Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Ultra 4 during its September presentation, showcasing significant upgrades despite a familiar design. Externally, the watch retains the same robust titanium case and vibrant orange action button as its predecessor, the Ultra 3, making it visually indistinguishable at first glance. However, the enhancements lie beneath the surface, featuring a new S11 chip, updated watchOS 27 capabilities, and an improved health sensor array.
The design remains consistent, with the 49mm case, flat sapphire crystal, and protection against water and dust intact. Apple did refresh the color options, introducing natural and black titanium alongside new strap colors for the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band. Many users may appreciate this continuity, as it means existing accessories remain compatible and there is no need to adjust to a new design.
One of the standout features of the Ultra 4 is the new S11 chip, which significantly boosts performance. Applications launch instantly, Siri responds more quickly, and the overall interface remains smooth even during intense workouts involving maps and music. The battery life has also seen impressive improvements, with Apple claiming up to 50 hours in standard mode, 84 hours in low-power mode, and 45 hours in Max Extended Workout mode. This level of battery performance allows users to forget about charging for days at a time. Additionally, a quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 18 hours of usage.
The introduction of watchOS 27 is another highlight, bringing a slew of new software features that will also be available for older models. Among the new capabilities are an enhanced Siri AI, which offers smarter responses, Siri Recap for conversation summaries, and Live Rewind for retrieving missed speech. There are plans to roll out these features in beta by the end of 2026.
Health tracking remains a key focus for the Ultra series, with Apple claiming the Ultra 4 to be the most accurate wearable for heart rate monitoring yet. The updated Health Sensing System captures heart rate effectively even during intense activity. New features such as the Readiness score provide morning assessments of a user's readiness for workouts, while real-time heart rate monitoring and improved sleep statistics enhance overall health management.
The Ultra 4 will be available for pre-order at a starting price of $799, with sales commencing by the end of September. In regions like Russia, the pricing may be influenced by gray market dynamics, so potential buyers are advised to wait for market stabilization before making a purchase. For current Ultra 3 users, the upgrade may not be urgent as the differences mainly lie in the chip, battery, and sensors. However, those with earlier models like the first Ultra or Ultra 2 may find the transition to the Ultra 4 more significant.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 represents a solid evolutionary upgrade rather than a revolutionary overhaul, offering enhanced performance and health features that justify its price, especially for active users. This development may shift the competitive landscape, pushing rivals to enhance their offerings in response to Apple's continuous innovation.
Informational material. 18+.
