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Apple Watch Ultra 4 release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades

By Aleksandar Anastasov

Published: Jan 29, 2026, 8:19 AM

Apple Watch Ultra showing workout timer on display, held up close

The image above is of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. | Image credit — PhoneArena

What we know so far

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is Apple’s next rugged, adventure-focused smartwatch, expected to arrive in 2026 as the successor to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While there still isn't a lot of information to go on, some early leaks suggest that development is already underway.

There are multiple reports stating the watch will get a new S-series chip, a redesign that makes it more compact, a slightly larger display, and additional sensors.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduced satellite SOS, 5G connectivity, hypertension notifications, and longer battery life while keeping the price unchanged. Despite the recent issues with component cost prices, Apple might be able to keep the price unchanged, at $799.

At this stage, there is still no evidence of any breakthroughs in health tracking coming with the Apple Watch Ultra 4, such as non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Most credible sources agree that feature remains a long-term project and won't appear this year.

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.

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.

Historically, Apple has kept Ultra pricing stable:

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

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.

Multiple reports suggest Apple might finally refresh the design after three generations that look almost identical. The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 is said to have a slightly thinner chassis and a slightly larger display.

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.

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.

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.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 features and software

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to ship with watchOS 27, assuming Apple follows its annual software update.

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.

Blood glucose monitoring is believed not to be ready for 2026. Analysts state that while Apple has proof-of-concept technology, the accuracy of this feature remains insufficient for it to be released to consumers.

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 4 if 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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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.

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