Apple’s Oceanic+ diving app now available for Watch Ultra

We break down the key features of the Oceanic+ app

Apple has launched its Oceanic+ diving app for the Apple Watch Ultra, which is available to download now.

The Oceanic+ app, which was announced at the Apple Watch Ultra launch in Cupertino back in September (which Wareable reported live from), is a collaboration between Huish Outdoors and Apple.

It enables a host of dive-specific features for the all-action version of Apple’s smartwatch.

Verdict: Apple Watch Ultra – our full review

The Apple Watch Ultra boosted the water-resistant capabilities of the smartwatch range, and can dive to 40m (130 feet) thanks to its EN 13319 rating.

But the best features are enabled by the Oceanic+ app. It works in addition to the dive calculator, which is a stock app included with Apple Watch Ultra. This automatically calculates your depth when submerged in water.

So what new features does it bring exactly?

Divers can set surface time, depth, and gas in the Oceanic+ planner, and the app will calculate their no-decompression time (No Deco), which sets time limits at certain depths. These more advanced features will require the $9.99 per month / $81.99 per year subscription.

It will also take into account tides, water temperature, visibility and currents. Some of these data points are user-generated, so we're not sure how reliable this information will be.

After the dive, users will see data — including GPS entry and exit locations and a summary of their dive profile. 

This data is also sent onto the companion iPhone app for analysis and tracking – just like you'd see after a workout. The iPhone app will show a map of entry and exit locations, and graphs showing depth, temperature (from the Ultra's built-in sensor), ascent rate, and no-decompression limits.

Many of the app’s features are free, but regular divers who want to get the most from Oceanic+ need to pay a subscription. 

The app is available to download now from the App Store.