Apple Watch Ultra 4 was announced on September 9, 2026, and became available in stores on September 18. Its official U.S. launch starting price was $799; current retailer prices may differ. Apple’s confirmed upgrades include an S11 chip, a new Health Sensing System with readiness insights, and longer claimed battery life.
Before launch, buyers were working from rumors and estimates. Those have now been superseded by Apple’s announcement: Ultra 4 focuses on sensing, health and fitness insights, and endurance, while rumors such as Touch ID and noninvasive glucose monitoring were not confirmed as product features.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 release date and price
Apple announced Apple Watch Ultra 4 on September 9, 2026, and opened pre-orders that day. Store availability began Friday, September 18, in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries and regions. Apple listed a U.S. starting price of $799 at launch. That is a launch price, not a guarantee of today’s price or of pricing in other countries.
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Announcement | September 9, 2026 |
| Pre-orders | Opened September 9, 2026 |
| Store availability | September 18, 2026, in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries and regions |
| U.S. launch starting price | $799 |
Apple’s launch announcement is the source for these dates and the U.S. starting price. Check Apple or retailers for current local availability and pricing, which can change.
#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Titanium Milanese Loop - L. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51x8F3QDUWL._SL160_.jpg)
- RUGGED AND READY TO GO—The ultimate sports and adventure smartwatch is built to last with an extremely tough titanium case and a strong sapphire crystal display. Water resistant up to 100m—it’s great for swimmers, divers, and fans of high-speed water sports.*
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Ultra 3 can take an ECG* and check your heart rhythm for signs of AFib—right from your wrist. The smartwatch sends alerts for possible hypertension,* an irregular heart rhythm,* or an unusually high or low heart rate. You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- ULTIMATE RUNNING AND WORKOUT COMPANION—A superior fitness tracker for marathoners, triathletes, mountain bikers, backcountry hikers, and mountain climbers, Ultra 3 provides precision dual-frequency GPS, Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, Custom Workouts, running power, Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* training load, and more.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash* and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- MULTIDAY BATTERY LIFE—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that’s engineered to give you even longer battery life. It’s perfect for trail runners—with up to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.* Track a workout with full GPS and heart rate monitoring for up to 20 hours in Low Power Mode.*
What changed from Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Ultra 4?
Apple’s announcement emphasizes the S11 chip, a new Health Sensing System, more frequent heart-rate and heart-rate variability measurements, readiness insights, and longer battery life. MacRumors’ Ultra 3 versus Ultra 4 buyer’s guide reports that the basic design and display approach remain similar, with changes concentrated on sensing, health and fitness insights, and endurance.
| Area | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S10, according to MacRumors’ comparison | S11, confirmed by Apple |
| Health sensing | Previous sensing system | New Health Sensing System with more frequent heart-rate and HRV measurements |
| Readiness | No Ultra 4 readiness feature | Daily readiness score and prompt based on recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep score |
| Battery claims | Previous generation’s rating | Apple claims up to 50 hours of everyday use and up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Design | Ultra design | Same basic design approach, according to MacRumors |
The chip and feature descriptions come from Apple’s announcement. RAM figures and other generation-to-generation comparison details are secondary-source reporting from MacRumors, not specifications quoted here as Apple-confirmed.
Health Sensing System and readiness
Apple says Ultra 4 measures heart rate every five seconds and measures heart-rate variability (HRV) up to 24 times more often than before. Its new daytime vitals view presents health measurements, while readiness uses recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep score to create a daily score from 0 to 10. Apple’s four readiness prompts are Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, and Go For It.
Rank #2
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Anchor Blue Ocean Band. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410UsX8rgRL._SL160_.jpg)
- RUGGED AND READY TO GO—The ultimate sports and adventure smartwatch is built to last with an extremely tough titanium case and a strong sapphire crystal display. Water resistant up to 100m—it’s great for swimmers, divers, and fans of high-speed water sports.*
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Ultra 3 can take an ECG* and check your heart rhythm for signs of AFib—right from your wrist. The smartwatch sends alerts for possible hypertension,* an irregular heart rhythm,* or an unusually high or low heart rate. You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- ULTIMATE RUNNING AND WORKOUT COMPANION—A superior fitness tracker for marathoners, triathletes, mountain bikers, backcountry hikers, and mountain climbers, Ultra 3 provides precision dual-frequency GPS, Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, Custom Workouts, running power, Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* training load, and more.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash* and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- MULTIDAY BATTERY LIFE—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that’s engineered to give you even longer battery life. It’s perfect for trail runners—with up to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.* Track a workout with full GPS and heart rate monitoring for up to 20 hours in Low Power Mode.*
Readiness is a wellness and training insight, not a medical diagnosis. Health features may have age, region, language, or other availability restrictions. Consult Apple’s Ultra 4 technical specifications for product and feature caveats.
Apple also says a study involving more than 1,000 participants found Apple Watch had the highest heart-rate accuracy among the devices compared. This is Apple’s reported study and result, not an independent conclusion. Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance, described Ultra 4 as offering “the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable”; that superlative is Apple’s claim.
Battery life and charging
Apple claims up to 50 hours of everyday battery life and up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode. For outdoor workout tracking, Apple reports up to 25 hours in Extended Workout mode with full GPS and heart-rate readings, or up to 45 hours in Max Extended Workout mode. These are maximums under Apple’s stated testing conditions, not guaranteed runtimes.
Rank #3
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Black Alpine Loop - M. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412vVDB7SSL._SL160_.jpg)
- RUGGED AND READY TO GO—The ultimate sports and adventure smartwatch is built to last with an extremely tough titanium case and a strong sapphire crystal display. Water resistant up to 100m—it’s great for swimmers, divers, and fans of high-speed water sports.*
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Ultra 3 can take an ECG* and check your heart rhythm for signs of AFib—right from your wrist. The smartwatch sends alerts for possible hypertension,* an irregular heart rhythm,* or an unusually high or low heart rate. You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- ULTIMATE RUNNING AND WORKOUT COMPANION—A superior fitness tracker for marathoners, triathletes, mountain bikers, backcountry hikers, and mountain climbers, Ultra 3 provides precision dual-frequency GPS, Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, Custom Workouts, running power, Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* training load, and more.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash* and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- MULTIDAY BATTERY LIFE—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that’s engineered to give you even longer battery life. It’s perfect for trail runners—with up to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.* Track a workout with full GPS and heart rate monitoring for up to 20 hours in Low Power Mode.*
Apple’s testing notes say the battery tests used preproduction watches and prerelease software. Actual battery life varies with use, configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and other factors. Apple also says 15 minutes of charging can add up to 18 hours of additional battery life under its stated test conditions. See Apple’s announcement and testing notes for qualifications.
Design and specifications
Apple’s support specifications list a Grade 5 titanium case in natural or black. The case measures 49 mm high, 44 mm wide, and 12 mm deep. Listed weights are 63.0 g for natural and 63.1 g for black.
| Specification | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
|---|---|
| Case material and finishes | Grade 5 titanium; natural or black |
| Dimensions | 49 mm high × 44 mm wide × 12 mm deep |
| Weight | 63.0 g (natural); 63.1 g (black) |
| Included in the box | Watch, a band, and a one-meter Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable |
Apple lists water resistance to 100 meters under ISO 22810:2010 and recreational scuba use to 40 meters in appropriate conditions with a compatible app. Water resistance is not permanent. Review Apple’s technical specifications and usage guidance for details and limitations.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop - M/L. Satellite Communications, Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SKumOyv8L._SL160_.jpg)
- RUGGED AND READY TO GO—The ultimate sports and adventure smartwatch is built to last with an extremely tough titanium case and a strong sapphire crystal display. Water resistant up to 100m—it’s great for swimmers, divers, and fans of high-speed water sports.*
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Ultra 3 can take an ECG* and check your heart rhythm for signs of AFib—right from your wrist. The smartwatch sends alerts for possible hypertension,* an irregular heart rhythm,* or an unusually high or low heart rate. You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- ULTIMATE RUNNING AND WORKOUT COMPANION—A superior fitness tracker for marathoners, triathletes, mountain bikers, backcountry hikers, and mountain climbers, Ultra 3 provides precision dual-frequency GPS, Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, Custom Workouts, running power, Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* training load, and more.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash* and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- MULTIDAY BATTERY LIFE—Ultra 3 is a smartwatch that’s engineered to give you even longer battery life. It’s perfect for trail runners—with up to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.* Track a workout with full GPS and heart rate monitoring for up to 20 hours in Low Power Mode.*
Should you upgrade from Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The key question is whether the new readiness and recovery insights, more frequent sensing, and extra claimed endurance would change how you train or use your watch. MacRumors’ buyer’s guide argues that most Ultra 3 owners do not need to upgrade unless those insights or longer endurance matter to them; that is editorial advice, not a test result.
Consider Ultra 4 if:
- You want readiness and recovery-oriented insights based on activity, training load, vitals, and sleep.
- More frequent heart-rate and HRV measurements are useful to your training routine.
- You regularly need the additional battery endurance claimed by Apple.
- You are buying a new watch and value Ultra 4’s latest sensing and chip features.
Keep or consider Ultra 3 if:
- Your current Ultra 3 meets your needs and you would not use readiness insights or the additional endurance.
- You can find Ultra 3 at a lower current price and prefer its value over the newer features.
- You want to avoid replacing a capable watch for a generation whose basic design remains similar.
Check current seller prices before comparing value; the $799 figure is Ultra 4’s U.S. launch starting price, not a verified live deal or universal price.
What happened to the Ultra 4 rumors?
Before Apple’s announcement, reporting discussed possible redesign and sensing changes, but details were unclear. Apple has now confirmed the S11, updated sensing, readiness, and battery claims. The announcement does not confirm every rumored design change or biometric feature. MacRumors’ June 2026 report is useful only as historical context for those pre-launch expectations.
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Best Value
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular, 49mm] Black Titanium Case with Black Ocean Band (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pgd6Mf8nL._SL160_.jpg)
- Snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, rowing, and more — you’ll find tons of additional ways to take your favorite sports and activities to the next level with Ultra 3 in the App Store. Tap in. Max out.
Touch ID was discussed as experimentation, not a confirmed Ultra 4 feature. Noninvasive glucose monitoring was likewise not announced for Ultra 4; pre-launch reporting suggested the technology remained years away. Neither should be treated as a feature that shipped.
FAQ
When did Apple Watch Ultra 4 come out?
Apple announced Ultra 4 on September 9, 2026, and store availability began September 18, 2026, in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries and regions.
How much does Apple Watch Ultra 4 cost?
Apple’s U.S. launch starting price was $799. Current seller prices and prices in other countries may differ.
What is new in Apple Watch Ultra 4?
Apple highlights the S11 chip, a new Health Sensing System, more frequent heart-rate and HRV measurements, readiness insights, and longer claimed battery life. Apple also announced more accurate step tracking, updated Audio Intelligence capabilities, and faster charging.
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Consider upgrading if readiness insights, more frequent sensing, or the additional claimed battery endurance would meaningfully help your routine. If Ultra 3 already meets your needs, compare its current price with Ultra 4’s before deciding.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 4 have glucose monitoring or Touch ID?
Apple did not announce either feature for Ultra 4. Pre-launch discussion of these possibilities was not confirmation that they would ship.
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