Roadmap
Apple Watch Ultra 4
Updated June 20, 2026
Apple Watch Ultra launched in 2022 as the definitive adventure watch — titanium case, 49mm display, 60-meter water resistance, and a battery that outlasts anything else Apple makes. The Ultra 3 added satellite messaging and blood pressure trend alerts in 2025. Ultra 4 is the first confirmed major redesign of the line. DigiTimes reported a redesigned chassis in June 2026. TASC — Apple's exclusive sensor supplier for the Ultra line — is ramping production in July 2026 for a September launch. Advanced blood pressure monitoring, clinical-grade rather than trend-only, has been submitted to the FDA.
Expected
September 2026
Confidence
Expected
Est. price
$799-$899 (est.)
Latest news
All in Tracker →Quick answers
When does Apple Watch Ultra 4 come out?
September 2026. Apple announces new Apple Watch models at its annual fall event alongside iPhone. Ultra 4 is expected the first or second week of September, with pre-orders opening the same day and shipping around September 19-26.
SmartWatch InsightShould I buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 now or wait for Ultra 4?
Wait if you can. Ultra 4 is confirmed for September 2026 with a major chassis redesign — the first in three generations. If you need a watch urgently, Ultra 3 is $799 and excellent. But Ultra 4 is close enough that waiting makes sense unless you need a watch now.
SmartWatch InsightHow much will Apple Watch Ultra 4 cost?
Almost certainly $799. Apple has held the Ultra at $799 for three consecutive generations. Some analysts suggest $899 is possible given hardware upgrades and inflation since 2022, but $799 is the most likely price.
MacObserverBuy now or wait?
Do not buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 right now. Ultra 4 is confirmed for September 2026 with a major redesign — the first in three generations. If you need a watch urgently, Ultra 3 is available at $799 and is an excellent device. But if you can wait until September, wait.
Price
—
From $799
Availability
—
Available now
Chip
—
S10
Battery
—
Up to 42 hours
Blood pressure
—
Hypertension alerts only
Blood glucose
—
No
AI assistant
—
iPhone-dependent
Satellite
—
Emergency SOS + Find My + Messages
Display
—
LTPO OLED, 3,000 nits flat
Ecosystem
—
iPhone only
Design
—
49mm titanium, 12mm thick
Connectivity
—
5G + Wi-Fi
Status
—
Available now
Reported features
Major chassis redesign — first since 2022
DigiTimes confirmed in June 2026 that Ultra 4 gets a redesigned chassis — the first change to the Ultra form factor since the original launched in 2022. Thinner profile expected based on supply chain reports.
Advanced blood pressure monitoring submitted to FDA
Apple submitted a more advanced real-time blood pressure alert feature for FDA review — more clinically useful than Ultra 3's 30-day hypertension trend feature. If approved before launch, Ultra 4 would have the most capable blood pressure monitoring in any consumer smartwatch.
September 2026 launch expected
Apple has launched every Ultra model at its September fall event alongside iPhone. Ultra 4 follows the same cadence. TASC sensor supplier ramp in July 2026 is consistent with a September announcement and mid-to-late September ship date.
S11 or S12 chip expected
Ultra 3 uses the S10 chip. Apple updates the chip every two years across the Watch line. Ultra 4 is expected to debut with S11 or S12 — no confirmed designation yet.
Satellite SOS and messaging
Satellite connectivity launched on Ultra 3 and is expected to continue on Ultra 4. Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages/Find My via satellite with an active cellular plan.
$799 price expected
Apple has held the Ultra at $799 for three consecutive generations. Some analysts suggest $899 is possible given hardware upgrades. $799 is the most likely price based on Apple's pricing consistency with this line.
72+ hour battery rumored
Ultra 3 already offers 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Multiple leakers suggest Ultra 4 targets 72+ hours as its standard battery life. The thinner design would require significant efficiency improvements to achieve this.
Timeline
September 2026
Apple Watch Ultra 4 expected
Apple Watch Ultra 4 expected at Apple's fall event alongside iPhone 18 Pro. First major chassis redesign in three generations. TASC sensor supplier ramping production July 2026 for September launch window.
SmartWatch InsightJune 2026
DigiTimes confirms major redesign
DigiTimes reported Apple confirmed a major chassis redesign for Ultra 4 — the first since the Ultra line launched in 2022. Touch ID deprioritized per MacRumors. Advanced blood pressure submitted to FDA.
SmartWatch InsightSeptember 2025
Apple Watch Ultra 3 launched
Ultra 3 launched at $799 with 42-hour battery, satellite SOS and messaging, 5G, blood pressure trend alerts, sleep score, and a new 3,000 nit always-on display. S10 chip. Ships September 19.
9to5MacSeptember 2023
Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched
Ultra 2 launched at $799 with the S9 chip, double-tap gesture, carbon neutral option, and brighter display. First Apple Watch with on-device Siri. Same 49mm titanium case as original Ultra.
AppleSeptember 2022
Apple Watch Ultra launched
Apple introduced the first Apple Watch Ultra at $799 — a 49mm titanium case designed for extreme athletes and divers. 60-meter water resistance, Action Button, 60-hour battery. Defined a new premium tier above Apple Watch Series.
AppleOutlook
What's next
Ultra 5 is not on anyone's radar. Apple has held the Ultra at $799 for three generations and ships one per year. After Ultra 4 ships in September 2026, the next update would be September 2027 at the earliest. The Ultra line is not going anywhere — it is Apple's clearest answer to Garmin and the adventure watch market.
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