This week’s Pick of the Week is the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple’s rugged smartwatch and one of the most talked-about wearables right now. We haven’t tested it ourselves: this pick is based on specs and independent reviews from Tom’s Guide and TechRadar, plus Apple’s own spec sheet.
What the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is
From the outside, the Ultra 4 looks just like the Ultra 3: the same 49mm titanium case in natural or black, the same 3,000-nit always-on display, the orange Action button and water resistance to 100 meters, with support for recreational dives to 40 meters. Every model includes cellular and satellite connectivity, so you can send messages or call for help with no cell signal.
The changes are inside. A new S11 chip and a redesigned Health Sensing System on the back are built to make heart rate readings more accurate, and Apple says it’s the most accurate heart rate sensing it has put in a wearable. Battery life goes up to 50 hours of normal use (the Ultra 3 was rated for 42), up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 45 hours of workout tracking in the new Max Extended Workout mode. It also charges faster: Apple says 15 minutes gives you up to 18 hours of use.
What reviewers liked
- Two days of battery, for real. TechRadar got about two and a half days per charge with the always-on display and overnight sleep tracking, and Tom’s Guide easily got two days.
- Heart rate accuracy. On a 5km run, TechRadar found the Ultra 4’s average heart rate was just 2 bpm off an electrical chest-strap monitor. Tom’s Guide tested it against a chest strap and an Oura Ring 5 and found it “pretty much spot on.”
- The new Readiness score. Each day the watch gives you a score from 0 to 10 with advice like Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready or Go For It, based on your sleep, vitals and recent training. TechRadar calls it its favorite new feature and points out that, unlike similar scores from Oura or Whoop, it doesn’t need a subscription.
- Heart rate all day, not just in workouts. Tom’s Guide notes the Ultra 4 now tracks your heart rate continuously, with a new daytime Vitals view that shows spikes as they happen.
- Small but welcome extras. Both reviews like finally being able to see your live step count on the watch face, and TechRadar says the S11 chip makes everything feel quick.
What reviewers didn’t like
- Same design and screen. It looks and feels like last year’s model. Tom’s Guide points out that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a brighter screen.
- Still one big size. Both reviewers wish there was a smaller option. On a small wrist, Tom’s Guide found the strap had to be very tight to get heart rate readings.
- Some headline features aren’t here yet. Live Rewind (which replays the last 15 seconds of audio around you) and Siri Recap are coming later this year, according to Apple, and neither reviewer could test them. TechRadar suggests waiting if those are your main reason to buy.
- Not a must for Ultra 3 owners. Both reviews say the upgrade is hard to justify if you already have an Ultra 3.
- Not the longest battery around. TechRadar notes some rivals, like Garmin’s watches, still last longer on a charge.
Overall the verdicts are very positive. Tom’s Guide calls it “the best Apple Watch Ultra yet,” and TechRadar describes it as a fantastic refinement of Apple’s rugged smartwatch.
Who should buy it
The Ultra 4 makes the most sense if you own an iPhone and want an Apple Watch that easily lasts a weekend, if you train for long runs, hikes or rides, or if you’re upgrading from an older Ultra or a regular Apple Watch. The Readiness score is a good fit for anyone who wants to know when to push and when to rest without paying for a subscription.
Skip it if you have small wrists, if you already own an Ultra 3, or if you’re mainly interested in the new audio features that haven’t arrived yet. It also only works with an iPhone.
Alternatives worth a look
- Apple Watch Series 12: Tom’s Guide says it has the same sensors and features as the Ultra 4 in a smaller, lighter watch that’s more comfortable for sleep tracking, with shorter battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: the closest rival for Android phone owners, with an even brighter screen but a chunkier case.
- Garmin Fenix 9: for serious athletes who care most about battery life and training data, and don’t need the iPhone integration.
Why it’s our pick this week
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 doesn’t look new, but reviewers agree it’s better where it counts: battery life, heart rate accuracy and a useful daily Readiness score. Apple also kept the price the same as the Ultra 3. If the cons above don’t bother you, it’s the most complete Apple Watch you can buy right now.
Sources: Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Apple: Ultra 4 tech specs, Apple Newsroom
Where to buy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
