Evolution Over Revolution

Following the recent product showcase in Cupertino, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 has arrived alongside the iPhone 18 series and the Apple Watch Series 12. While the device maintains the familiar aesthetic of its predecessor—retaining the same design and color options—it introduces several critical internal refinements aimed at power users and endurance athletes.


Battery Performance and Charging

The standout feature of this year’s release is the enhanced battery architecture. The Ultra 4 boasts a battery approximately 5% larger than the Ultra 3. Coupled with superior energy efficiency, Apple claims the device can achieve up to 50 hours of standard usage. In specialized scenarios, the watch is capable of reaching 84 hours in Low Power Mode and 45 hours in Max Extended Workout Mode.

Charging speed has also seen a boost thanks to a newly designed cable. Apple suggests that a quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 18 hours of life. While early testing suggests these claims are accurate, further cycles will be needed to confirm the long-term impact on daily routine.


Advanced Health and AI Integration

At the core of the device is the new S11 chip, which supports a more sophisticated health-sensing system. Key updates include:

  • Readiness Score: A new metric designed to compete with industry rivals, requiring about a week of consistent wear to calibrate.
  • Heart Rate and HRV: The device now tracks Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and samples heart rate data more frequently for improved accuracy during intensive training.
  • Artificial Intelligence: While features like Sound Recognition and an accelerated Shazam are ready at launch, additional capabilities such as Live Rewind and Siri Recap are scheduled for a later release via a beta rollout.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues to offer a robust suite of tools, including dual-band GPS, blood oxygen monitoring, and satellite connectivity. As one observer noted regarding the overall experience:

«The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is very much an evolution of the Ultra 3 rather than a reinvention, but the bigger battery is a really nice surprise.»

While the full verdict is reserved until more data can be gathered on the Readiness Score, the watch currently stands as a refined iteration of Apple's most durable wearable. Preorders are currently open, with the device retailing at $799 (£749 / AU$1,349) and a retail release scheduled for September 18, 2026.