Should you buy?: Yeah
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is Apple’s most capable watch, aimed at endurance athletes, hikers, divers, and anyone who regularly spends more than a day away from a charger. It starts at $799/£749, the same starting price as the Ultra 3, and retains the 49mm titanium case, bright screen, dual-frequency GPS, satellite communication and diving support.
Battery life is the most important reason to choose the new model. Apple rates the Ultra 4 by up to 50 hours of normal use, compared to 42 hours on Ultra 3, or 84 hours in low power modeup from 72. Its new Extended Workout modes can track outdoor activity for up to 25 hours with full GPS and heart rate readings, or up to 45 hours in maximum Extended Workout mode. Like the Series 12, you get the new health detection system, more frequent heart rate and HRV readings, and a readiness score. Its S11 chip supports Audio Intelligence, although Live Rewind and Siri Recap will be in beta later in 2026.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if:
- You want the longest battery life available in an Apple Watch, especially for travel, long shifts, or time without a charger.
- You need extended outdoor training tracking, precision dual-frequency GPS or satellite communication.
- Whether you hike, dive, or play endurance sports, you’ll use its rugged casing, action button, and specialized features.
- You want the new health detection system on an Ultra watch and are upgrading from a substantially older model.
Don’t buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if:
- You already have an Ultra 3 and its 42-hour battery life meets your needs. It retains many of the same exterior features, including satellite communication and dual-frequency GPS.
- You’ll find an Ultra 3 at a substantial discount, and you don’t need the Ultra 4’s longer battery life, new health sensors, or extended workout modes.
- Mostly you want advanced health features in an everyday watch. The smaller Series 12 has the same new health detection system and S11 chip for half the starting price.
- You prefer a smaller or lighter watch. The Ultra 4’s 49mm case may seem bulky, especially for sleep tracking.
Our verdict: The Ultra 4 is worth purchasing if you’ll benefit from its 50-hour battery life, extended workout tracking, or outdoor safety features. It also offers the new Series 12 health detection in a more rugged watch. For everyday use, the Series 12 offers better value for money; If you already own an Ultra 3, weigh the cost of the upgrade against how much you care about the extra eight hours of rated battery life and new health features.
