watchOS 27 has arrived without a fresh batch of Apple Watch faces, at least for now. That might sound disappointing, but the existing catalog still has plenty to offer. In fact, one face in particular has been getting a lot of attention from users who prefer a cleaner, more focused approach to their wearable experience. That face is Modular Ultra, and it continues to shine even without the addition of new options.

For many people, the Apple Watch is a hub of notifications, apps, and data. But there's a growing community that believes less is more when it comes to how the wearable is configured. Fewer notifications, fewer complications, and a deliberate focus on what truly matters can make the device more useful and less stressful. This philosophy extends naturally to watch faces. While some users load every slot with metrics, others find that a restrained layout creates a more pleasant and efficient experience.

A more modular, less ultra version of Modular Ultra face

Modular Ultra is exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra models, and it's one of the most flexible faces Apple has ever designed. It can look dramatically different depending on how you configure it. With a few taps, you can turn it into either a data-dense command center or a minimalist clock that only shows the essentials. My approach leans heavily toward the latter.

I prioritize the time in a large size with seconds visible. This is especially nice on Apple Watch Ultra 3, which always displays the seconds, including in always-on mode. That means you get a precise, glanceable clock without having to wake the watch or wait for the display to brighten. The constant ticking of the seconds hand-like element adds a sense of liveliness to the face, making it feel more like a traditional mechanical watch in some ways.

The bottom left complication is set to current temperature, along with the day's low and high. This gives me the essential weather information at a glance, without needing to open the Weather app or a third-party complication. The top right complication currently displays my activity rings. I sometimes change this slot based on what I want to track, swapping it out for the UV index on sunny days or other metrics during different seasons. The flexibility is one of the strengths of this face.

The other four small complication slots are left blank. At first, this might seem like wasted space, but I find the opposite. The balance between the top-right and bottom-left occupied corners creates a pleasing visual asymmetry. The negative space gives the face room to breathe, preventing it from feeling cluttered. It also allows the large time display to truly stand out as the focal point of the watch face.

You can configure Modular Ultra with way more data

If you're the kind of person who wants every possible metric visible at all times, Modular Ultra can handle that too. The same face that I use in a minimal configuration is capable of displaying an enormous amount of information. You can load it with six compact complications, which is more than most other watch faces allow. There's also room for a medium complication directly under the smaller clock, which can be used for things like upcoming events, weather conditions, or a heart rate reading.

Beyond the complications, Modular Ultra includes bezel data. The outer edge of the display can be configured to show seconds, depth, elevation, or training load. These options are particularly useful for athletes, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need real-time tracking without having to switch between apps or screens. For example, divers can use the depth reading while underwater, while hikers can keep an eye on elevation gain during a trek.

The fact that Modular Ultra can display so much information is impressive. It shows that Apple's watchOS team has put serious thought into how to pack functionality into a single screen. However, for my day-to-day needs, I get far more value from the toned-down version. The minimal setup reduces distraction and makes me more intentional about what I check. Instead of constantly scanning a dense grid of numbers, I can take in the time, weather, and activity status at a single glance.

The quirks of a restrained layout

One interesting quirk of using Modular Ultra in this restrained mode is the placement of the red notification dot. On most Apple Watch faces, the notification indicator appears at the top center, neatly aligned with the rest of the interface. But on Modular Ultra, the dot's position is designed to accommodate a top-middle complication slot. When that slot is left empty, as it is in my configuration, the red dot isn't centered. It sits off to the side, which can look a bit unusual at first.

Far from being a flaw, I've come to appreciate this minor eccentricity. It adds a bit of character to the face and serves as a subtle reminder that the watch is configured in a way that intentionally deviates from the default. The slightly off-center notification dot is a small price to pay for the clean, uncluttered layout I've grown to love. It's a little weird, and different is often good in a world where every screen tends to look the same.

The evolution of Modular Ultra and watchOS faces

Modular Ultra was introduced alongside the first Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, as part of watchOS 9. It was designed to take advantage of the larger, brighter display and the rugged build of the Ultra line. Over the years, Apple has refined the face with new capabilities, but the core design has remained consistent. It's a face that balances form and function, offering both simplicity and depth depending on user preference.

The watchOS 27 update, which is currently in its early stages, has generated a lot of speculation about new faces. Rumors have suggested that Apple might add new options, including perhaps a face that leverages the always-on display in new ways. While none of those faces have materialized yet, it's possible we could see them in a later point release. In the meantime, existing faces like Modular Ultra continue to hold their own, proving that even without novelty, a well-designed face can remain relevant.

Getting the most out of your Apple Watch Ultra

For those who own an Apple Watch Ultra, taking the time to customize a watch face is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The hardware is incredibly capable, but the experience is defined by how you choose to interact with it. Whether you prefer a data-rich layout or a minimal approach, the key is to find a configuration that matches your lifestyle.

If you're considering an Apple Watch Ultra, the current pricing is worth noting. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for $699, down from its regular price of $799. That's a solid discount for a premium device. Additionally, Apple's refurbished store occasionally carries the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $589, which is an even more affordable entry point for those willing to buy certified refurbished. These are great options for anyone looking to experience the best Apple has to offer in a rugged smartwatch.

The broader Apple ecosystem also offers many ways to enhance your setup. Products like the Apple AirTag 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3 complement the Apple Watch experience, as do accessories like the Wireless CarPlay Adapter and the Withings Body Comp smart scale. These tools integrate seamlessly with Apple Health and other services, making it easier to track fitness, stay connected, and manage your daily routine.

Which watch faces are you loving these days? Share your thoughts and configuration ideas. The beauty of the Apple Watch is that there's no single right way to use it. Whether you load up every complication or strip things back to the bare minimum, the device adapts to you. For now, I'm sticking with my scaled-back Modular Ultra, and I suspect it will be a while before I change it.

Source: 9to5Mac News