Apple Watch Ultra: a real dive computer thanks to the Oceanic+ app

Already tested by us under the prism of running, trail running and hiking, the Apple Watch Ultra did not yet offer its full capabilities in scuba diving until its Oceanic+ application was available. An app that we were looking forward to jumping into the water with the Apple sports watch on the wrist. Oceanic+ finally arrived in the Apple Store on November 28 and now offers the Watch Ultra the dive computer functions promised by Apple.

Until then, you had to be content with the Depth application preinstalled on the watch. Rather basic, it still offers functions equivalent to those of the Uwatec depth gauge that we used in comparison, indicating the current and maximum depth, the immersion time and the water temperature. The Uwatec displays maintaining the ascent speed, which the Depth application does not offer.

Oceanic+, a complete application dedicated to diving

For those planning to equip themselves with a more complete dive computer, the Apple Watch Ultra is an interesting proposition in view of its versatility. All you have to do is install the Oceanic+ app to give it the dive computer functions it lacks, thus preventing the purchase of a dedicated device.

However, the beginnings are complicated. We first installed the app on an iPhone to take advantage of a more comfortable large screen for entering information, but synchronization with the watch was impossible. You must indeed install the watchOS version of Oceanic+ from the App Store on the Apple Watch Ultra. And to complicate the task, it was the name of the publisher Huish Outdoors rather than the application that had to be entered. On a much simpler view at Apple.

Anyway, on iPhone, Oceanic+ displays a neat and clear interface. The main window allows you to view the statistics of the last dives, and a banner gives access to the various sections that can also be found on the Apple Watch Ultra. The latter also benefits from its larger and even brighter screen compared to the standard Apple Watch, so as to display easily readable maps. On the other hand, the settings submenus are a little less readable on the screen of the watch. We will therefore prefer to use the smartphone at first to prepare our dives. Note in passing that the menus are currently only available in English. However, the publisher announces that a French translation will arrive”by the end of the year“.

The planner of the application allows to define its mixture for a Nitrox dive, the surface interval between two dives, and the defined depth. A site planner is also present to get a wealth of information about the dive site, including air and water temperature, weather conditions, wind speed and even the tide, all over three days. .

For their part, the settings can only be made from the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone is content to display the parameters selected. The application allows you to choose your mixture (air or Nitrox, with the maximum depth chosen for the latter), the algorithm of the decompression model which can be more or less conservative, and finally to define the various alarms. The user can in fact be notified when the required duration of the dive and/or the target depth is reached, or even when the water reaches the minimum temperature that has been chosen beforehand.

Then all that remains is to equip yourself before getting into the water. Like all Apple Watches, the Ultra model accepts different types of bracelets, and the manufacturer took the opportunity to offer a new collection including an “Ocean” bracelet. Available in 3 colours, it is made of a tubular elastomer structure which allows it to be stretched to perfect the fit on the wrist.

The adjustable buckle and ring are made of titanium to match the watch case and above all to prevent corrosion. The set offers excellent support. However, unlike other Apple wristbands, the Ocean is sold in one size for wrists between 130mm and 200mm. An extension is offered to wear the Apple Watch Ultra over a 3mm plus neoprene suit, but Apple charges it no less than €49, even though the bracelet is already sold for €99. This extension is nevertheless included if you directly order the Apple Watch Ultra with the Ocean bracelet.

An efficient dive computer for recreational diving

Once in the water, the compact size of the Apple Watch Ultra compared to a bulky dive computer is quite pleasant. The screen is perfectly readable with high brightness whatever the conditions, and without annoying reflections on the large Retina Oled LTPO panel. The touch functions being deactivated once underwater, it is necessary to use the crown and the Action button of the watch to navigate in the interface. The latter is very readable and the Apple Watch Ultra is once again a model of ergonomics.

The main screen shows the current depth, no decompression limit and water temperature. Additional information is available such as maximum depth, ascent rate and battery level. Simply use the crown to easily switch between screens, while keeping essential information displayed at the top of the screen. Oceanic+ also takes advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra-specific Action button which is open to third-party developers, who can give it whatever function they want. While diving, this allows you to simply set a cap with the compass of the Apple Watch Ultra.

As seen above, the user can define several notifications which are again clearly visible on the screen. Security warnings are color-coded according to their severity. They include in particular the no-decompression dive limits, an indication in the event of an ascent rate that is too fast, not to mention the recommendations for stops. In addition, rather than emitting an audible notification like most traditional dive computers, the Apple Watch Ultra uses its haptic engine to transmit vibrations to the wrist. However, their intensity is relatively low, and the use of a somewhat thick suit will not help matters.

A basic logbook

Once back on the surface, Oceanic+ provides a summary of the dive. By clicking on the sheet, the user can consult more precise information with a well-detailed dive profile on which it is possible to apply filters (depth, temperature, ascent rate, no-decompression limit). Added to this is the indication of the duration of the dive, the maximum ascent rate, the maximum depth and the minimum water temperature.

During our test, we made several small errors in order to activate the notifications. These can also be found in the logbook under the heading “Violation”.

Additionally, using Oceanic+ on the iPhone, the app shows GPS entry and exit points on a map. All data can be synchronized in the cloudbut the export possibilities are limited to simple screenshots.

Finally, Oceanic+ leverages the watch faces of Apple Watch Ultra to access important dive-related information. Up to seven complications can thus be displayed on the dial, such as the no-fly time after a dive, the dive planner or even the surface time.

A practical application for the occasional diver, but expensive

Apple had omitted to specify it during its opening speech, but Oceanic+ is not a free native Apple Watch Ultra app. Developed by Huish Outdoors, it can be downloaded for free, but requires a subscription to take advantage of the advanced functions dedicated to diving, including monitoring of decompression, tissue saturation, position planner and unlimited entries in the log.

And let’s be honest, Oceanic+ is not cheap if you plan to use it regularly. Indeed, it will be necessary to spend 90.99 € per year. On the other hand, if you are satisfied with a few dives in the year, the non-binding subscription at €10.49 for a month seems more reasonable. It will indeed avoid renting a dive computer which will ultimately be more expensive during your vacation. Finally, a formula at €5.99 per day is also available for very specific needs.

One more string to the bow of the Apple Watch Ultra

Thanks to the Oceanic+ application, the Apple Watch Ultra adds a new string to its bow. A model of versatility in the world of connected watches, it is now open to scuba diving. All the essential features for practice are available in a compact format, with a beautiful, very bright color screen. The interface is readable, the good ergonomics are like Apple’s applications, and the autonomy of the watch is sufficient to last a whole day. Despite some limitations (a defect that is also found in other sports applications such as running, for example), the Apple Watch Ultra proves to be the ideal companion for recreational diving.