Apple Watch Ultra 4 Tipped For Biggest Overhaul Since Launch

Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 4 could deliver the most substantial upgrade the premium smartwatch range has seen since it first launched in 2022, with new reports pointing to a redesigned exterior and significantly improved health tracking hardware.

According to fresh supply chain claims, Apple is preparing a major visual refresh for the Ultra lineup after several generations that largely retained the same rugged titanium design. While details about the new appearance remain unclear, reports suggest the changes are extensive enough for Apple to forecast sales growth of between 20 and 30 per cent compared with the previous model.

The redesign would mark the first major aesthetic shift for the Ultra series, which has so far only received relatively minor refinements since debuting as Apple’s high-end adventure and fitness-focused smartwatch.

Beyond the external changes, the bigger focus may be the watch’s upgraded sensor technology. Reports claim Apple plans to dramatically expand the Ultra 4’s health monitoring system, potentially doubling the number of onboard sensors while also improving energy efficiency.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

That combination could allow the device to deliver more accurate tracking without significantly reducing battery life, an area that has remained particularly important for Ultra users focused on endurance sports, outdoor activities and extended use away from chargers.

It remains unclear whether the upgraded sensors will introduce entirely new health tools or simply improve existing capabilities. However, reports suggest watchOS 26’s high blood pressure warning features may perform more reliably on the new hardware.

Fully featured blood pressure monitoring and non-invasive blood glucose tracking are reportedly still under development and are not expected to arrive with this generation.

Interestingly, the latest leak follows earlier reports suggesting the standard Apple Watch Series 12 may only receive modest updates this year. If accurate, Apple could be shifting much of its wearable innovation towards the Ultra range for 2026.

Apple has yet to officially confirm the device, though the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is widely expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup later this year.