The Best Apple Watch Ultra Complications You Should Be Using

Imagine hiking up a steep trail, and at the crucial moment, you glance at your Apple Watch Ultra to see your exact altitude, wind speed, and heart rate—all in one view. The Apple Watch Ultra is packed with power, but it's the complications that truly make it the best companion for explorers, athletes, and even casual users. These tiny widgets pack a punch, giving you at-a-glance information that keeps you connected to your world, whether you’re underwater, on top of a mountain, or simply running errands.

Why are complications so important?
The Apple Watch Ultra is designed for extreme adventures and serious athletes. The hardware is impressive, but it’s the software—specifically the complications—that allows users to customize the watch to fit their specific needs. From tracking fitness to navigating backcountry trails, complications turn your watch into a versatile tool that can provide real-time insights without breaking stride. But with so many options, which ones are the best?

Here are the top complications that you should be using on your Apple Watch Ultra:

1. Compass (Waypoints & Backtrack)

The Compass complication is a must-have for anyone venturing into the wilderness or exploring unknown terrain. It’s more than just a basic compass—it includes features like waypoints and backtrack, so you can mark locations and find your way back effortlessly. Waypoints let you mark points of interest, whether it’s a stunning viewpoint or your campsite. Backtrack uses GPS to track your route, so if you get lost, you can retrace your steps safely. This complication provides peace of mind when you’re off-grid.

2. Altimeter

When hiking or climbing, knowing your altitude can be essential. The Altimeter complication provides real-time elevation data that adjusts as you ascend or descend. It’s a favorite among mountain climbers, trail runners, and even skiers. This feature ensures that you’re always aware of your elevation, helping you avoid altitude sickness or plan your ascent more effectively.

3. Blood Oxygen (SpO2 Monitoring)

Health tracking is at the core of the Apple Watch’s appeal, and the Blood Oxygen complication takes it to the next level. This complication gives you an instant read on your oxygen saturation levels—a critical metric for high-altitude explorers or anyone doing endurance activities. Keeping an eye on your blood oxygen levels can help you gauge how well your body is adapting to environmental conditions. It’s also useful for general wellness tracking, helping you monitor sleep and detect possible respiratory issues early on.

4. Workout App (Custom Intervals & Goals)

For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout complication is non-negotiable. The Apple Watch Ultra supports customizable workouts, allowing you to set intervals, distance, and calorie goals. The complication brings all this data directly to your wrist so you can keep tabs on your progress without fumbling through apps. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to close your rings, this complication keeps you accountable and motivated.

5. Heart Rate Zones

Keeping track of your heart rate during workouts is crucial for training efficiency. The Heart Rate Zones complication breaks down your performance into different zones (fat-burning, cardio, peak) to help you optimize your effort. Whether you’re looking to burn fat or improve endurance, this complication provides real-time insights that can help you stay in your target zone. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for any athlete looking to improve their performance.

6. Oceanic+ (Depth & Water Temperature)

For divers and water sports enthusiasts, the Oceanic+ complication is a game-changer. This complication turns your Apple Watch Ultra into a dive computer, providing critical information like current depth, maximum depth, and water temperature. Whether you’re free diving or scuba diving, this complication helps you stay safe and informed under the sea. It’s built to meet rigorous diving standards, making it reliable for both amateurs and seasoned divers alike.

7. Weather (Wind, UV Index, & Conditions)

Weather conditions can make or break an outdoor adventure. The Weather complication is one of the most versatile, offering real-time updates on wind speed, UV index, and overall conditions. It’s especially useful for runners, hikers, and anyone spending extended time outdoors. With the ability to quickly check wind conditions or the UV index, you can make safer decisions about when to start your trek or whether you need additional sun protection.

8. Sleep Tracking

While not as flashy as some other complications, Sleep Tracking is essential for overall health and recovery. The Sleep complication provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including time spent in each sleep stage (deep, light, REM). Better sleep tracking can lead to improved performance in your daily activities and workouts, making it an important part of the Apple Watch Ultra experience.

9. Calendar & Reminders

For those who need to stay organized, the Calendar and Reminders complications are lifesavers. These complications ensure you never miss a meeting, appointment, or task, all from your wrist. While they might not be as extreme as the Altimeter or Oceanic+, they are equally valuable in keeping you grounded in your day-to-day life.

10. Battery Life

Finally, we have the Battery complication—a simple but critical widget for anyone using the Apple Watch Ultra in extreme conditions. The Ultra boasts an impressive battery life, but it’s always good to keep an eye on it, especially during long adventures where charging isn’t an option. This complication ensures you never run out of juice when you need your watch the most.

Optimizing Your Apple Watch Ultra

Customization is key when it comes to the Apple Watch Ultra. With so many complications available, it’s easy to tailor your watch to fit your unique needs, whether you’re an explorer, athlete, or someone who simply enjoys staying connected. By selecting the right complications, you can transform your watch into a tool that not only enhances your adventures but also supports your everyday life.

But remember, the best complications depend on your lifestyle. While an outdoor enthusiast might prioritize Compass and Altimeter, someone focused on fitness might lean more on Heart Rate Zones and Blood Oxygen monitoring. The flexibility of the Apple Watch Ultra allows you to choose what matters most, and that’s what makes it an indispensable tool in any scenario.