I cancelled my Apple Watch Ultra pre-ordered

I have cancelled far too many Apple pre-orders over the years. Since the original AirPods announcement, I have always had the policy to place a pre-order for any Apple product that I am remotely interested in. At the time, I was lucky to get the original AirPods at launch. However, I still remember that I waited months to get another pair for a family member. Sadly, I am not a patient man.

The Apple Water Ultra is interesting but more importantly, it's somewhat of a different watch compared to all the other previous Apple Watches. Before getting an Apple Watch in 2015, I proudly wore a Casio G Shock. My then girlfriend and now wife hated that watch. I loved it. I still have that watch. It's rugged, it has character, but it also needs a new battery. It was the Apple Watch in 2015 that convinced me to let go of my beloved G Shock. The Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly the G SHOCK of Apple Watches and for this reason, I promptly pre-ordered.

So, why did I cancel my pre-order?

A part of me wanted to keep my pre-order so at least I can experience the Apple G Shock for a few days. Perhaps, I should have waited for the reviews. However, after understanding my reasoning, you will agree, the reviews are not relevant.

I have a stainless-steel Series 6 Apple Watch, which Apple provided me as a free upgrade when I had issues with my Series 5. However, back in 2019 (year in which the Series 5 was launched), I decided not to upgrade until the Apple Watch drastically changes. It is my view that the Apple Watch has had the slowest of Apple upgrades. I initially thought, the Apple Watch Ultra is the Apple Watch I have been waiting for. I was WRONG.

The software experience on the Series 6 is largely indifferent to the Apple Watch Ultra.
The larger battery of the Ultra is still not large enough. Instead of charging daily, the Ultra would require charging every 2-3 days at best. This still means I have to regularly charge the Apple Watch, so I may as well do it daily out of habit.
The larger screen will be epic, but as I have discovered since 2015, this largely is a non issue.
My Series 6 is working well, and I like the stainless-steel look
Despite being somewhat different from the previous Apple Watches, the Ultra still is an Apple Watch. No one is mistaking the Ultra for anything but an Apple Watch. It's 90% regular Apple Watch and 10% Ultra. Percentages are guesstimates.
I am optimistic that an Apple Watch redesign will be a reality in the coming years and by that time, my current watch would have aged. A circular Apple Watch would be very cool.
In 2022, I am a person who likes the idea of a G SHOCK, but it does not suit my current lifestyle. Perhaps, it does if I gave it that opportunity, but for the reasons outlined here, I am currently not ready to do so.
This probably was the key deciding factor. If I could find a family member who wanted my watch, I then would feel more comfortable upgrading. However, those who want an Apple Watch already have one. Lately, I am also conscious of the environment and this is my contribution towards reducing e-waste.

So like in 2019, 2020 and 2021, I am not upgrading my Apple Watch, and it feels good. At least with the Apple Watch, I feel Apple needs to earn my upgrade.