected but not constantly be plugged in by always opening your phone to get on social media type apps to kill time.

This probably the smart watch i’d be willing to purchase. I feel like it would be a great switch for the weekends. Use the watch for times when you’re not working or on vacation.. something to help detach from all the other distractions.

I was really curious about this... Have been thinking and actually want it to happen. you were right about the psychological factor. Imagine realising just how much we are being controlled by our phone. So many things we do just because we have it. Not that we needed to do those things. This brings out that

This is a great way to, as you said detox from the social connection we have with phones but still be connected as not to miss anything important. Love this video, thanks!

I have been able to push the my normal use of the Ultra for 72 hours before hitting 0% - when I have used the watch during a cycling marathon which was 46 miles in 4 hours (Starting at 100% from the house - battery check after 46 miles continuous workout mode 77%) this was with full display "Always on" I suspect if I have it with "Always off" with theater mode I could extend it further. The simple test of using the ultra for my cycling marathon has surpassed my previous apple watch 6. I am happy with this investment.

Bought my Ultra for the exact same reasons. Performing my own daily experiments with it. Thanks for the video brother. Appreciate the confirmation that I can go without my phone when I feel like it. I find myself barely touching the phone now. Can't wait to see future iterations.

This vid was great. Don't have or plan to get the AW Ultra, but you've made a great point with the digital detox. Provides the key phone features calls/text/emails but without the ability to engage with social media apps. Will be using this as study hack for sure.

I've been waiting for this for so long... I truly believe companies should focus more on complementing them selfs within their environment, this is my use case: I consume most of my video, news, and stuff through a larger, more comfortable screen like the iPad, which I leave at home. Then I work all day with my phone in silence and tucked away, to avoid distractions. I still consume music but on the laptop. most of the notifications and phone calls are managed on my watch, I'm not afraid of losing my phone or carrying my debit card, everything I need its on the watch. Then, at home, I can pick up the tablet and continue there. I would really see in this scenario, the glasses being important, as they will help with the visual aspect, like augmentation and taking pictures. Phones doesn't need to have everything packed in one device.

Great video and production quality is top notch, enjoyed every minute. What coffee colored phone case is that? Couldn’t find the link, want one bad!

I like this vlog-style testing and review of Lew, refreshing to watch than a traditional studio review only, kind of getting to see how he does his everyday routine.

I dont live totally on just a watch. But, since I’ve started using my cellular Apple Watch I find a lot of situations are improved when I leave my phone just in the car, or even at home. There’s a lot of places you just don’t need your phone but still like being connected. I probably spend 50% of my waking day with my phone and 50% without. And it really works.

This is an interesting video idea! Cellular connected apple watches without the use of a phone are perfect for outdoor exercise with the use of headphones for audio. I can never get used to the speaker for calls in public, just seems weird!

Also, there’s a way you can make Apple Watch louder and clearer just turn on late night music options under EQ music settings in the settings app

Love your reviews. I'm an Android user (Google Pixel 7 now, but android user from Pixel 2), but I was an Apple fanboy from iPhone 3 to iPhone 6, then switched. Things like this AW Ultra make me think about switching again to iPhone and see if I can get used again to Apple ecosystem. I think I would miss notification center from android and computational photography of Pixel phones, but I like Apple implementation of watches. Now I use a Garmin Epix 2, but if you want a true smartwatch use, Apple watch is a killer. For sport activities and metrics, Garmin still maintains the lead.

I’ve used my ultra several times for full days without my phone. I really only go for the work day though without it. Works great and I love it. Especially since I can leave the house with my watch and car keys and that’s it. Battery life is EXCELLENT!!! I love it.

I like the ultra way more than expected. Its so much better and nicer than the standard. I got small wrists but it sits very well. Its a great device.

Thanks for a great road test of the AWU! Giving the Ultra between 30 - 40 minutes, adding +60% charge, while showering / dressing each morning is probably as much as it ever needs to maintain months of continuous use! (Frankly there is absolutely no advantage to anyone taking a shower, washing hair while wearing a smart watch? None. 🤷🏼‍♂️)

This was the video I needed to see and get information on. Thanks sir!

probably the best piece of content he's put out all year.

Two comments: first, I wonder how many products have had an increase in sales following Lou’s unboxing with no talking, just working through the unboxing. Second, I like the idea of the smart phone detox by leaning on the watch for the basics. Great video.

That was totally cool. I just got my watch today and I totally love it. I will be using it way more than my phone. As a matter of fact, I decided not to also upgrade my phone since the Ultra2 is so dang robust! Thank you for making this helpful vid! All The Best!

Ever since i found this channe ive been binging all your videos, Cant wait to watch as many as possible!

This type of vlog from unbox therapy, it is amazing. I like it. Lew! Pls do like this once in a while!

Great video man! Enjoyed this kind of content from ya. Tempting me to get an ultra now haha

We need more testers/reviewers like you 👍

Nando’s is South African 🇿🇦🔥 great to see you enjoying the food!

Impressive! Makes me want to upgrade my 2 year old SE finally. Apple Watch is by far the best product they make in terms of how well it works. I still get two days out of my watch battery and I use it every single day. I never use it solo though so that would be an interesting test for me to do to compare. Only downfall is the size of this new one. It’s quite bigger than the older styles and I feel it might get in the way. Anyone have one that they use and work in an industrial/ manufacturing setting and can comment on the size? Really digging the videos! Love this channel

Bro is SOOO cool that you share some of your activities outside Lew Later/ Unbox Therapy!!!!! Much Appreciated!!!!!

I want to do this. Thanks for the vid!

Love the premise. Of course I wouldn’t get rid of my phone altogether, but I love the possibility of being able to run errands around town with just a watch to keep me connected. Might have to pick one of these up!

As the spouse of a South African, I approve of the trip to Nando's. And this makes a very good case for enabling cellular on the Apple Watch Ultra... you could forget your phone at home and likely get through a day of moderate use!

I’ve been thinking about getting a cellular watch recently, just so that I can leave my phone at home from time to time for a bit of a detox. Had a look at the Ultra yesterday and it does look and feel really nice.

Great review, while I do like the battery test I think it would be fine to use it more realistically. Say while at the work or home let the device connect to your phone, but then when you left for coffee, leave the phone, or use the phone in the car but leave it in the car when going for lunch/dinner. I think this is how most of use probably use a cellular watch, or while getting ready charge it. I am willing to bet a lot of people charge there phone at there desk even if it is not needed, I think the watch can afford this luxury too.

Thanks for experimenting. I've been very curious about this but most of my considerations weren't explored in this endeavor. Things that our environment almost forces daily reliance on smart phones for like authentication, identification, travel, locking/unlocking other systems, more detailed exploration of GPS (would love to ride my motorcycle without a phone), swim/dive, functionality in different temperatures/climates, etc. This video did cover quite a bit. I learned a lot of helpful tips on solo use. I also think there was a bit of nomophobia going on with the dedicated effort to prematurely drain the battery vice letting it naturally deplete. I may have missed it, was there a mention of whether the device got physically warm in prolonged wear?

I think in the future it will be possible to replace the phone with the watch, we are two steps away, a simple 12 million pixel sensor at the top of the screen integrated into the watch and you have something, if in addition its allows people to distract a little from social networks, it can become a great alternative to phone, it all depends on your needs.

Great video. Really does give you a different perspective on the capability of a smart watch when the battery life is longer than 24 hours. Will this become the new switch for phones.

love your unboxing style!

I've been and still am today someone that is still somewhat skeptic of a smart watch since I'm more of a traditional mechanical watch person. I had the Series 3 when it first came out and it gave me some idea but after awhile I sold it and went back to my traditional route. Having sold the majority of my watches, I decided to jump on the Apple Watch train again and decided to start basic with the SE. Honest opinion, it hasn't disappointed me. It's even gotten me to use my phone less since buying it and I've been using my Apple Watch for almost everything now. It's really convenient when I'm paying for something, not having to take out my phone or wallet. Only time I am really on the phone now is to watch RU-vid or scroll social media. I take my watch off the charger around 5 and by 11 it's at 55 percent. For the basic model, it really has impressed me and changed my view about smartwatches. So much so that I might drop more coin on a Ultra in the future.

One of my favorite things in the ultra is ten cellular and battery! The ability to leave the phone at home or casually forget it is nice.

actually really impressive. Might be a good tool help people who want to get off their phone addiction without worrying about missed emergency communications or battery worries.

I haven’t watched your channel in quite a while this experiment you did with the iPhone Watch has really rekindled my joy watching you go through the mechanics of putting things through the ringer you are an excellent RU-vidr and professional thank you for this commentary on the watch and your honest opinion and your hard work

Favorite video you've ever done honestly. Day in the life with.

It's so refreshing to see him outside his studio.

Sleep analysis from the previous night can be viewed on the Apple Watch in the sleep app. The watch will display the graph of awake time, REM, core, and deep sleep throughout the night as shown on the iPhone. There must have been an error that night in the sleep tracking.

Great video thanks I’ve been doing some of this with an editions cellular. It’s three now and the apps are improving all the time. It’s great on a walk with no phone, or out and about. I can nearly manage ….but! No photos. That’s the one big thing for me. And smartphone cameras are so good! I’m wondering if a compact camera in my bag might just do me. Or gopro type device In which case, next watch will be a pro, and next phone perhaps not

Es la mejor Review que he visto del Apple Watch Ultra. Esto es lo que necesitaba para decidir la compra. El detox del celular es la mejor parte de todo. Solo la comunicación y música, sin nada más. Es Perfecto.

It's refreshing to see some Sunlight in this channel 🌞

Lou. You’re really cool bro. And thanks to your crew for making such good content..

I think this is a great point. I want to do a bit of a digital detox (but with working from home it makes it difficult). Thank you for the video!

I love this type of style video like a vlog continue with this awesome video Apple Watch ultra has good battery life 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾😊

Love these videos thank you and your team for this

The new update has really pushed the battery level to a whole new level.

@UnboxTherapy For the bluetooth pairing, have you tried renaming your AirPods to something without the apostrophe? I've run into the problem before that some OS bluetooth pairing break with the apostrophe. This was the case pairing my old iPhone with my Kobo. Might be the same with the built-in OS for Tesla.

Good one mate. I don't think I will use my Apple watch Ultra instead of my iPhone because it is the same as thinking about using your iPad instead of your Macbook Pro. While there are some overlapping functionalities, each device has its purpose. I cannot run SPSS or NVivo software on iPads or Android Devices. By the way, paying with an Apple watch does not require your iPhone to be near you. I did that with Series 7 GPS while my phone was at home. BTW I love the lights you have on the ceiling ;-)

As a long time android phone and iPad user. This watch has opened up the possibility of ditching the phone... Something I've wanted to do since LTE smart watches came out. Will be interesting were smart watches are in 6 months to a years time

I keep buying cellular watches to try and do this but can't get myself to do it. A camera, is the biggest thing I miss. Great video though!

Interesting experience, I haven't seen anyone doing a thorough review of it, Apple managed to make this device pretty impressive a few notches above the regular Apple watches.

I personally am so ready to switch to a full time smart watch instead of a phone. It’s a little bummer that I’ll still need to have a phone and I’ll probably buy a compact Kamera for photos on the go but I honestly quite enjoy the idea 😅 It feels like you’re detaching from the busy life of socials and distractions but you’re still in contact with all the things necessary.

I’m receiving mine on Wednesday. So excited!!I hope developers and Apple start giving us more features on the Apps to use them as a standalone device. Accessing messages and pictures on Snapchat shouldn’t be a problem if it we can do it with iMessage.

The best video about the Apple watch ultra, loved that idea about phone detox 💯

What chair is that at 14:25? I've always thought of having a setup like that so that I'm not sitting upright while still being able to work. With regards to the watch, the real bummer right now is there's no Uber or Lyft apps

The idea of this really intrigues me. I will strongly consider this option in the future.

Thanks for doing this type of video. I think this is perfect for people who want to slim down on phone usage. IE…social media because you’re still connected but more in the life moment.

I tried also to connect my ultra to cars audio, exactly es same problem. Hopeful it will be fixed in future.

Just got wind of this video, much enjoyed! However -- I actually have wished for a watch to replace my phone. When I had an Apple Watch for only 14 days 3 years ago, I quickly realized that as a whole it would not replace a phone, but it was capable. I since switched to a Google Pixel 4XL and most recently, the Pixel 6 Pro. Personally, I've enjoyed the Pixel phones was more than I ever enjoyed an iPhone (although the 4C was ideal.) It was my dream, thinking of Google developing a watch, to replace my phone in a daily sense. Commuting, working [and no phone on me,] and my usual weekends full of hobbies and adventure. When I got the Pixel Watch upon release, at first, it was not even provisioned properly for sms. I could stream Spotify, I could make calls, but I needed four days of tech support to be able to use my watch, with my phone off, over LTE as you did your Ultra in this video. Basics--those are great. But, Maps on my watch will not guide me unless my watch is also connected to my phone. Assistant, she'll answer anything over LTE, and honestly display answers so nicely, like sports as I'm used to with Google. Connected to Buds makes it even easier to command the watch to do things for me, without having to unlock the screen or do any extra taps. Battery life, well, as with all Pixel devices, it has greatly improved over the course of the past few weeks. Although your Ultra has a huge battery, I am noticing similar drain with similar usage (wifi/lte split.) That excites me. I've charged it while getting ready in the morning -- if it's at 25%, it could take 40-50 minutes to get to 100. That's ideal, imo. I've noticed I'm now getting through the days after a morning charge from 10a-10p, 45% left for sleep, waking up with 25-40% every morning. Even going to bed with only 30% still leaves me with 20-28% in the morning! I estimate 6 hours of my day, the watch is connected to LTE and searching for my phone/wifi. Again, the Pixel Watch's battery life impresses me. Now, missing from my watch is an app from Google you may have heard of, Gmail! There's not Gmail installed or available to install. That seems odd, right? But, as far as being accessible via text and call on my watch, I see no issue continuing relationships with others! And, I can have Maps display directions and leave the house, so it's not that bad. Notably, swipe to text and speech to text on the watch are both as lightning fast and intelligent as they are on my 6 Pro, which is something I use often on both devices, but makes it even easier to replace the phone for a texting device! Altogether, if Google can update a few apps to be more independent of the phone, I can see myself carrying a good photography camera (even though my 6 Pro is clearly an amazingly capable point+shoot device), a laptop (or hopefully Pixel Tablet), and wearing my Pixel Watch. I'm a Superfan for sure, but in no way is this a fan boy post about Google. It's just my explanation of how I've dreamt for years of only wearing a watch, but even Google has figured out a way to create a dependency upon the phone -- for the watch, not just the human.

Thanks for giving me something else to consider before I purchase my smartwatch. Have you tested the series 8 in this way?

Now imagine hooking this up with something like smart ar glasses for a portable large screen experience and a phone will no longer be necessary.

Great video buddy. I use my watch 5 pro and in the same way but lasts 40 hrs is a beast.

The samaprung app allows me to access any app on the front screen on my zflip 3. The tech is out there to have that in a watch too! Can't wait for the future!

How to you like the alpine loop? I couldn’t decide that or the ocean style band I decided the ocean band (orange) for my ultra 2