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Your guide to Apple Watch Ultra bands

The Apple Watch Ultra is a thicker investment in smartwatcher-y, but mixing and matching bands is a straightforward process.

Nathan Lawrence
Sep 07, 2024
Icon Time To Read2 min read

For the price of a decent smartphone, you can splash out on one of the ultimate options in smartwatcher-y: the Apple Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2. Sure, the Watch Ultra line is big and pricey, but Apple’s top-of-the-line smartwatch packs a lot of value into that top-tier RRP, including a range of changeable bands. Here’s everything you need to know about bands for the Apple Watch Ultra.

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First-party options for Apple Watch Ultra bands

The Apple Watch Ultra and its successor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both sport 49mm cases, which means you’re working with a 49mm band. While 49mm replacement bands are compatible with the 44mm and 45mm Apple Watches, it doesn’t work the other way around. Basically, if you’re looking for Apple Ultra Watch bands, you’re looking for a 49mm strap.

As is the trend for its other smart products, Apple offers a range of smartwatch band accessories for the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. At the time of writing, Apple was charging $149 RRP for its Apple Watch Ultra bands in the following configurations:

  • Blue, Indigo or Olive Alpine Loop.
  • Blue and Black, Green and Grey, or Orange and Beige Trail Loop.
  • Blue, Orange or White Ocean Band.

There are size differences to consider between those three first-party Apple Watch Ultra bands, too. The Alpine Loop is a wristy all-rounder, with options for small (130–160mm wrists), medium (145–190mm wrists) and large (165–210mm wrists). There are two speeds for the Trail Loop: small-to-medium (130–180mm wrists) and medium-to-large (145–220mm). And the Ocean Band has a one-size-fits-most 130–200mm length.

If you’re unsure of your wrist size, use a soft measuring to find the right band for you. Otherwise, go with the Ocean Band if you want a set-and-forget option that should comfortably fit most wrists.

Third-party options for Apple Watch Ultra bands

While you can be sure that first-party bands from the Apple Store are compatible with an Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, you don’t need to pay that premium if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. Don’t expect cheaper prices for first-party Apple Watch Ultra bands on popular retailers like Amazon, but there is a bigger, cheaper range to browse.

There are three-pack soft silicone straps and four-pack braided picks for those seeking an Apple Watch Ultra sport band to replace when they get too grimy for around $15.

The Fullmosa SWB-1295  costs around $30 for a range of colours in a stainless steel band for your Apple Watch Ultra or there’s a Wingle alternative for around $45. For something more durable, consider the Spigen AMP06065 for around $60, which mixes metal connectors, a nylon underside for comfort and a thermoplastic polyurethane band top. And that’s just a top-level smattering of the dozens of other popular Apple Watch Ultra bands to choose from with great user scores.

How to swap an Apple Watch Ultra band

Here are the recommended steps for changing your Apple Watch Ultra band:

  1. Put your Apple Watch Ultra face-down on a clean and soft surface, like a microfibre cloth or padded mat.
  2. Press and hold down on the band-release button on the top or bottom of your Apple Watch Ultra, then slide the band across. Repeat on the opposite side for the other band connection.
  3. When replacing the band, keep the text on the band facing you (or another identifier to indicate the bottom of the band). Slide it into place on the Apple Watch Ultra until you hear a click. Repeat on the opposite side for the other half of the band.

Apple notes that the Link Bracelet band has a quick-release button on one of the links to separate the strap into two pieces.

Apple Watch Ultra bands frequently asked questions

There are a range of official and third-party bands for Apple Watch Ultra. The main thing to note is keeping the watch size in mind when buying a band to ensure compatibility. The 49mm bands are compatible with 49mm Apple Watch Ultra, as well as 44mm and 45mm Apple Watches (but not the other way around).
Like other Apple products, Apple Watch Ultra bands may attract a premium because of the brand. That said, there are more affordable third-party bands via online retailers like Amazon.
The Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are both 49mm devices, which need a compatible 49mm Apple Watch Ultra band.
Nathan Lawrence
Written by
Nathan Lawrence has been banging out passionate tech and gaming words for more than 11 years. These days, you can find his work on outlets like IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull and AusGamers. Nathan adores PC gaming and the proof of his first-person-shooter prowess is at the top of a Battlefield V scoreboard.

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