Your guide to Apple Watch Ultra bands

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.

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.

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.

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.