About Testing

Surrounding each MacTech Boot Camp, Apple Certification Tests will be available. See specific city information for dates and times as some testing takes place prior to MacTech Boot Camp in a city. Only MacTech Boot Camp attendees may participate in this test program, and you must be pre-registered for testing. No onsite testing registration.

Learn. Network. Get Certified.

• Take the time now to get the Apple Certification you’ve always wanted.
  
• Network with peers during the conference and the one-hour study session.
  
• Pass your test and walk away satisfied & certified!

Why should I get certified?

• Having an Apple Certification is the best way to prove to your clients or employer that you possess the knowledge & know-how to be considered a “guru” in your Mac-related field of expertise.
  
• You can take any Apple Certification test that is currently available at the time of testing.
  
• Our testing partner will moderate a group study session in the hour prior to the exam. Typically, discussions from test takers focus on discussions surrounding Mac OS X Support Essentials & Server Essentials.

How do I register for the test session?

1. If you haven’t already, you must first register for the MacTech Boot Camp at: https://www.mactech.com/bootcamp/registration
   
2. Once you are registered for MacTech Boot Camp, you can use the below links to register for the testing in the selected city (below).
   
3. Study for the test prior to coming using the Apple recommended study guides.
   
4. Arrive at the testing location which is likely different from the MacTech Boot Camp location at the check-in time indicated.

   Space is limited so act now!

   (Disclaimer: While extraordinarily valuable, MacTech Boot Camp sessions nor the Testing Study Group are not intended to prepare you specifically for Apple Certification exams. test Proctor/Trainer may or may not have knowledge related to your specific exam. Study session is intended more as a study group or last minute study period. There will only be enough time to allow for one exam.)

   Pricing
   For $199 (in addition to the MacTech Boot Camp registration fee), you can take a proctored certification test and take part in a group study session (value $299). Registration is separate for each city as indicated below.

   Schedule
   You have time for a single exam. Any of the exams available at the time from Apple Authorized Testing Centers can be taken. Make sure you select the correct city for your registration.

   San Francisco Boot Camp Testing by our partner at this location:			Registration Closed
   	v.2 Consulting, Inc. 115 Sansome Street, Suite 1150 San Francisco CA 94104 415-989-9889

   There are two time slots for testing (which takes place on Tuesday, January 25th). You may choose either on a first-come, first-served basis. There is limited capacity for testing, so please make your choices quickly for greatest selection:

   Testing Session 1:
   9am: Check-in
   9:10am-10:30am: Study session
   10:30am-11am: test login and setup
   11am-1pm: Exam

   Testing Session 2:
   2pm: Check-in
   2:10pm-3:30pm: Study session
   3:30pm-4pm: test login and setup
   4pm-6pm: Exam

   The testing will take place at v.2’s offices. It’s a 10-15 minute walk, or a short cab ride, from the MacTech Boot Camp SF venue. Please realize that there is security in the building lobby where v.2’s offices are located, and you must be on the list of registered test takers to go to the v.2 offices.

   Dallas Boot Camp Testing by our partner at this location:			Registration Closed
   		MacAmerica Dallas / Ft. Worth: 2300 Valley View, Suite 205 Irving, Texas 75062 972-823-4000

   Testing takes place the day PRIOR to the event, on Tue, April 26th:
   5:15-5:30pm: Check in
   5:30-6:30pm: Proctor “moderated” study group
   6:30-7:00pm: Get people registered for online testing, tests chosen
   7:00-9:00pm: Test taken

   The testing will take place at MacAmerica’s offices. It’s a 10 minute drive, or a short cab ride, from the MacTech Boot Camp Dallas venue (Hyatt Regency DFW). If you do not have a car, taxi service can be called for both directions.

   Boston Boot Camp Testing by our partner at this location:			Registration Closed
   		Future Media Concepts – Boston One Kendall Square Bldg 300, 2nd Fl Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: 617-621-1155

   Testing takes place the day PRIOR to the event, on Tue, May 17th:
   2:00-2:15pm: Check in
   2:15-3:30pm: Proctor “moderated” study group
   3:30-4:00pm: Get people registered for online testing, tests chosen
   4:00-6:00pm: Test taken

   The testing will take place at FMC’s offices. It’s a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk from the MacTech Boot Camp Boston venue (Royal Sonesta Hotel). Taxi service can be called for both directions.

   Los Angeles Boot Camp For a variety of scheduling and logistical reasons, testing is not available in conjunction with this event. That said, MacTech recommends that you check into Creative Resources (in Costa Mesa) or v.2 Consulting in Studio City for their certification offerings.

   Not available.

   Chicago Boot Camp Testing by our partner at this location:			Click to Register
   		MacSpecialist – Chicago 500 N Wells St. Chicago, Illinois 60654 Phone: 312-755-0000

   Testing takes place the day PRIOR to the event, on Tue, August 30th:
   2:00-2:15pm: Check in
   2:15-3:30pm: Proctor “moderated” study group
   3:30-4:00pm: Get people registered for online testing, tests chosen
   4:00-6:00pm: Test taken

   The testing will take place at MacSpecialist’s offices. It’s approximately 1.5 miles (cab ride or walk) from the MacTech Boot Camp Chicago venue (Allegro Hotel).

   Available Apple Certification Exams:

   At each location, the following exams are available. Remember, typically study group discussion surrounds the “Essentials” exams.

   Mac Integration Basics test [9L0-406]
   Mac OS X Support Essentials v10.6 [9L0-403]
   Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.6 [9L0-510]
   Mac OS X Deployment v10.6 [9L0-623]
   Mac OS X Directory Services v10.6 [9L0-624]
   Mac OS X Security and Mobility 10.6 test [9L0-625]
   ACTC v10.6 Recertification test [9L0-511]
   Xsan 2 Administration [9L0-622]

   Additional exams may be available. Contact us for more information.

As a professional analyst covering the PC and CE markets since 1981, I have watched closely how these markets have developed and how various companies, such as Apple, have come from obscurity to one that now dominates in the tech market. 

While the following observation is not new and can be applied to inventions probably since the beginning of time, it is even more apropos in our digital age. 

Everyone is familiar with the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. Most inventions come from someone seeing a need and creating a product or service that meets that need. More importantly, inventors pretty much drive much of the world’s commerce as individuals and companies apply various levels of R&D to an idea and use that to invent new products and bring them to market.

In various conversations recently, I have heard both Apple backers and detractors bemoaning the fact that Apple seems to be at a crossroads, and saying Apple needs to invent something new to get its luster back. 

This is probably a harsh assessment in that Apple is still making record profits and, while their stock has taken a hit, Apple still has over $200 billion in the bank and spent $18.7 billion in R&D in 2020 with, I am sure, plans to continue to create and develop new products and services in the future. They have been doing this well since 1984; their model for success continues to work for them. 

However, asking Apple to invent something new suggests that those asking do not understand Apple’s formula for success. It’s one they repeat with every product they have brought to market since their beginning, starting with the original Apple I. Apple did not invent the PC ( that came from Micral in 1973), and it was Eddie Robert’s Altair 8800 introduced in 1974 that brought the first commercial PC to the market.

The Apple I came from Steve Wozniak’s lust for wanting his own Altair but not having enough money to buy one. So he created his own and, along with Steve Jobs, made a business out of his version of a personal computer. But it was what Apple did with their PC over time that put Apple on the map. With every generation of the Apple I, II, and III, and eventually the Mac, they brought innovation to the design, OS platform, and related applications. 

Their approach is to innovate around an existing product and make it better and tie it to a broad ecosystem of software and services. For example, they did not invent MP3 players but put their innovative design, easy to get music via downloads, and an ecosystem of software and services to it — Apple owned the portable music player market for over a decade.

That same approach was also applied to the iPhone. While not first to market with a smartphone, Apple innovated around the concept, created the iPhone, and introduced pocket computing to the world. 

When Phil Schiller, then VP at Apple, showed me the iPhone in a meeting when it was launched, he put the iPhone on the table and asked what I saw. It was not turned on and I said it was a nice piece of glass. Then he turned it on and it came to life and told me the magic was in the UI and software that made the iPhone much more than just a "piece of glass."

The radical design of the iPhone helped create a multi-billion dollar market for them and many others. Smartphones now are the number one way people gain access to the internet around the world.

Apple took the same approach with tablets with the introduction of the iPad in 2010. 

Apple did not invent tablets. In fact, I started testing various tablets as early as 1989 with the original GRiDPad. 

But Apple did make them better and also created a billion-dollar market for tablets. They are the leader in enterprise-based tablets and are still a highly preferred provider of tablets for consumers around the world. Apple did not invent smartwatches, but here too, they have created what seems to be the best of breed and the best-selling smartwatch and a product that adds billions of dollars to their bottom line.

Given that Apple likes to reinvent products and markets, what new opportunities will Apple focus on that could take advantage of this successful formula?

Now that AR/VR seems to be the next big thing, some Apple aficionados are asking, “Where’s Apple’s AR/VR strategy?” Some even worry Apple will be too late given all of the activity from Oculus, HTC Vive, Sony Playstation VR, Samsung, and others. 

But if history is our guide, Apple will watch how this market develops and, at the right time, and when the right technology is available, bring out an AR/VR solution that will most likely be superior to anything on the market outside of what is at the ultra high end. 

With AR Kit and AR apps on the iPhone and iPad, they have already laid a great foundation that, eventually can be used in their AR/VR glasses when they come to market. And when they do, I suspect they will create the gold standard for smartphone-based AR/VR headsets with supporting apps and services and, even if late, they could end up with the lion’s share of the market as they have done with the other products in their line.

No doubt Apple will keep this same MO as they study and work on any type of autonomous vehicle should they bring one to market.

This does not mean Apple will not invent something new in the future. But Apple has become a master of innovating around new products being introduced by others that show promise but, in their early stages, are not enough to create or drive a large market for them. If that product does show it has commercial legs, Apple enters that market and do what they do best — create a great new device with a better UI, develop an SDK so developers can create great apps and services for it and then spend millions of dollars marketing while making it part of the broader ecosystem of products they offer their customers.

My bet is Apple keeps up its successful formula for innovating around new products and categories and that is what will continue to drive Apple’s growth in the future.

When you think of traditional problems that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) often finds itself facing, a few come to mind.

• Coming up with new features to make customers continue to re-buy their products.
• Improving its relationship with employees which is becoming increasingly strained.
• Figuring out how to keep its internal A.I. systems from becoming sentient (just kidding… at least I hope).

The point is between all of those real and likely fictional problems (that still get traction in the media) streaming has really never veered so far into that “trouble” lane. Yes, in the beginning it did when everything was so new and the company hadn’t found its footing, but lately it’s been on a roll.

Now it is all about keeping that momentum which has come with new and unexpected challenges.

First as always, some background.

In the past year (and change) Apple has turned its streaming division into a diamond in the rough and racked up two Emmys for Best Comedy Series for Ted Lasso and a Best Picture win at the Oscars for CODA.

For those keeping score, that tops Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) in both measures and that team has been at it for a substantially longer period of time. Yes, the first one through the wall is the bloodiest, but it has to sting for a company that has pumped untold millions of shareholder money into awards campaigns to keep coming up empty in the biggest races.

The point being Apple TV+ has climbed that mountain, but now comes the equally harder task of staying on top. CODA was a big win, but it was also a big surprise… Apple could not have confidently said on Oscar nomination morning (at least internally) that the movie would even be nominated, let alone win.

This was a unicorn of a film where so many things went their way in the right sequence of events that it will be hard to duplicate. And by the way, that’s not meant to take anything away from their team, those events only go in the right direction when people help shepherd them into the right direction – it is just so rare those moves work as well as they did in this competitive landscape.

In any case – onwards and upwards.

And that’s where the problem is…

Apple has long had two “next big things” in its film quiver - Killers of the Flower Moon with Martin Scorsese directing and Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro as the leads and Emancipation with Antoine Fuqua directing and Will Smith the lead.

See the problem?

Hint – it’s not Flower Moon.

Well not directly, Flower Moon is a whole other type of problem for Apple as it will be (at least as of now) the first Apple release to go theatrical, as part of a deal with Paramount, and then hit streaming versus the day/date approach that is more common.

The logistics of that roll-out and the ultimate comparisons to the rollout of Scorsese’s recent Irishman film with Netflix are going to be two areas that have to be sorted first with its team – but regardless that film isn’t slated until 2023 and those are challenges Apple knew about when they made the deal for the movie.

This was unexpected.

Emancipation was originally eyed for this upcoming award season until Will Smith self-imploded on national TV at the Oscars. Now it leaves Apple in a potentially no-win situation and a choice it has to make.

Release the movie as planned and be mired in “Slapgate,” delay the movie and hope this blows over in a year or the extreme option – sell it or burn it off and move on. Realistically, I don’t see that last one really being a viable option, but it’s one that had to have been discussed in the fallout of Smith’s bizarre actions earlier this year.

What makes Emancipation such a buzzy title is that it pairs Smith with Fuqua to tell the true story of the man known as “Whipped Peter,” whose scarred back became the rallying cry to help turn the tide of the Civil War.

Smith, despite his erratic personality, remains a gifted actor. He has shown he can do comedy and drama without missing a beat. Few actors can move effortlessly between the two, so you can see why hopes were SO high for this movie.

Remember, despite being banned from the Oscars itself and no longer being a member of the Academy, Smith is still eligible to be nominated, but will voters be able to look past the man and at his performance?

Possibly, but not this year.

Many voters are still embarrassed by the slap-heard-round-the-world and while the odds are low Smith would ever do something like that again, his past actions can’t be discounted.

Personally, I think releasing the movie this year does not go well for Apple and it would be best to wait. It just is not a good look for anyone and will take away from what by all accounts is a well-made movie on an important event in our country’s history.

Beyond that the campaign becomes about Smith and a “redemption” tour which the Oscars don’t want and Smith may not be fully ready to embrace. Realistically the best thing for Apple and its investors may be to just sit this out for a bit, let Smith’s comeback be with a different film/studio so those tough and unpleasant media conversations will happen, but tied to somebody else’s project.

To be clear, even in that scenario, Apple will still have to go down that road with Smith and the press, but it will help them to not have to be first.

Apple has worked hard to build a strong reputation in this space and convince both critics and investors this was the right place for it to be – especially given it had no prior experience in the area. This is a decision that will be analyzed across the board, even more so because it's Apple, so you can bet this is not going to be something that gets decided overnight.

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro and its larger version, iPhone 14 Pro Max, include a new element called the Dynamic Island. It’s not an adventure destination that keeps you on the move, no; it’s an area of the iPhone display which changes shape according to what you’re doing.

In a rare interview, Apple’s Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, and Alan Dye, vice president of design talked exclusively to The Independent about the destination that is Dynamic Island and in doing so were quietly revelatory about Apple’s approach to design in general.

Since the iPhone X introduced facial recognition, replacing the fingerprint sensor on some earlier iPhones, every Apple flagship phone has had an area at the top of the display where the TrueDepth camera system sits, enabling the secure identification mechanism.

This cut-out has shrunk to its smallest size yet on the latest Pro iPhones, and the Dynamic Island enhances it, displaying a timer to the right of it or the artwork for the currently playing song to the left, growing and changing shape as needed.

It’s a highly attractive effect that slightly transforms how you interact with the iPhone, and it elegantly disguises the fact that part of the screen isn’t screen at all. Here are the Apple design techniques which led to the Dynamic Island.

Collective Design: Teams working together

“Our goal has always been to design all of our products in a way where software hardware are conceived of together,” Mr Dye explains. “Hopefully, you never quite know where the hardware ends and the software begins. And it’s why we design all of our products together in one studio.

“We really believe that Dynamic Island, which is really this wholly new way of experiencing iPhone, is a great example of this. We worked hard to blend the lines between hardware and software, and you see that when the island adapts in real time to show alerts and notifications and activities.”

Tight integration leads to intense working together. “At Apple,” Mr Dye goes on, “it’s always hard to look back and understand how these things came to be. It’s a constant back and forth where we talk about ideas and concepts and then put them through the rock tumbler. That way, we come to think about what the ultimate solution should be and what we should ship as a product.”

Apple’s unique ecosystem

Then there’s the fact that Apple makes both hardware and software. In the mobile phone world, the other major player is Android, with the software made by Google but the hardware by Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, Oppo and plenty of others.

If you're looking at buying your first Apple Watch, the Watch SE 2 shouldn't be your budget pick, it should be your starting point. Apple's affordable smartwatch offers all the tools and features most users will need, plus unrivaled app support and highly-accurate fitness tracking. The lack of blood oxygen monitoring is a questionable miss and you'll have to live without the Series 8's larger, always-on display, but if you only want the essentials, there's no reason not to save your cash.

About this Apple Watch SE 2 review: I tested the Apple Watch SE 2 for seven days. It was connected to my iPhone 11 Pro Max throughout the testing period. The Apple Watch SE 2 review unit was purchased by Android Authority.

What you need to know about the Apple Watch SE 2

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

What’s good?

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Watch SE 2 offers the core Apple Watch experience, including apps and integration, on the same speedy processor as the Series 8.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

What’s not so good?

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The Apple Watch SE 2 doesn't enjoy the same bump in display size as the Series 7 and Series 8, nor their optional always-on settings.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Advanced health sensors keep Apple's more expensive models a step above the affordable SE 2.

Apple Watch SE 2 specs

Apple Watch SE 2 review: The verdict

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

With the many new features of watchOS 9, the Apple Watch SE 2 isn't just Apple's most affordable option, it's one of the best entry-level smartwatches you can buy.

Apple Watch SE (2022)

More affordable • Made from recycled materials • Excellent display

The excellent, affordable SE 2 is up for grabs.

The Watch SE 2 carries the essential features of the Apple Series 8 at a more affordable price. It features the same processor and the Car Crash detector as the more expensive models, and Apple says the battery lasts a decent eighteen hours of use.

Top Apple Watch SE 2 questions and answers

The Apple iPhone 14 is the most-wanted smartphone for Christmas and Hanukkah. The latest iPhone iteration, released this September, has a bunch of cool new features and functions that you won't find on older iPhone models. Plus, we found the Apple iPhone 14 on sale.

Give the gift of the latest Apple tech this holiday season. Keep memorizing to discover why the Apple iPhone 14 is CBS Essentials' No. 1 smartphone pick this year. Plus, shop tons of discounted Apple tech during Amazon's fall deals event, the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

Top products in this article:

Shop the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale

Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

Apple AirPods Pro 2, $223 (reduced from $249)

Why the Apple iPhone 14 is a most-wanted holiday gift

It's no surprise that the Apple iPhone 14 is a popular device. Year after year, multiple iPhone models appear on the global list of bestselling smartphones. They're well-loved by owners, too: Last year's Apple iPhone 13 racked up a 4.8 star review score on Amazon.

But that's the iPhone 13, and this is the iPhone 14. Apple's new iPhone 14 offers several improvements over the prior model, including a camera upgrade, an improved Retina display and a larger battery. The new iPhones will feature 6GB of RAM, an increase over the 4GB offered in the iPhone 13.

If you're shopping for an Apple fan, there's almost no question -- they want and will love to unwrap a new Apple iPhone 14 for Christmas or Hanukkah. It's one of CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts, and our pick as the best smartphone to gift this holiday season.

The best smartphone to gift in 2022: Apple iPhone 14

The iPhone 14 has a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture. The upgraded smartphone also includes an improved front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. Apple states that the new camera system will provide strong improvements for low-light photography through its new Photogenic Engine. Apple also introduced Action Mode for improved video quality for capturing moving subjects.

One notable design change is the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the phone screen. This cutout features small privacy indicator lights that alert users that the microphone or camera is in use. One the iPhone 13, these indicator lights are easier to miss but the iPhone 14 has redesigned them to appear brighter (even in sunlight) and placed them front and center at the top of your phone screen.

The iPhone 14 is also available in a Max version, with a larger phone screen. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen whereas the standard iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display screen. Apple has decided to ditch the iPhone Mini this year, so these are the only two sizing options for the iPhone 14.

The iPhone 14 starts at $799, though we found it slightly cheaper at Walmart ($779). The iPhone 14 Plus will start at $899. 

Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

The best Apple iPhone 14 alternatives

The latest Apple iPhone might not be for everyone. Older smartphone devices are discounted right now at select retailers. 

A less expensive iPhone: Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB)

If you're looking to buy a 6.1-inch Apple iPhone 13, know this: You'll save money if you buy the iPhone at Walmart rather than the Apple Store. 

Right now at Walmart, you can get the Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB model) for $18.87 per month for 36 months. That's a final price of $679.

Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB), $679 (reduced from $799)

You can get better-than-Apple pricing on other models of the iPhone 13, as well, including the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini ($16.09 per month for 36 months) and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max ($29.14 per month for 36 months).

Apple iPhone 13 mini (128 GB), $579 (reduced from $699)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128 GB), $949 (reduced from $999)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128 GB), $1,049 (reduced from $1,099)

Best iPhone alternative for Android lovers: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Looking for the best Android smartphone instead? Consider the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, another CBS Essentials readers' favorite.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 6.8-inch screen, compared with the Samsung Galaxy S22's 6.1-inch screen ($760). It offers a 40MP front camera, compared with the standard 10MP front camera for better selfies. The back camera is also enhanced with a better wide-angle camera and stronger zoom functionality. 

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (256GB), $990 (reduced from $1,300) 

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (512GB), $1,090 (reduced from $1,400) 

A budget-friendly Android smartphone: Google Pixel 6 Pro

The release of the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphones means retailers are clearing out their inventory of the Google Pixel 6 Pro. The deals are especially good at Best Buy: You'll save $500 on a carrier-locked Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6 Pro when you activate the smartphone.

That means you can get a Google Pixel 6 Pro (128GB) for $399 at Best Buy now. You can pay for the phones upfront, or split the payment over 36 months on your wireless bill.

Google Pixel 6 Pro (128GB), $399 (reduced from $899)

Newest Android phone this Christmas: Google Pixel 7

Want to gift the new Google Pixel 7 or Google Pixel 7 Pro instead, complete with a new design, more powerful chip and a better camera? You can preorder the new Android phones at Best Buy. If you preorder the 6.7-inch Google Pixel 7 Pro, you'll get a $200 Best Buy e-gift card. Plus, you can take advantage of trade-in offers to lower the price if the phone even more.

Google Pixel 7 Pro (128 GB) plus $200 Best Buy e-gift card, $899   

Google Pixel 7 (128 GB), $599 

Amazon has Prime Early Access deals on Apple tech

Amazon has a huge selection of Apple products on sale now, during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale event. The deals event runs through Oct. 12. 

Note: The Amazon Prime Early Access Sale is for Prime members only. 

Be sure your Amazon Prime membership is active so you can score Apple on sale, plus even more Amazon Prime Early Access Sale deals during the fall event. 

If you don't have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now.

Not sure what Apple device to gift your friends and family this year? You can never go wrong with a gift card. 

Right now when you buy $50 worth of Amazon gift cards, you'll get s $10 credit when you use promo code NEWGC2022. (Offer valid for new Amazon gift card purchasers and Amazon Prime members only.)

Amazon gift cards are one of our favorite holiday gifts. Now's your chance to provide an Amazon gift card this Christmas or Hanukkah and save money while you do it. 

Amazon gift card deal: Spend $50, get a $10 credit

More top-rated Apple products to gift this holiday

The Amazon Early Access Sale has officially begun -- and there are tons of great deals on Apple products. You can score huge discounts right now on new Apple MacBooks, AirPods and more.

(For more gifting ideas, check out the CBS Essentials Holiday 2022 Apple gift guide.)

Apple AirPods Pro 2: $223

The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone's camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.

The design of the AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods Pro 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods. Users will also get a new extra-small tip with their AirPods. The case did get a notable design upgrade with a new lanyard loop and a built-in speaker to help track the location of your AirPods case.

Apple AirPods Pro 2, $223 (reduced from $249)

Apple AirPods with MagSafe case (3rd generation): $170

The latest generation of Apple AirPods are a nice upgrade over the second-generation model. They support 3D spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. You get more listening time, too -- up to 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case.

Apple AirPods (3rd generation), $170 (reduced from $179)

Apple AirPods Max: $429

Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They're also compatible with Siri.

Apple AirPods Max, $479 (regularly $549)

Best Apple iPad deals

Find these iPads on sale now at Amazon and Walmart.

Apple iPad 9: $270

The 10.2-inch iPad 9, released in 2021, is the most affordable of Apple's iPad offerings. It offers a 8 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts stereo speakers, too. This iPad is powered by a A13 Bionic chip. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil ($99) for drawing or note-taking.

Available in two colors; prices vary.    

Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (silver), $270 (reduced from $329)

Want to protect your new tablet investment? Get the 64 GB Apple iPad 9 bundled with a two-year subscription to Apple's protection plan, Apple Care+. That bundle's on sale on Amazon, too.

Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (silver) bundled with Apple Care+, $339 (reduced from $398) 

Apple iPad Air 5: $520

Introduced in 2022, the 10.9-inch Apple iPad Air 5 is the latest in the lightweight iPad Air line. The iPad Air 5 offers performance up to 60% faster than the prior model, thanks to Apple's turbo-charged M1 chip. The device boasts a 12 MP wide-angle back camera that supports 4K video. It also offers touch ID, and Apple's Liquid Retina display.

Available in five colors; prices vary.        

Apple iPad Air 5 (64 GB) (pink), $520 (reduced from $599)

The 256 GB iPad Air 5 is also available in five colors; prices vary. The best deal we saw was for the space gray model (pictured) with Wi-Fi-only connectivity. 

Apple iPad Air 5 (256 GB) (space gray), $670 (reduced from $749)

Apple iPad Mini 6: $399

The iPad Mini 6 is a compact tablet with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display screen. Released in 2021, the Apple tablet is powered by an A15 Bionic chip. It features a 12 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts landscape stereo speakers. Available in four colors. 

Note that the Apple iPad Mini is not compatible with Apple's external Magic Keyboard. It can, however, be used with other Bluetooth-enabled external keyboards.

Apple iPad Mini (64 GB), $399 (reduced from $499) 

Amazon also has a good deal on the Wi-Fi and cellular model with 64 GB of storage. Choose from four colors. 

Apple iPad Mini 6 with celluar connectivity (64 GB), $549 (reduced from $649)

Apple iPad Pro 5: $849

Apple's high-end tablet, the iPad Pro, features an 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a pro camera system and a Thunderbolt port for lightning-speed data transfers. Looking for a traditional laptop experience? It's compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Available in two colors; prices vary. The sale prices listed below are for the space gray iPad Pro 5 with Wi-Fi-only connectivity.  

As with other iPad models, the iPad Pro 5 with cellular connectivity is more expensive than the Wi-Fi-only device. But if 5G is the connection you're craving, then the extra expense may be worth it. 

Apple iPad Pro 5 (256 GB) (silver), $849 (reduced from $899)

Best Apple Watch deals

The existing Apple Watch lineup was just released in September and it's already on sale on Amazon. You can also score deals on slightly older models.

Not sure how to pick out an Apple Watch? Check out our guide on how to pick the right Apple Watch size.

Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch Series 8, the latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, features the new S8 chip for improved performance. It also includes an always-on display and new watch face options. The Apple Watch 8 will has a larger battery than previous models: Battery life can be extended to 36 hours when in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 features a durable design and is swim-proof, dust-proof and crack-resistant. 

The Apple Watch 8 has a number of health-tracking features, including an optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG, blood oxygen sensor and a new body temperature sensor.

The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors. 

Apple Watch 8 GPS  (41mm), $349 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm), $379 (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7: $267

Right now, you can save on the GPS version of the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7. At Apple, the model lists for $399 -- and up. On Amazon, you can get it for as low as $267. Pricing varies by color

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41mm), $267 and up (reduced from $399)

The larger, somewhat weightier 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 is also on sale at Walmart and Amazon.

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (45mm), $308 and up (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) GPS + cellular, $420 and up (reduced from $529)

Apple Watch SE (40mm) 1st generation: $239

The water-resistant 1st generation Apple Watch SE is a budget-friendly Apple Watch that's even more affordable now that it's on sale.

Apple Watch SE GPS + (40mm), $239 (reduced from $329)

Best Apple MacBook deals

Get a new MacBook for a great deal with these Prime Day II sales.

13" MacBook Air (2020): $799

This is one of the best deals you're going to be able to find on a MacBook. As part of the Prime Early Access Sale, the 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip is only $799. This lightweight MacBook features Retina display, an impressive 18-hour battery life and fast performance. There is a 2022 edition out, so this is a slightly older model -- however, it is unbeatable deal for a new MacBook.

13" MacBook Air (2020, space gray), $799 (reduced from $999) 

13" MacBook Air (2020, gold), $799 (reduced from $999)

14" MacBook Pro: Save $400

A step up from the MacBook Air, the slightly weightier (3.0 pound) 14-inch MacBook Pro boasts a powerful active cooling system, which helps keep the 8-core CPU running fast. It delivers up to 21 hours of battery life on a single charge, and features a Retina display that's brighter than the MacBook Air. 

14" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 Chip, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), $1,599 (regularly $1,999) 

14" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 chip, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD), $2,099 (regularly $2,499)

16" MacBook Pro: Save $400

Is the 14-inch MacBook Pro not powerful, or big enough for you? Then try its sibling, the 16-inch MacBook Pro. On Amazon, you can get a deal on the 16-inch MacBook Pro with a 10-core CPU, as well as 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage. All of that is more than enough for you to be able to edit 8K videos on the machine. You also get four Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a SDXC card slot.

With its size and more powerful guts, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is aimed at professionals who need a seriously powerful laptop for graphics-intensive applications, such as video-rendering and design. Just keep in mind, this is a machine that comes with a professional-level price tag.

16" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 Pro, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), $2,099 (regularly $2,499)

13.6" MacBook Air (2022): Save $150

Save $100 on the new-for-2022 Apple MacBook Air at Amazon. The laptop features a 13.6-inch Retina display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and a backlit keyboard. Designed for portability, it weighs just 2.7 pounds and lasts for up to 18 hours on a single charge thanks to the Apple M2 chip.

13.6" MacBook Air (2022 model, 8GB), $1,049 (reduced from $1,199)

100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The best gifts to provide this Christmas

It may seem early to start shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, but trust us, it's not. Last year's holiday season was riddled with supply-chain issues, and CBS News is anticipating more of the same in 2022. Plus, there's inflation -- unfortunately, prices may rise even more before December comes.

So it's time to shop for holiday gifts now. Pick out a great hiding spot and check out CBS Essentials' 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts of 2022. We've based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews and our own extensive research into the most-buzzed-about gifts of 2022, such as this I am Groot Lego set, a guinea pig toy that gives birth and this pooping purple turtle.

Stay tuned to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Series for our picks of the hottest gifts to provide in 2022. Our list includes some of Apple's existing products, the top toys of 2022, game-changing kitchen appliances (such as this air fryer) and so much more.

The Amazon Prime Early Access Sale has technically ended. But there are still tons of great deals on Apple products that you can shop right now. Keep memorizing to see how you can score huge discounts on Apple MacBooks, Apple tablets, AirPods and more.

Top products in this article:

Apple AirPods Pro 2, $239 (reduced from $249)

Apple iPad Pro 5 (256 GB) (silver), $849 (reduced from $899)

13" MacBook Air (2020, space gray), $899 (reduced from $999) 

The Amazon Prime Early Access Sale may be over, but you can still find deals on a new iPad tablet or the brand new Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. Amazon has a number of newer Apple models on sale, along with deeper discounts on older models. We've also scoured the internet to find you other deals from retailers, such as Walmart.

Keep memorizing to find the best Apple deals available right now.

Best Apple AirPods deals at Amazon

Check out the brand new AirPods Pro 2, now on discount at Amazon, or save big on the other top-rated models.

Apple AirPods Pro 2: $239

The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds offer 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. They have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone's camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.

The design of the AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods Pro 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods. Users will also get a new extra-small tip with their AirPods. The case did get a notable design upgrade with a new lanyard loop and a built-in speaker to help track the location of your AirPods case.

Apple AirPods Pro 2, $239 (reduced from $249)

Apple AirPods with MagSafe case (3rd generation): $170

The latest generation of Apple AirPods are a nice upgrade over the second-generation model. They support 3D spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. You get more listening time, too -- up to 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case.

Apple AirPods (3rd generation), $170 (reduced from $179)

Apple AirPods Max: $479

Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They're also compatible with Siri.

Apple AirPods Max, $479 (regularly $549)

Best Apple iPad deals

Find these iPads on sale now at Amazon and Walmart.

Apple iPad 9: $299

The 10.2-inch iPad 9, released in 2021, is the most affordable of Apple's iPad offerings. It offers a 8 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts stereo speakers, too. This iPad is powered by a A13 Bionic chip. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil ($99) for drawing or note-taking.

Available in two colors; prices vary.    

Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (silver), $299 (reduced from $329)

Want to protect your new tablet investment? Get the 64 GB Apple iPad 9 bundled with a two-year subscription to Apple's protection plan, Apple Care+. That bundle's on sale on Amazon, too.

Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (silver) bundled with Apple Care+, $368 (reduced from $398) 

Apple iPad Air 5: $559

Introduced in 2022, the 10.9-inch Apple iPad Air 5 is the latest in the lightweight iPad Air line. The iPad Air 5 offers performance up to 60% faster than the prior model, thanks to Apple's turbo-charged M1 chip. The device boasts a 12 MP wide-angle back camera that supports 4K video. It also offers touch ID, and Apple's Liquid Retina display.

Available in five colors; prices vary.        

Apple iPad Air 5 (64 GB) (pink), $559 (reduced from $599)

The 256 GB iPad Air 5 is also available in five colors; prices vary. The best deal we saw was for the space gray model (pictured) with Wi-Fi-only connectivity. 

Apple iPad Air 5 (256 GB) (space gray), $679 (reduced from $749)

Apple iPad Mini 6: $399

The iPad Mini 6 is a compact tablet with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display screen. Released in 2021, the Apple tablet is powered by an A15 Bionic chip. It features a 12 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts landscape stereo speakers. Available in four colors. 

Note that the Apple iPad Mini is not compatible with Apple's external Magic Keyboard. It can, however, be used with other Bluetooth-enabled external keyboards.

Apple iPad Mini (64 GB), $399 (reduced from $499) 

Amazon also has a good deal on the Wi-Fi and cellular model with 64 GB of storage. Choose from four colors. 

Apple iPad Mini 6 with celluar connectivity (64 GB), $550 (reduced from $649)

Apple iPad Pro 5: $849

Apple's high-end tablet, the iPad Pro, features an 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a pro camera system and a Thunderbolt port for lightning-speed data transfers. Looking for a traditional laptop experience? It's compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Available in two colors; prices vary. The sale prices listed below are for the space gray iPad Pro 5 with Wi-Fi-only connectivity.  

As with other iPad models, the iPad Pro 5 with cellular connectivity is more expensive than the Wi-Fi-only device. But if 5G is the connection you're craving, then the extra expense may be worth it. 

Apple iPad Pro 5 (256 GB) (silver), $849 (reduced from $899)

Best Apple Watch deals

The existing Apple Watch lineup was just released in September and it's already on sale on Amazon. You can also score deals on slightly older models.

Not sure how to pick out an Apple Watch? Check out our guide on how to pick the right Apple Watch size.

Apple Watch Series 8: $349

Apple Watch Series 8, the latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, features the new S8 chip for improved performance. It also includes an always-on display and new watch face options. The Apple Watch 8 will has a larger battery than previous models: Battery life can be extended to 36 hours when in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 features a durable design and is swim-proof, dust-proof and crack-resistant. 

The Apple Watch 8 has a number of health-tracking features, including an optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG, blood oxygen sensor and a new body temperature sensor.

The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors. 

Apple Watch 8 GPS  (41mm), $349 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS (45mm), $379 (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7: $269

Right now, you can save on the GPS version of the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7. At Apple, the model lists for $399 -- and up. On Amazon, you can get it for as low as $267. Pricing varies by color

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41mm), $269 and up (reduced from $399)

The larger, somewhat weightier 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 is also on sale at Walmart and Amazon.

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (45mm), $8 and up (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) GPS + cellular, $479 (reduced from $529)

Apple Watch SE (40mm) 1st generation: $249

The water-resistant 1st generation Apple Watch SE is a budget-friendly Apple Watch that's even more affordable now that it's on sale.

Apple Watch SE GPS + (40mm), $249 (reduced from $329)

Best Apple MacBook deals

Find a great deal on a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro on Amazon now.

13" MacBook Air (2020): $899

If you're looking to snag a MacBook for under $1,000, check out this rare deal. This lightweight MacBook features Retina display, an impressive 18-hour battery life and fast performance. There is a 2022 edition out, so this is a slightly older model -- however, it is unbeatable deal for a new MacBook.

13" MacBook Air (2020, space gray), $899 (reduced from $999) 

13" MacBook Air (2020, gold), $899 (reduced from $999)

14" MacBook Pro: Save up to $300

A step up from the MacBook Air, the slightly weightier (3.0 pound) 14-inch MacBook Pro boasts a powerful active cooling system, which helps keep the 8-core CPU running fast. It delivers up to 21 hours of battery life on a single charge, and features a Retina display that's brighter than the MacBook Air. 

14" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 Chip, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), $1,921 (regularly $1,999) 

14" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 chip, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD), $2,199 (regularly $2,499)

16" MacBook Pro: Save $300

Is the 14-inch MacBook Pro not powerful, or big enough for you? Then try its sibling, the 16-inch MacBook Pro. On Amazon, you can get a deal on the 16-inch MacBook Pro with a 10-core CPU, as well as 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage. All of that is more than enough for you to be able to edit 8K videos on the machine. You also get four Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a SDXC card slot.

With its size and more powerful guts, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is aimed at professionals who need a seriously powerful laptop for graphics-intensive applications, such as video-rendering and design. Just keep in mind, this is a machine that comes with a professional-level price tag.

16" Apple MacBook Pro (Apple M1 Pro, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD), $2,199 (regularly $2,499)

13.6" MacBook Air (2022): Save $150

Save $100 on the new-for-2022 Apple MacBook Air at Amazon. The laptop features a 13.6-inch Retina display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and a backlit keyboard. Designed for portability, it weighs just 2.7 pounds and lasts for up to 18 hours on a single charge thanks to the Apple M2 chip.

13.6" MacBook Air (2022 model, 8GB), $1,099 (reduced from $1,199)

Best Apple smartphone deals

This is a great time to shop --  the release of the new Apple iPhone 14 has brought on a ton of deals on new iPhones and older models. These deals may not last through the holidays, so shop now.

Apple iPhone 14 is on sale at Walmart

Looking to save money on Apple's existing smartphone, the iPhone 14? You won't save a ton of money, but the Apple iPhone 14 is $20 off at Walmart right now. You can get a phone that runs on the Verizon or AT&T network.

Apple's new iPhone 14 offers several improvements over the prior model, including a new operating system with iOS 16. It is getting a camera upgrade, improved retina display and a larger battery. The new iPhones will feature 6GB of RAM, an increase over the 4GB offered in the iPhone 13. 

The iPhone 14 has a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture. The upgraded smartphone also includes an improved front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. 

The iPhone 14 starts at $799, though we found it slightly cheaper at Walmart ($779). The iPhone 14 Plus will start at $899. 

(You can read our Essentials Fall 100 article on the Apple iPhone 14 here.)

Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)

Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB): $679

If you're looking to buy a new 6.1-inch Apple iPhone 13 for the new school year, know this: You'll save money if you buy the iPhone at Walmart rather than the Apple Store. Right now at Walmart, you can get the Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB model) for $18.87 per month for 36 months. That's a final price of $679, well under the $799 you'd pay at the Apple Store.

Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB), $679 (reduced from $799)

You can get better-than-Apple pricing on other models of the iPhone 13, as well, including the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini ($16.09 per month for 36 months) and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max ($29.14 per month for 36 months).

Apple iPhone 13 mini (128 GB), $579 (reduced from $699)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128 GB), $949 (reduced from $999)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128 GB), $1,049 (reduced from $1,099)

Related content from CBS Essentials: 

Apple makes amazing products almost anyone can pick up, use, and enjoy. When you first hear about the Apple Watch Ultra, however, it doesn’t sound like it’s for everyone. It’s for those few with $800 to spend on a smartwatch that’s seemingly only supposed to be used in the sea, up a mountain, or covered in mud in a bog. Or is it?

I’ve not been anywhere like that during my time with the Apple Watch Ultra, and I think it’s one of the most exciting, most technically impressive, and most characterful products Apple has ever made. You’re skeptical, aren’t you? Allow me to explain.

Apple Watch Ultra design

The Apple Watch Ultra is quite big. The 49mm x 44mm x 14mm case is larger than the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE 2, but it’s not all that different from the 45mm x 45mm x 10mm Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, or seriously sporty smartwatches like the 46mm x 46mm x 14mm Garmin Forerunner 955. If you’ve got slim wrists, it’s going to look gigantic, but not because it’s badly proportioned — no, it’s because the watch is so large. I’ve compared the size with other large watches to provide you an idea of whether it’s going to suit your wrist or not.

However, the Apple Watch Ultra is recognizably an Apple Watch, just chunkier. It’s as if the Series 8 has been reimagined by Tonka. Retaining the now-classic Apple Watch shape is the right decision, as — despite the size and 61-gram (95-gram with the band) weight — it’s very comfortable to wear. The sharpness of the bezel isn’t repeated anywhere the watch touches your skin, where that familiar curved case ensures it never prods or pokes uncomfortably.

The button and Digital Crown guard don’t dig into your wrist either, which is even difficult for some large traditional watches to avoid. My watch has the Ocean Band, and I have found it perfectly wearable every day. I chose it because I wear dive watches a lot, and I particularly like Seiko’s supplied rubber straps. This has the same degree of flexibility, doesn’t get hot, and allows for masses of adjustments to make it suitable for all wrists and to wear over a wetsuit.

On the opposite side of the case from the Digital Crown is the new, bright orange Action Button. By default, it activates the Workout mode, but it’s surprisingly customizable, with the stopwatch, torch, and dive modes other options, in addition to adding a waypoint when using GPS. If you keep the default setting, you can also set the button to start a specific workout, bypassing the usual countdown.

Also activated with the orange Action Button is the emergency siren, which Apple says can be heard up to 180 meters away. It’s a shrill, escalating, unpleasant sound rather than a copy of Apple’s Radar or Alarm ringtones. A friend who heard it said it’s such a hateful noise that it would make him head in the opposite direction just to get away from it, so it’ll definitely get some attention if you set it off in Starbucks. Set it off in the wilderness, and no one will think it’s being activated for fun, and that’s exactly what you want.

The finely grained titanium case, sapphire crystal, and ceramic case back provide the Apple Watch Ultra luxury credentials as well as toughness, which is enhanced further by the IP6X dust resistance and 100-meter water resistance. It has also been tested to MIL-STD 810H standards. It feels like it’s built to last, and looks like it’ll take a considerable beating.

When you turn off the Water Lock after the watch has been in the water, it fizzes and whirs as it spits out any unwanted droplets, giving it a surprisingly mechanical feel — like it’s almost alive. It’s still a smartwatch, but this, along with the purposeful looks and go-anywhere attitude, gives the Apple Watch Ultra a surprising amount of character. That character (and the size) made me wear it with my sleeve tucked behind it, showing it off, something I didn’t really do with the Apple Watch Series 7.

All this led to the realization you could actually bond with the Apple Watch Ultra, especially if you end up sharing adventures with it over time. I really never expected to think that about a smartwatch, and it speaks volumes about what Apple has created here.

Apple Watch Ultra fitness tracking

If you track a run, it displays heart rate zones (based on its own algorithm, or you can manually set them yourself), while the general overview can be modified to show stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. While this information is not exclusive to the Watch Ultra, the larger smartwatch lets you see six different data sets on the screen at one time, making it more informative at a glance.

Operation of the watch’s workout features is also the same as the Series 8 and Watch SE 2. The workout modes are varied and easy to access, and all the relevant data is shown on the big, bright screen. I can see the time, check my heart rate, and quickly jump between it, the compass, and other apps without any slowdown. When you open the Dock using the side button, the compass app even starts working in the helicopter view. It’s all so slick and simple.

The Apple Watch Ultra uses both L1 and L5 GPS antennas to better lock onto satellites and provide more accurate location data. I compared the performance of the Watch Ultra (connected to an iPhone 14 Pro) against that of the Apple Watch Series 8 (connected to an iPhone SE (2022) to see if there were any obvious differences. The Apple Watch Ultra recorded a more linear and logical route, whereas the Series 8 showed me wandering more, which I didn’t really do. It’s not much of a difference, but I think it’s there, so in my anecdotal tests, the Watch Ultra’s GPS does appear to be more accurate.

The maps produced in Apple’s Fitness app are detailed, with helpful colors along the route to show your pace, and you can zoom right in to see almost exactly where you walked, ran, or cycled. Compare it to the mapping in the Samsung Health app, and there’s definitely more detail in the Fitness app, but whether it’s truly helpful may depend on your needs.

I still find the split between Apple’s Health app and Fitness app confusing, and would really prefer a single app to handle everything, plus the information presented isn’t as detailed as apps from Garmin or even Samsung. While the Apple Watch Ultra may be more hardcore, the apps and data presented in them aren’t any different from the Series 8 or Watch SE 2, so if you’re just going to track simple workouts. there’s no software advantage to owning the Watch Ultra. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, just don’t expect it to offer much more for the casual exerciser.

Apple Watch Ultra Wayfinder face and compass app

It may seem strange to dedicate an entire section to a watch face and compass, but these two features demonstrate how beautifully integrated everything is in WatchOS 9, and where the Apple Watch Ultra stands out against the other Apple Watch models.

The Wayfinder watch face is exclusive to the Watch Ultra and is hugely customizable. The bezel can show elevation and incline or latitude and longitude, plus there are eight complications to set, meaning you have tons of information ready at a glance. While the completed face is busy, it’s not confusing thanks to the very clever, readable, watch-like design and option to change various colors. It also really suits the Watch Ultra. Plus, the Night mode — activated using the Digital Crown — looks amazing when it turns the entire face red. I’ve left it on that mode a lot just for its cool sci-fi looks.

The beautifully designed compass is a separate app and part of the Wayfinder face, plus it can be added as a complication for quick access. It updates constantly as you alter direction, there are buttons to mark a waypoint and activate the Backtrack feature, and a tab that provides a greater level of detail. Twist the Digital Crown, and you can not only change what’s shown on the screen, but also see a larger map view in the center of the compass.

I wanted to single these out because I’ve not changed the Wayfinder watch face yet. I haven’t felt the need to, and it’s the first time I’ve ever wanted to use a compass app. And then when I did, I was actually impressed by it. I think they both sum up Apple’s minute attention to detail here. The deep integration is what makes WatchOS 9 such a pleasure.

Apple Watch Ultra Backtrack

You don’t notice it until you need it. Tap the footsteps icon again, and Backtrack will lead you back to where you started in the event you get lost. Except don’t expect it to directly lead you back. Backtrack uses the compass app, where a small arrow points you in the right direction, rather than retracing your steps exactly. It’s as the crow flies, which does mean you still have to make decisions along the way.

For example, at a junction, Backtrack showed I should go in a different direction than the way I came, which I knew would still absolutely return me to my starting point, but not in the way I arrived at the point originally. You’ll have to bear this in mind and trust both your instincts and the Watch Ultra’s compass. Depending on the terrain, this could mean encountering situations where you may have to backtrack on Backtrack.

The feature is very simple to use. I didn’t notice any additional battery drain when using it compared to when I’m not. And because it works through the Compass app, it’s available regardless of the fitness-tracking app used, so it’s very versatile. This is a different approach to Samsung’s similar feature, where you have to use a GPX map in order to use the Route Back feature on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

If Backtrack sounds like something you’d use or would like to have in reserve, remember it’s a WatchOS 9 feature and also available on the Series 8 and the Watch SE 2. Testing it back-to-back with the Series 8 revealed that the Watch Ultra’s stronger GPS gave more precise directions. While the Series 8 would still have gotten you back, the Watch Ultra was clearly the more accurate of the two. In some situations, those few degrees may make a lot of difference. You can see the variations in the gallery above, just look for the white marker on the inner bezel.

Apple Watch Ultra screen, software, and performance

It’s sharp and colorful too, but with a 1,164 square-millimeter viewing area, it’s not all that much bigger than the 45mm Series 8’s 1,143 square-millimeter display. The size of the case is more about housing the battery and increasing durability than it is about making the screen larger. However, clever use of the software means that in some situations, you do see more on the screen at one time compared to the Series 8.

Apple’s WatchOS 9 is installed just like it is on the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Watch SE 2. The software is fluid, logical, and reliable. I prefer not to overload it with apps (which helps minimize distractions) and rely on the standard apps and few choice additions most of the time. Apps of all types load and operate quickly, and the App Store is a joy to browse thanks to sensibly sized icons and clearly organized sections.

The powerful S8 processor is also the same one inside the Series 8 and Watch SE 2, the haptics are wonderful — especially when you twist the Digital Crown or when an alarm sounds — and the speakers are seriously loud too. Apple Pay works seamlessly and is really easy to set up. I don’t have any plans to try the crash detection or fall detection, but I’m pleased they are there. I feel similarly about warnings about my health from the electrocardiogram, heart rate sensor, and blood oxygen monitoring features.

I haven’t been able to try all the features on the Watch Ultra. I don’t dive, so the most I’ve done is submerge the watch in the sink, where it automatically activated the easy-to-read dive gauge with water temperature readout. A special version of the Oceanic+ app is available for the Watch Ultra, and it allows you to plan dives, use the compass, and get more in-depth safety and experience features. Apple says the Watch Ultra is aimed at Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)-qualified divers to a depth of 40 meters.

The Apple Watch Ultra does everything the Series 8 can do and so much more, adding a wealth of niche features and durability. Then, to make sure you can enjoy every bit of the smartwatch for longer, it pushes one key aspect further ahead — which we’ll come to next.

Apple Watch Ultra battery

The Apple Watch Series 7 regularly returned two days of use on a single charge, but that was only with turning it off overnight. To get up to three full days of use from the Watch Ultra with its brighter screen, plus all its extra ability, is great — and a genuine reason to buy.

How does this compare with the competition? Samsung’s rival smartwatch, the $450 Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, also lasted for three days without a recharge, but it did so only if you didn’t track sleep. However, like the Watch Ultra, it’s a big, heavy watch and not really suitable for wearing overnight anyway.

However, while the Watch Ultra’s battery is good, it can’t beat the marathon battery life provided by dedicated running or activity smartwatches. The $600 Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar’s battery is good for two weeks, and even the smaller, more design-led $180 Vivomove Sport’s battery will last for five days. The Apple Watch Ultra’s battery is powerful for an Apple smartwatch, but in the wider world of high-performance activity smartwatches, it still falls behind.

Should this be a concern? How much this will impact your everyday life depends on what you do in your everyday life. If you regularly run hundreds of miles, hike each weekend, and don’t always have access to power (or intend to use the GPS and Cellular connection every day), then the Apple Watch Ultra will still need charging every couple of days. But if you do these activities every so often, then you’ll spend a lot less time visiting the charger than you would with a Series 8, and three days of use between charges is entirely achievable. The longer battery life really sets the Apple Watch Ultra apart from its sibling smartwatches, and it’s a strong reason to buy this model over any other.

Apple Watch Ultra price and availability

The Apple Watch Ultra costs $799, or 849 British pounds. There is only one version of the Watch Ultra, and it comes with LTE connectivity as standard. The only decision to make is about which strap to choose. It’s the Ocean Band you see in our photos, which is mostly designed to appeal to divers. Alternatively, there’s the Alpine Loop for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the Trail Loop for runners and endurance athletes. You can buy the Apple Watch Ultra now through Apple’s online and retail stores.

This is an expensive watch, but there’s unquestionable value here. Titanium, ceramic, and sapphire crystal all add to the price, plus there’s a massive amount of research and development involved in getting the additional features in place and working correctly. It’s more expensive than a Series 8, which has a lot of the same core functionality, but not vastly more so than many competing high-performance activity smartwatches from Garmin, Suunto, Polar, or Coros. It’s not even that different from the cost of a midlevel traditional diver or field watch from brands like Seiko, Citizen, Casio, or Hamilton.

This is the Apple Watch Ultra Series 1

This is the way you should be thinking about it before you buy it. It’s not really an alternative to the Series 8 or Watch SE 2 despite being closely related. It serves different purposes, has its own strengths and weaknesses, and has a series of unique features that wouldn’t fit on a Series 8. You will buy this instead of the Series 8.