Apple will unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 4 alongside an Apple Watch Series 12 later this year, according to BloombergIt’s Mark Gurman.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman mapped out Apple’s product roadmap for the rest of the year, including the Phone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. “This multitude of devices is also expected to include an Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4,” Gurman said.
Apple doesn’t release a new Apple Watch Ultra model every year. The Ultra launched in 2022, followed by an Ultra 2 in 2023. In 2024, the only update was a black color option, but the underlying hardware remained unchanged. The Ultra 3 is coming in 2025, so it looks like Apple isn’t skipping a year this time around.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 could include a “complete redesign,” according to a May 2026 study. DigiTimes report, but it is not clear what that would include. The device is also rumored to get a “significant upgrade to sensing features.” But again, we don’t know what this may refer to.
In terms of new watch features, Apple is developing non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology, but it is estimated that this will take a few more years while Apple works on further miniaturization.
Leaked Apple code suggests the company is experimenting with biometric authentication in the form of Touch ID for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup, but it’s unclear how this might be implemented. Touch ID could be placed under the screen or integrated into the side button. This feature would reduce the need for digital passcodes for unlocking, but the Apple Watch already has a wrist-based authentication feature for making purchases.
Longer term, Apple plans to use LG Display’s high mobility oxide thin film transistor (HMO) technology for the upcoming Apple Watch OLED display in 2027. Compared to current LTPO display technology, HMO increases e-mobility for lower power consumption.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 are expected to arrive in September alongside the new iPhone models. watchOS 27 will add new watch faces to new devices, including a variant of the Modular Ultra watch face.
