Hardware updates include upgraded sensors on the back of the device that take heart rate readings every five seconds during the day, a significant increase from every five minutes on previous generation Apple Watches. The new readiness app introduces a popular feature from sports watches to evaluate activity, vitals, and sleep, determining whether the user has properly recovered from strenuous exercise or stressful days.
Despite these improvements, the battery stamina falls far behind the week-plus endurance offered by top adventure watch rivals. Other listed drawbacks include a lack of big upgrades over the previous model, a very expensive price tag, compatibility limited solely to the iPhone, the absence of third-party watch faces, and marquee AI features that remain unavailable.
Testing shows the new model delivers faster charging and longer battery life, lasting about six hours more for general use than previous versions. Most users will be able to charge the device every third morning, or less frequently with low power modes enabled.
Additionally, the new Siri Modular watch face incorporates a top timely widget that testing has found to be surprisingly useful.
Apple has released the Apple Watch Ultra 4, priced from £749, €899, $799, or A$1,349, with a choice of two colours and multiple bands. The device arrives alongside trade-in options and free device recycling offered by Apple.
Several key features announced for the 2026 smartwatch lineup have yet to be enabled, awaiting software updates toward the end of the year. Among the missing capabilities are the new audio intelligence features.