Apple Watch Ultra 4 release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
The image above is of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. | Image by PhoneArena
Apple Watch Ultra 4: what to expect
What’s expected to change vs Apple Watch Ultra 3:
Expected release timeline:
- New S-series chip, expected to improve efficiency and responsiveness
- Slightly thinner chassis, making the Ultra more comfortable to wear daily
- Marginally larger display, without changing the overall rugged identity
- Revised sensor layout, possibly preparing for future health features
- No confirmed breakthrough health sensors, including glucose monitoring
- Mostly watchOS upgrades
Expected release timeline:
- Expected announcement in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup.
- The watch should become available within the same month.
- No rumors of a price hike for the Apple Watch Ultra so far.
- Apple has held the Ultra line steady at $799 for three generations in a row, and Ultra 4 will possibly keep the same price.
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Apple Watch Ultra 4 release date
Based on Apple’s release schedule in previous years, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to be announced in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup and Apple's first foldable iPhone (potentially).
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra | September 7, 2022 | September 23, 2022 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | September 12, 2023 | September 22, 2023 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | September 9, 2025 | September 19, 2025 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | September 2026* | September 2026* |
* - probable dates
Some reports from outlets like MacRumors and Macworld claim that Apple has internally referenced a future Apple Watch model under the codename “N240,” which is believed to correspond to a 2026-generation Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 price
Currently, there are no leaks saying there will be a price increase for the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Likely, Apple will sell the Ultra at the same price as its predecessor.
| Apple Watch model | 49mm GPS + Cellular |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra | $799 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | $799 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | $799 |
*- anticipated price
However, we should still consider the rising costs for components across the industry. This may or may not affect the flagship timepiece.
Meanwhile, Apple is still keeping its lead as the world's top smartwatch vendor in terms of shipments.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 design
Design is one of the areas where we have some leaks to give us an idea of what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
The rugged titanium case, flat display, prominent Digital Crown, and Action Button are all expected to remain.
There are also rumors referencing a new sensor layout on the underside of the watch, potentially featuring eight distinct sensor elements. This has been linked to future health or biometric capabilities, though Apple’s exact intent remains unclear. It's also not clear if these new sensors would be coming to the Ultra 4, or to a timepiece further down the line.
Touch ID integration has also been mentioned in early reports. If implemented, it would likely be embedded in the Action Button rather than under the display.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 display
No specific display specifications have leaked yet, so we are keeping our expectations low. The panel will most likely be similar to the previous generation, possibly slightly larger. We might see some improvements to the display's brightness, although the last two generations came with displays that are already bright enough.
The display is expected to remain an OLED display just like previous generations. The Ultra 3 brought an upgrade with the use of LTPO3 for its display, which allowed the smartwatch to refresh the display at just 1 Hz, helping the Always-on feature to consume even less power.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 battery
Longer battery life is one of the main reasons buyers pick the Ultra over the regular Apple Watches. We don't expect any increases to the battery capacity with the Apple Watch Ultra 4, but we could see some improvements if the new chip provides better efficiency.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 already delivers around 42 hours in standard use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 already delivers around 42 hours in standard use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 features and software
Some of the notable features from previous models include:
- Advanced workout tracking
- Emergency SOS and satellite connectivity
- Dive and outdoor navigation tools
- Sleep tracking, ECG, blood oxygen, wrist temperature
- Hypertension notifications (if expanded)
So far, though, we haven't heard about new features that would debut with the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Health sensors
Reports of eight sensors on the underside suggest Apple is continuing to invest in health monitoring, but no source confirms new medical-grade capabilities.
Apart from new features, the Ultra 4 is expected to bring the Ultra 3's workout and health features as well. This includes watchOS 26's Apple Intelligence-powered workout buddy, the huge array of workouts, and sleep tracking with Sleep Score.
The health features that the Ultra 3 sported are also likely to be kept, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, irregular rhythm notifications, high and low rate, respiratory rate, and hypertension alerts.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 hardware and specs
We expect a new chip to power the Series 12, as usual. Every year, Apple brings an upgraded chip to power its latest smartwatches, and this year it should be the S11 chip.
Apple Watch Ultra 4's expected specs:
- CPU: S11 chip
- Connectivity: Cellular, 5G, satellite SOS
- Battery life: Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Materials: Titanium
- Sizes: One Ultra size
- Storage: 64GB
- Sensors: Expanded sensor array
Should I wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
- You should wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if you want to upgrade to a slimmer version of Apple's ultimate smartwatch. Otherwise, there is not much else that would elicit an upgrade based on the leaks we've seen so far, unless Apple introduces a new feature or an improvement to an old one, or somehow improves the battery life even more.
- You should not wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 4if the slimmer design is not essential to you. While the rumors say the new model will be thinner, we don't know by how much. There is quite a bit of time until September, so if you need a rugged smartwatch for any specific plans, then it is best to get one right now. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is already pretty great, and it doesn't seem like it will be too different from its successor.
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