Apple Watch Ultra 4: Four rumored new features coming this fall

Apple has a packed lineup of 15+ new products launching this fall, including the Apple Watch Ultra 4—here are four rumored new features.

#1: Major upgrades to sensors

Last summer, Digitimes reported based on supply chain sources that this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to double the number of sensor components.

More recently, the outlet said Ultra 4 will bring “a significant upgrade to sensing functions.”

Digitimes says the new sensors will allow Apple to minimize its dependence on algorithmic data interpretation, which could lead to not only better health data, but also improved performance and battery life.

Apple has long been working on adding blood sugar monitoring to Apple Watch, but despite some encouraging recent trends, that feature isn’t currently expected for this year.

#2: Industrial design changes

Digitimes has also reported that Apple Watch Ultra 4 brings a “major redesign,” also referred to as a “full redesign.”

Last year, Apple Watch Ultra 3 included some design updates, but they were relatively minor. As such the Apple Watch Ultra line hasn’t ever received a major design revamp.

Back when microLED was in Apple’s plans, the 2026 Apple Watch Ultra was expected to get notably larger. Without the new display technology though, those plans may have changed.

#3: New high blood pressure feature

The Apple Watch already offers hypertension notifications on compatible hardware. But per Digitimes, Apple is preparing to launch a new feature related to blood pressure.

Apple has added a new high blood pressure notification feature to Apple Watch, sharpening the device’s health-management appeal…The feature has not yet been made available to the public as it remains under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It’s unknown how this will differ from the current hypertension notifications offered by watchOS. But Apple is expected to reveal the new health feature in September event alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 introduction.

#4: Power efficiency gains

Perhaps due to a new S-class chip, or the gains related to new sensors, Digitimes says “power efficiency will improve significantly” on the new Ultra model.

Last year in Apple Watch Ultra 3, battery life improved for the first time in the Ultra line. And it sounds like that could happen again with Ultra 4.

Battery gains seem the most likely result of significant efficiency improvements. There are other possibilities too though, such as Apple shrinking the battery to make room for other sensors. If it can deliver the same great battery life with a smaller physical battery, it might make that trade-off.

Apple Watch Ultra 4’s rumored features: wrap-up

We’re still a few months away from the Apple Watch Ultra 4’s expected unveiling in early September. As a result, there are likely to be plenty of leaks and rumors still to come.

Based on current expectations though, Apple Watch Ultra 4 might deliver upgrades in several areas that users care most about: health, design, and battery.

Which new features do you hope Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers? Let us know in the comments.

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