Here’s how Apple Watch Ultra 4 will differentiate itself from prior models

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming on September 9, here are the key ways it’s rumored to differentiate itself from prior models.

‘Significant upgrade’ to health sensors

Digitimes has reported on multiple occasions that Apple Watch Ultra 4 will bring significant upgrades to internal sensors. It went as far as saying “the number of sensor components will double.”

Mark Gurman reported this week that “upgrades to fitness tracking” are coming. And there’s evidence that a new high blood pressure-related feature has been reviewed by the FDA for release soon.

Though many specific details around these sensor additions are still unknown, it sounds like Apple Watch Ultra 4 could lean more than ever into health and fitness tracking.

New S-class chip, the first built in AI era

Last year’s Apple Watch models used the same S10 chip that first debuted in 2024. But the last time the Watch got a truly meaningful speed and performance bump was 2023.

Rumors indicate Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 will have a brand new, more powerful chip—likely dubbed S11 or S12.

The timing lines up perfectly with Siri AI’s debut in watchOS 27. And no doubt, the first CPU boost in an S-class chip since 2023 will pack improvements that benefit AI features.

There’s a lot of potential for Apple Watch to be the first mass-market AI wearable. I’m excited to see how the new chip might help move that needle.

Wildcard: Design updates

There are conflicting reports concerning Apple Watch Ultra 4’s design. While Digitimes claims a redesign is coming, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said last month: “None of this year’s watches is expected to get a major design overhaul.”

We do know that a ceramic case option is expected for Apple Watch Series 12. So it’s possible that Apple will similarly offer something unique for Apple Watch Ultra 4’s design. Reporting is unclear, but perhaps we’ll see design updates that differentiate the latest Ultra model.

How would you most like Apple to differentiate its new Ultra model? Let us know in the comments.

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