I'm a runner and I found a hidden Apple Watch Ultra feature that's perfect for me

TechSmartwatchesI’m a runner and I found a hidden Apple Watch Ultra feature that’s perfect for mePrecision Start turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a full-fledged running wearableWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Precision Start turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a full-fledged running wearable

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Apple Watch Ultra in hand

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

There are many reasons why people love using theApple Watch Ultraas arunning watch. It has the largest display of allApple Watches, allowing six data fields to be displayed during workouts (the otherwise brilliantApple Watch Series 8can only show five). and there is one hidden feature only accessible via the Watch app on youriPhonethat turns the Ultra into a full-blown performance wearable for runners.

TheApple WatchUltra 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.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Ultra workout mode

(Image credit: Future)

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 neededwith the GPS signal locked on. This is a feature that usually separates casualfitness trackersfrom actualmultisport 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 10might open up this feature to othersmartwatches, too (well, other Apple Watches). For more info on how to run with your Apple Watch, check outApple’s explainer(external link).

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Apple Watch Ultra - 49mm -…