Apple Watch Ultra 4 adds health tracking and stamina, but awaits features
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 improves health tracking and battery life, but its design remains unchanged and several headline software features are still pending. At £749, it is Apple’s top smartwatch, though the review finds it a modest update on last year’s model.
A faster S11 chip and sensors that check heart rate every five seconds support daytime health monitoring and a new readiness score out of 10. Battery life reached 79 hours in testing, while faster charging took the watch to 82% in under an hour. Apple’s new “audio intelligence” features have yet to arrive, and leading adventure watches can last more than a week between charges.
In short
- Battery lasted 79 hours in testing.
- New sensors power daytime health and readiness tracking.
- Several anticipated audio AI features are still pending.
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The case for
The Ultra 4 offers practical gains for people who want frequent health monitoring, a readiness score and longer battery life in a premium smartwatch. Its 79-hour test result and faster charging could make it more useful day to day, while the unchanged design may suit owners who value continuity over a cosmetic refresh.
The case against
At £749, buyers can reasonably expect a more substantial upgrade, especially when the design is unchanged and promised audio features are still pending. The battery improvement may also matter less to adventurers who need a watch that lasts more than a week, and the modest changes may not justify replacing last year’s model.
Explained simply
Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s largest and most rugged smartwatch, designed for people who want activity and health tracking alongside phone features. It sits at the top of Apple’s watch range and costs more than its standard models.
Smartwatches can track measures such as heart rate and use them to give people a picture of their activity and wellbeing. Battery life is also a key consideration, particularly for people who wear a watch for long periods or use it outdoors.
Apple competes with makers of specialist sports and adventure watches, which often prioritise durability, navigation and long battery life. New health tools and longer stamina matter to users comparing those devices, while software features can depend on updates that arrive after a watch goes on sale.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Apple Watch Ultra 4 review: longer battery life but still awaiting new features”.