![Apple Watch Ultra in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BMtWXrqHdf3wTtwppBojL9-415-80.jpg)
There are many reasons why people love using the Apple Watch Ultra as a running watch. It has the largest display of all Apple Watches, allowing six data fields to be displayed during workouts (the otherwise brilliant Apple Watch Series 8 can only show five). and there is one hidden feature only accessible via the Watch app on your iPhone that turns the Ultra into a full-blown performance wearable for runners.
The Apple Watch Ultra has three buttons that can be easily located even if you aren't looking. One of these, the dedicated action button on the left, is programmable, letting you assign an action of your choice to it. This can be starting a workout when you press it once and marking a segment during your run when you press it again.
The semi-hidden feature I'll be talking about here lets you start a running workout exactly when you start it and without the usual countdown from three to one. The countdown is fine if you're a casual runner, but anyone taking running seriously (or at the start line of a race) wants the Ultra to lock onto the GPS signal and wait patiently for its cue.
What's Apple's Precision Start feature and how to activate it?
That's what Precision Start is for. You can turn on Precision Start in workout settings (Watch>Workout>Precision Start), which will show when you have a GPS signal and will skip the countdown automatically. This magical feature turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a full-fledged running watch as it allows you to start workout tracking at the exact point when you start running.
Not just that, but Precision Start ensures the Apple Watch Ultra is ready when needed with the GPS signal locked on. This is a feature that usually separates casual fitness trackers from actual multisport watches. Again, there is nothing wrong with people not giving 110% at every session, but it's nice to have the option to track workouts properly when it actually matters.
For now, Precision Start only works with the Apple Watch Ultra featuring WatchOS 9, but who knows, WatchOS 10 might open up this feature to other smartwatches, too (well, other Apple Watches). For more info on how to run with your Apple Watch, check out Apple's explainer (external link).
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Vision Pro just got a load of new reasons to justify that cost
Some of the extra content coming sounds incredible
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple's iPad is now at a record-low price this Amazon Prime Day
If you've been waiting to pick up an Apple iPad, now might be the time to buy
By David Nield Published
-
Surprise new Apple HomePod mini arrives, and you can order it today
Apple has announced a new Apple HomePod mini
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Diver gets his Apple Watch back a year after losing it in the ocean – thanks to Find My
When technology works, it really works
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Forget Amazon Prime Day – MacBook Air now at lowest-ever price at Walmart
Apple silicon computing for less
By David Nield Published
-
iPhone 16 Pro could finally add something Android users have been enjoying for years
This is one rumour we can definitely get on board with
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iPhone 16 "design changes" could impact Face ID on forthcoming handsets
No one's sure what it'll look like
By Max Freeman-Mills Published