Apple Watch Ultra 4: Know Before You Buy

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 (likely to be announced in September 2025) is Apple’s top-tier rugged smartwatch, designed for athletes, divers, and outdoor explorers. Before you spend around $800, you need to know its key upgrades, who it’s actually for, and whether your current watch or a cheaper model already covers your needs. This article breaks down everything you should consider before buying or skipping it.

Background: Where the Ultra Line Sits

Apple introduced the Ultra in 2022 as a third tier above the standard Series and the budget SE. It targets people who need a larger, tougher, longer-lasting watch with specific tools like a programmable Action button, a precise dual-frequency GPS, and a depth gauge. The Ultra 4 is expected to continue that mission, likely with a new display technology and a faster chip, but the core concept remains the same: a premium outdoor companion, not a fashion accessory.

Key Upgrades to Expect (and What Stays the Same)

Rumors and Apple’s own release patterns suggest the Ultra 4 will feature:

• An upgraded S10 or S11 chip for faster on-device Siri and better efficiency.
• A new display that could be brighter (up to 3,000 nits) and more power-efficient, possibly using microLED technology – though that may be delayed.
• Improved battery life, potentially reaching 40 hours of normal use and 80 hours in low-power mode.
• New health sensors, possibly including blood pressure monitoring (initially just alerting you to high blood pressure trends) and sleep apnea detection.
• The same 49mm titanium case, flat sapphire crystal, and the same band compatibility.

What won’t change: the design, the price (likely still $799), and the core feature set that made the Ultra popular. If you were hoping for a smaller version or a round face, this isn’t it.

How It Works: The Hardware and Software

The Ultra 4 runs watchOS 12 (or later), which brings new watch faces, improved workout metrics, and enhanced safety features. The hardware includes a dual-frequency GPS that locks onto satellites faster and more accurately in cities and forests, a depth gauge that works with the built-in Depth app for freediving, and a siren that can emit an 86-decibel alert. The Action button is a physical, customizable button on the left side that you can set to start a workout, mark a compass waypoint, or trigger a dive. The watch also has a temperature sensor for wrist-based water temperature and a blood oxygen sensor (though the U.S. version may have this disabled due to patent issues).

How to Choose: Is It Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you do extreme sports? If you’re a trail runner, triathlete, scuba diver (to 40m), or mountaineer, the Ultra’s extra durability and battery are worth it.
2. Do you need a bigger screen? The 49mm case and 410×502 pixel display are noticeably larger than the 45mm Series 10, making it easier to read at a glance.
3. Do you charge daily? The Ultra easily lasts two days with typical use, and three with heavy GPS use. If you’re tired of daily charging, this is a big plus.
4. Is the price a concern? At $799, it’s $300 more than the Series 10. If you don’t need the rugged features, the Series 10 is a better value.
5. Do you need a blood pressure monitor? If that’s your primary reason, wait for official confirmation and FDA clearance. The feature may be limited to certain regions.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Ultra is unbreakable. It’s not – the titanium case can scratch, and the flat sapphire crystal can crack on a hard impact. Another is that the battery lasts a week; it doesn’t. Real-world use is about two days with the always-on display. Also, the blood oxygen sensor is currently disabled on U.S. models due to a patent dispute with Masimo, so if you buy in the U.S., that feature won’t work. The watch is also large – it may not fit comfortably under a dress shirt cuff, and the weight (61g) is noticeable on smaller wrists.

Comparison: Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 2 vs. Series 10

If you already own an Ultra 2, the Ultra 4 is a minor upgrade – the chip and display are better, but the design and battery are similar. If you’re coming from a Series 8 or older, the Ultra 4 is a huge jump in durability and battery. The Series 10 is lighter, thinner, and has a larger screen than the Series 9, but it lacks the Ultra’s extra GPS precision, Action button, and 100m water resistance. In short: the Ultra 4 is for those who need the tools; the Series 10 is for everyday wear.

Costs and Value

The Ultra 4 will cost $799 for the base model, same as the Ultra 2. Additional costs include AppleCare+ (about $99 for two years), extra bands ($49-$99 each), and possibly a new charger if you don’t have a USB-C one. The value depends on how much you use the outdoor features. If you only run on weekends, the Series 10 is a better buy. If you’re a serious athlete, the Ultra pays for itself in durability and battery.

Safety and Health Features

The Ultra 4 includes fall detection, crash detection, and an 86-decibel siren. It also has a temperature sensor for cycle tracking, and new sleep apnea detection that uses the accelerometer to monitor breathing disturbances. These features are not medical devices – they’re for general wellness and emergency alerts. For diving, the depth gauge is accurate to ±1m, but you should still use a dedicated dive computer for professional use. The watch is rated IP6X dust resistant and WR100 water resistant, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for high-speed water sports – avoid jetskiing or surfing with it if you can.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Ultra 4 isn’t for you, consider:

• Apple Watch Series 10: Lighter, thinner, and $300 cheaper, with 90% of the same health features.
• Garmin Fenix 8: Better battery (up to 29 days), more sports modes, and a physical button layout that many athletes prefer.
• Garmin Forerunner 965: A lighter, cheaper option for runners with a great AMOLED screen.
• Suunto Vertical: Excellent battery and GPS for outdoor adventures, though fewer smart features.
• Coros Vertix 3: Ultralong battery and a rugged build, popular with ultra-runners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 worth buying if I have an Ultra 2?

Probably not, unless you really want the new chip and the potential blood pressure feature. The design, battery, and core sensors are essentially the same. If you’re happy with your Ultra 2, wait another year.

Will the Ultra 4 work with my old bands?

Yes. The Ultra 4 uses the same 49mm case and the same band connector as the Ultra 1 and 2, so all existing bands will fit.

Does the Ultra 4 have a blood pressure monitor?

Rumors say yes, but it’s not a medical-grade cuff. It will likely use a sensor in the band to measure pulse transit time and give you a trend, not a precise reading. Apple hasn’t confirmed it, and it may be limited to certain regions.

Can I use the Ultra 4 for scuba diving?

Yes, it’s rated to 40 meters and has a depth gauge and a dive computer app. However, for serious technical diving, you should still use a dedicated dive computer.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

Apple claims up to 36 hours of normal use, and 72 hours in low-power mode. In real-world testing, most users get about two days with the always-on display and a few workouts.

Is the Ultra 4 too big for a woman’s wrist?

It’s a large watch (49mm), and many women find it bulky. However, if you like the look and don’t mind the weight, it works. The band is adjustable, and there are smaller options like the Series 10 if size is a concern.

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