Apple Watch Ultra 4: Enhanced Battery Life and Expanded Features

As it embarks on its fourth year, the Apple Watch Ultra continues to impress, offering vital improvements including a longer battery life. However, some anticipated advancements are yet to be activated, leaving users eager for future updates.

Priced at £749 (€899/$799/A$1,349), the Apple Watch Ultra 4 maintains its status as the flagship model in Apple’s smartwatch range, yet it is essentially an iteration of last year’s version. The design, including the body, display, and available colors, remains unchanged from previous iterations, with only a slight increase in weight.

Significant upgrades have been made internally, particularly in the watch’s capabilities. The Ultra 4 now features upgraded sensors that can measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, a notable advancement from the five-minute intervals utilized in earlier models. These sensors enable continuous monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV) during daily activities, contributing to new recovery metrics.

Equipped with the new S11 processor, the Ultra 4 delivers a notably faster performance. In testing, the device boasts a battery life extending to approximately 79 hours, enabling use across two full days without a recharge. Users can expect to charge it every third morning or less frequently when utilizing low-power modes, although this falls short of the week-long battery life seen in some rival adventure watches.

Charging speeds have also improved, with the Ultra 4’s magnetic puck now delivering 10W of power, increasing from the previous 5W. In under an hour, it can reach 82% charge, and achieves full capacity in just 90 minutes.

Specifications

• Case size: 49 x 44mm
• Case thickness: 12mm
• Weight: 63g
• Processor: S11
• Storage: 64GB
• Operating system: watchOS 27
• Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 4, 5G RedCap/4G, UWB
• Sensors: HR, ECG, SpO2, temperature, depth, dual-band GPS, compass, altimeter

Health Monitoring and Readiness Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues to excel in health tracking, combining highly accurate dual-band GPS technology for exercise monitoring with a new Vitals application. This app now assesses daily health metrics, alerting users to deviations that may indicate stress or illness.

Additionally, a new readiness app computes recovery status based on activity, vital signs, and sleep, providing users with a score out of ten on their readiness to engage in physical activity.

New Features with watchOS 27

Running on watchOS 27, the Ultra 4 incorporates enhanced features including an upgraded Siri. The voice assistant now mirrors functionalities found on modern iPhones and introduces a new modular watch face displaying time-sensitive widgets, offering a cohesive overview of vital stats and upcoming events.

Other enhancements include faster Shazam music recognition and a sound recognition feature aimed at accessibility, alerting users to significant sounds around them. However, the much-anticipated audio intelligence functionalities are not yet available, with release anticipated in late 2026. These features include a tool for transcribing conversations through Siri and capturing brief snippets of discussions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Apple claims that the Ultra 4’s battery can withstand over 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. With a focus on sustainability, the watch is crafted using over 45% recycled materials.

Pricing Options

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be available in two colors and various bands, starting at £749. In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 12 begins at £369, while the Watch SE 3 is priced at £219.

In the competitive smartwatch market, the Garmin Fenix 9 is another option, retailing from £860.

Final Thoughts

The Ultra 4 stands as Apple’s premier smartwatch, combining an exceptional display, robust aesthetic, and comprehensive health tracking features. With added functionality like faster charging and extended battery life, it offers improvements that, while notable, do not markedly differentiate it from prior models.

Enhanced health monitoring capabilities complement existing fitness tools, creating a stronger competition against high-end sports watches. However, the absence of the latest audio intelligence features may leave some users wanting more from this iteration.

Pros: Outstanding display, durable design, extensive health tracking, improved Siri functionality, long battery life, and 100-meter water resistance.

Cons: Lack of substantial upgrades over previous versions and a higher price point.