Unveiling the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at an 899 € price point, Apple introduces a redesigned health sensor layout featuring 32 electrodes, a high-frequency heart rate and HRV sampling rate every five seconds, and a non-subscription Readiness score that updates throughout the day. Powered by the S11 chip, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 brings prolonged battery life reaching up to 45 hours for outdoor workouts and a titanium build available in natural and black options. Apple presented the device on September 9, 2026, announcing pre-orders starting the same day and a release date of Friday, September 18. Le nouveau Système de suivi de santé et la puce S11 repoussent les limites de l’Apple Watch Ultra 4 – notre Apple Watch la plus robuste et polyvalente – grâce à une autonomie prolongée, une recharge plus rapide et la mesure de la fréquence cardiaque la plus précise sur un objet connecté
, declared Kaiann Drance, Vice President of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing at Apple.
Larger Battery Extends Device Longevity
Retaining the 49 mm rugged form factor and sapphire front crystal of its predecessors, the device weighs 63 grams without a band and maintains compatibility with previous design standards. Inside, a larger battery combined with a more energy-efficient processor delivers at least 10 hours of additional longevity compared to the previous model during testing, alongside 2.5 days of use with the always-on display active and up to 45 hours of training tracking in Max Extended mode. Measuring 49 by 44 by 12 millimeters, the titanium chassis has remained unchanged in design since the introduction of the Ultra line in 2022, aside from the addition of a black colorway starting with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024. Despite its strong construction and substantial 63-gram weight without a band, it includes faster charging capabilities alongside its extended battery life.
Redesigned Sensors Improve ECG Measurement
The hardware update centers on a redesigned sensor configuration comprising 32 electrodes arranged in a flower-like layout for improved ECG measurement area, accompanied by compact green and infrared LEDs. This continuous high-fidelity monitoring is backed by new optical and electrical sensors designed to provide more comprehensive physiological and fitness data while supporting the Activity, Exercise, and Move rings.
Audio Intelligence Interprets Surrounding Sounds
Both the Ultra 4 and the Series 12 incorporate new Audio Intelligence functions designed to help the watch interpret surrounding sounds.
Unresolved Questions
Despite expanded health tracking capabilities and enhanced battery performance, specific long-term tracking features and software additions remain unconfirmed or absent. Testing notes that the device lacks historical Readiness score tracking and long-term trend monitoring, while Audio Intelligence features are not yet available.
