Apple’s September launch event is coming soon, and in addition to the new iPhone, another protagonist that cannot be ignored is… Apple Watch Ultra 4. Although the company has not officially confirmed anything, various reports agree that the update will look the same on the outside as before, but there are major changes on the inside, especially in terms of health and performance.
Leaks from reputable journalists and analysts such as: Mark Gurman These characteristics allow us to start outlining the features of this new watch designed for sports and outdoor activities. The consensus is clear: the design rarely changes. But the product will feature a new processor, improved heart rate monitoring, and a greater focus on health metrics to compete with the likes of Oura or Whoop.
Presentation and positioning
Barring any last-minute changes, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be released on September 9. It will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other new-generation Apple Watches at Apple’s event in Cupertino. Various sources indicate that this year’s product line will focus on… Apple Watch Series 12 and new Ultra models, but no fourth-generation Apple Watch SE.
The move will make the Ultra 4 the first choice for users looking for the brand’s most comprehensive smartwatch, with Apple making the Ultra the top choice. Apple’s strategy is to reinforce the differences between Ultra and standard versions through improved sensors, battery life, and more advanced sports and health features, while maintaining compatibility with the Apple ecosystem. Watch 27.
In Spain and Europe, the previous Apple Watch Ultra model has already occupied a place among high-end user groups with its niche products, and there are various signs that this new model will still maintain higher pricing. Although there is no official data yet, many analysts agree that given the current market cost environment, the price of the new Apple Watch Ultra is unlikely to be lower than the market price. Super 4 is more affordable than its predecessor.
Continuity of design and materials
Nearly all leaks agree that we won’t see… The completely redesigned Apple Watch Ultra 4 casing will continue with the tough aesthetic we’re familiar with: angular lines, bold physical buttons (including side function keys), and a large, always-on display. The shape and dimensions aren’t expected to change much, aside from possible minor tweaks in weight or size.
Likewise, the report rules out the following: Integrated Touch ID While previous rumors suggested that the new Apple Watch would feature a fingerprint reader, sources who have seen the hardware in development found no signs of the feature in the Ultra 4 or Series 12, so the unlocking method will still rely on a digital passcode and integration with the iPhone.
As for the fastening system and material of the leather strap, it will remain unchanged: silicone, nylon and metal are available, and new colors and combinations designed specifically for this generation of products will be launched. There are indications that Apple will not change the connection mechanism of the watch strap, which means that both Ultra 4 and Series 12 can continue to use the watch straps of previous generations of products.
Expect cosmetic updates, but more closely related to Series 12 rather than Ultra models, mainly in the following ways: The return of ceramic Multiple reports (including information provided by Mark Gurman) indicate that Apple is testing a ceramic case version. The standard version will be available in white and dark gray. This move aims to continue the high-end market strategy and provide a highly textured and scratch-resistant surface treatment; while the Ultra version will continue to use materials such as titanium, giving priority to the product’s durability.
New chip brings performance leap
The most notable change to the Ultra 4 is internally. The current Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 use different chips. S10 is the successor of S9. In practice, this meant very limited performance for many years. The latest news confirms that Ultra 4 will be equipped with a new generation processor for the first time, code-named S11 or simply S11. (S12) But the message is clear: this time, power and efficiency will be significantly improved, sources said.
It’s not just about making the watch run more smoothly between menus and apps – the current model is already pretty good at that. Apple aims to take advantage of this. The performance leap powers new sensors, processes more real-time health data, extends battery life, and enables native AI capabilities without relying too much on the iPhone.
In the case of the Apple Watch Ultra 4, this new chip could mean… More efficient battery management When using intensive features like high-precision GPS, advanced sports modes, or new continuous heart rate monitoring, multiple comparative analyzes have shown that for such watches, the efficiency gains far outweigh a simple increase in interface speed.
So far, there is no leaked information indicating that there will be major changes to the Ultra 4 screen, except for the highest brightness, always-on mode and energy consumption optimization that the new processor may bring. The idea is… Improving on an existing approach The Ultra 3 already has one of the best panels on the sports watch market.
All-weather heart rate sensor and new health concept
The top stories of this generation will appear in the following sections: Health & Monitoring Multiple reports agree that Apple is testing a new measurement system that can continuously record heart rate 24 hours a day, rather than just when starting a workout or at regular intervals, as it does now.
Currently, Apple Watch takes measurements at fixed points throughout the day to save power, and only records the following data: Pulsing through at a constant speed activates Sport mode. Apple is reportedly testing one or a combination of sensors in the Ultra 4 and Series 12 that would enable around-the-clock heart rate monitoring without leaving a constant green light on the back of the watch or draining the battery in just a few hours.
The leaked information points to some kind of measurement method with low energy consumption and no constant light at the moment of maximum intensity, which would be supplemented by traditional optical systems. This protocol records heart rate trends in more detail, which is critical for interpreting the body’s recovery status and stress levels.
Based on this data, Apple plans to revamp its apps. Health and Fitness This feature works on both iPhone and Apple Watch. The idea is to move beyond simply focusing on circles, steps and calories to a model like Oura or Whoop that provides more interpretive metrics related to overall health: sleep quality, readiness for daily exercise, accumulated fatigue, and suggestions for when you should rest.
These features will be tied to an advanced phase of iOS 27 and watchOS 27. It’s still uncertain whether all the new features will be limited to Ultra 4 and Series 12, or if some of them will also make their way to previous, newer models. However, multiple sources seem to agree that the most comprehensive continuous heart rate monitoring experience will be limited to watches with new hardware.
Sports experience, battery life and target audience
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will continue to be aimed at those looking for a watch that… Intense sports and outdoor activities but it also adds health tracking capabilities. A rugged build, advanced GPS, mobile connectivity, waterproofing and security features, along with added health metrics, make this device particularly attractive to climbers, long-distance runners and users who want to monitor their health in near real-time.
Against this background, autonomy remains one of the biggest unknowns. Multiple reviews point out that if Ultra 4 wants to truly surpass Ultra 3, Apple must make full use of the new chip to extend battery life, especially if continuous heart rate monitoring will become a core feature. If it can significantly increase the usage time without increasing the size of the watch, this will be one of the strongest arguments in favor of this upgrade.
Some reports suggest that for Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners, a series of purely incremental improvements — such as slight performance improvements, minor screen tweaks, or minor design changes — may not be enough to prompt them to upgrade to the new generation. Here’s the kicker… A host of new health features and potential autonomy improvements that can really make a difference in daily life.
However, for those coming from the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra 4 becomes a more compelling choice thanks to improvements accumulated over many iterations — a more refined screen, more efficient processors, satellite connectivity added to recent models, new health-monitoring metrics, and more advanced sensors — even compared to the older classic model. In Europe, where many users will keep their devices for several years, this significant generational leap is especially important.
For those who don’t yet have a high-end Apple Watch and are considering upgrading, waiting is a good option as the release date approaches. With official prices and specifications on the table, it is easier to decide whether to choose the Ultra 4 or take advantage of possible discounts on the Ultra 3 and other previous models in the Spanish and European markets.
There’s every indication that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be the kind of watch that doesn’t immediately catch your eye, but… Improvements in chips, sensors and health software could represent an exciting leap forward for athletes and those who push their watches to their limits. Instead of a radical redesign or major surprise this year, Apple seems to be focusing on polishing off existing features, reinforcing its commitment to health, and solidifying the Ultra as the most comprehensive smartwatch for those who want more than a simple pedometer on their wrist.
