Apple Provides Deep Dive Into New Apple Watch Ultra Depth App
With the official launch of the Apple Watch Ultra looming, Apple has shared a support document on the new Depth app that's exclusive to the device. The Depth app is designed to be used for recreational diving, providing information on water temperature, current depth, maximum depth, and more. The Apple Watch Ultra can be used for dives up to 40 meters deep (130 feet).

Apple warns that the Depth app is not a dive computer and it cannot provide decompression stop information or gas analysis. In situations where failure of the Apple Watch Ultra could lead to death or personal injury, Apple suggests using a secondary depth gauge and timer. Apple further recommends that the Apple Watch Ultra only be used by trained divers following safety protocols and diving with a buddy.
The support document walks through how to use the Depth app, which can be set to auto launch whenever the Apple Watch Ultra is submerged in water that is one meter deep or more. When the Depth app launches, the Apple Watch Ultra will turn on Water Lock to prevent screen activation, and a session can be ended with a press and hold on the Digital Crown.
The Depth app will provide a consolidated dive summary at the end of a dive session, letting users know the length of the dive, the water temperature range, and maximum depth.
Apple has also provided a new support document that outlines everything the new Compass app can do, highlighting how to use the Backtrack and Waypoint features, plus there is information on the recommended temperature range for various Apple Watch Ultra activities.
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Top Rated Comments
I reflect on the warnings from Apple and offer this sort of text is to be found in any manual for a dive computer as diving is a dangerous activity when not undertaken with suitable training and protocol.
Unfortunately I cant afford nor justify this watch at present but am excited about its release and the availability of wearable tech that supports undertaking adventure activities safely.
“EN13319 certified
An internationally recognized standard for diving accessories.”
To be clear, my point is that the article on which we are commenting is about the “Depth” app, which is wholly different from the app discussed and marketed by apple as a dive computer. The hardware seems more than capable and certified as such.
I’m just confounded as to why everyone is thinking apple is pulling a fast one on us? Why is everyone up in arms about this, rather than other claims like the new dual-frequency GPS system? Both are factual, objective statements about the capabilities of this device.
When you learn to dive, you NEED to learn how to use a recreational dive table and actually plan a dive. Not just slap a computer on your wrist and rely on it do your work for you. Using this depth gauge as a dive watch without the Oceanic software wouldn't be wise.
As far as the 40 meter limit, most recreational divers don't go near that depth without being certified as a "deep diver" with more training. It's purely a waste of air at those depths and you will only get a few minutes bottom time.