Apple Watch Ultra 4: Price, Release Date, and New Features

Apple’s Apple Watch Ultra 4 is a premium rugged smartwatch update centered on health tracking, workout endurance, and new AI-assisted features. It starts at $799, is available to preorder, and is scheduled to reach customers on September 18. 56

Price, release date, and design

The Ultra 4 retains the Ultra line’s $799 entry price rather than adding a price increase. Apple announced preorders at launch, with retail availability beginning September 18. 56

The watch keeps the familiar Ultra-style titanium look and is available in natural titanium or black titanium. 7 Reporting around the announcement describes the hardware as evolutionary, with the more meaningful changes focused on sensors, software, and endurance rather than a wholesale exterior redesign. 710

Health sensing and Readiness

A major part of the Ultra 4 announcement is Apple’s new Health Sensing System. Apple says the system supports more frequent and more accurate heart-rate measurements, and the accompanying health experience adds a Readiness score intended to help users assess their capacity for activity and recovery. 10

Apple also tied the watch to a redesigned iPhone Health app that will add longevity-oriented information. The company’s announcement coverage describes new Longevity and Health Age features as part of that broader health update. 10

These are wellness and fitness tools, not a substitute for clinical advice. Apple’s claims about sensing accuracy should be understood as company claims tied to its own testing, rather than an independent industry consensus.

S11 chip, Siri, and Audio Intelligence

Ultra 4 uses Apple’s S11 wearable chip, which Apple says enables its latest health system and upcoming Audio Intelligence capabilities. 7

With watchOS 27, Apple Intelligence expands Siri on Apple Watch with personal-context understanding and broader world knowledge, according to Apple’s announcement materials. 7 Apple also previewed Audio Intelligence features meant to help users identify important sounds and recall recent conversations. 10

Not every announced intelligence feature is available immediately. Apple has said that some Audio Intelligence functions, including tools described as sound recognition and Live Rewind, will arrive later. 710

Battery and workout focus

The Ultra 4 remains Apple’s outdoor- and endurance-oriented watch. Apple says the model offers improved battery performance and up to 48 hours of use, while other launch coverage characterizes its battery life as up to two days. Actual battery life will vary with workout type, GPS use, cellular use, display settings, and other conditions. 57

For prospective buyers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Ultra 4 is positioned for athletes and outdoor users who value multi-day battery capacity and advanced workout tracking, while its new health and intelligence features extend its appeal beyond navigation and endurance sports.

What to know before buying

The $799 Ultra 4 is not primarily a cosmetic redesign. Its most consequential changes are the health-sensing platform, Readiness insights, S11-powered Siri and Audio Intelligence features, and continued emphasis on long battery life. 5710

Because several AI and health features are staged for later software availability, buyers should distinguish between what is available at launch and what Apple has previewed for future updates. 710