Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: what's changed, and should you upgrade?

Date:
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:37:58 +0000

Description:
We've compared the specs, features and prices of Apple's latest Ultra watch against last year's version.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Apple's September 9 'Surprise and Shine' event has come and gone, and we've learned a lot about Apple 's latest crop of devices. While we've got new AirPods and iPhones (including Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo ), it's the Apple Watches that have caught my eye as TechRadar's resident fitness and wearables writer specifically, the Apple Watch Ultra 4, the latest version of Apple's flagship watch series.

But how does it compare to the previous gen, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and is it worth upgrading? Read on for a full comparison of both watches, so you can make an informed decision. Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Specifications Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Price

$799 / 749 / AU$1,399

$799 / 749 / AU$1,399

Dimensions

49 x 41 x 14mm

49 x 44 x 12mm

Weight

61.6g

63.1g

Case/bezel

Titanium

Titanium

Display

514 x 422 px LTPO3 always-on OLED Retina Display

514 x 422 px LTPO3 always-on OLED Retina Display

GPS

Yes, dual-band

Yes, dual-band

Battery life

42 hours

48 hours

Connection

Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite

Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite

Water resistant

Yes, WR100 (diveproof)

Yes, WR100 (diveproof) Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and availability Price is unchanged from last year $799 / 749 / AU$1,399
Available from September 18 Here's an easy one to start with: the Apple Watch Ultra 4's price is unchanged from last year, at $799 / 749 / AU$1,399. It's available from the September 18, so if you were considering getting an Apple Watch Ultra 3 but were holding out, there's no reason not to wait a few days for the latest model. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: design (Image credit: Apple) Physically, little has changed in terms of looks, but there have been subtle tweaks. The titanium case is still there, slightly wider and slimmer than
last year, and it lasts six hours longer than the Ultra 3 to make it to two days, or 18 hours with continuous GPS use.

The watch's heart rate accuracy is even better thanks to the new Health Sensing System. This redesign of Apple's LED optical heart rate sensor tech offers better skin contact thanks to an increased electrode surface area. Heart rate readings are now being taken up to every five seconds, with heart rate variability, an overnight measure of rest and recovery, being read up to every five minutes. You may like The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth the investment for these 3 reasons The best Apple Watch 2026: Which wearable is right for you? Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 review: slimmer, lighter, better

This makes Apple's heart rate sensor the most accurate of any wearable, according to Apple. It has apparently conducted tests against rivals using
ECG chest straps, much like we do in our reviews.

I can attest that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is as accurate a wearable as it gets, so I'll be intrigued to test the new Ultra 4 against my trusty Polar
H10 . Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Apple
Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Features (Image credit: Apple) Finally, a Readiness Score New Audio Intelligence features Redesigned Health app At last! Apple Watch gets a Readiness Score, a feature almost every other
fitness wearable has had for years. Typically from Apple, it looks like the bee's knees, feeding into Vitals to generate a holistic overview of your night, and updating throughout the day, like Garmin 's Body Battery function. A new Health Age feature also compares your current fitness level to those in your age group, much like Garmin's Fitness Age or Whoop's, er, Whoop Age.

It's unclear at the moment whether the Ultra 3 will get these features, or if it will be an Ultra 4 / Series 12 exclusive. But all the Apple Watch Ultra 3 features, including LTE and satellite connectivity, are available on the
Ultra 4.

An incoming redesigned Health app on iPhone is Apple Intelligence-forward, offering personalized AI-powered insights, and what is clear is that this
will also work with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and all Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones. This Health App will show you Readiness, Longevity, and allow you to measure your VO2 Max using a coached guided workout on your iPhone's camera, then update it according to your activity levels and metrics.

Audio Intelligence features are exclusive to the Ultra 4 and Series 12, and include Shazam on your wrist, Sound Recognition (your watch will let you know the doorbell's rung or a siren's going off, for example), and two more features which are sure to prove controversial.

Live Rewind has your watch listen to and instantly recall a conversation up
to 15 seconds previously, by double-tapping the crown of your Apple Watch. Siri Recap listens throughout the day and uses Siri AI to process live audio files, serving you a summary of the day in the evening. There are numerous controls and privacy safeguards in place here, but there's no doubt they'll come across as creepy to many. You can read all about Audio Intelligence on Apple Watch here. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/apple-watch-ultra-4-vs-a pple-watch-ultra-3-whats-changed-and-should-you-upgrade


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