It’s not a major overhaul, but it will track many more fitness-related metrics.
Apple has unveiled the latest version of its most premium smartwatch. As expected, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn’t a major overhaul, but it does come with notable performance improvements and new health and fitness tracking features.
In terms of specifications, the Ultra 4 benefits from better battery life and a faster processor than its predecessor. Battery life will reach 84 hours in low power mode and up to 50 hours for normal “daily” use. It can also track workouts for up to 25 hours in a new “Extended Workout” mode.
The watch also gets a new S11 chip and a revised sensor setup. Apple said its new “Health Sensing System” has better sensors and LEDs to improve the accuracy and frequency of the heart rate data it can collect.
These more frequent heart rate readings will help power a host of new health-related metrics. The watch will now provide a daily “readiness” score, similar to the Oura Ring feature which gives users insight into how “ready” their body is for the day’s activity. According to Apple, its version of the feature “analyzes a user’s recent activity, training load, vital signs and sleep score to provide insight into their capacity for the day ahead.” Scores will range from 0 to 10 and provide recommendations for the intensity of activity they might be ready for.
Apple
The Ultra 4 gets its share of AI-based features. Apple’s redesigned Health app will be able to provide AI-powered health insights based on data collected by your watch. A new “Insights” tab in the app will provide summaries of relevant health information and suggestions powered by Apple Intelligence. The Ultra 4 also supports a new VO2 Max test, a fitness metric estimated by other wearable devices. The upgraded watch will also come with new “audio intelligence” features. This includes notifications about sounds in your environment, like a doorbell ringing, as well as features that will help you track your conversations in real time.
The Ultra 4 does not benefit from a major visual refresh. It will be available in the same “natural” and “black titanium” finishes, although new strap styles will be available. There’s also a new Hermès variant, which will come with a new “Grand H titanium bracelet that features a built-in extension mechanism to easily adjust the bracelet to fit over a wet suit.”
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799.
