| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $399★ | $799 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 32g★ | 63g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 100m★ |
| Battery | 1 days | 2.1 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ✅ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS only |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | good★ | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day — 60x more often than the Series 11 — and measures HRV every five minutes.
A daily 0–10 readiness score combines sleep, vitals, training load, and activity to suggest how hard to push.
On-demand ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications carry over from the Series 11.
The Ultra 4 lasts roughly twice as long as the Series 12, with up to 45 hours of GPS workout tracking in Max Extended Workout mode. Satellite Emergency SOS works without cellular or WiFi coverage.
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day and HRV every five minutes, feeding a 0–10 readiness score.
The 49mm titanium case and 3000-nit display make this watch usable in full direct sunlight and water depths up to 100m (recreational scuba diving to 40m).
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$399 vs $799 over 3 years.
2.1 days vs 1 days battery.
12 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
32g.
iPhone users who want the most capable smartwatch health experience available. Ideal for anyone who values medical-grade monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, SpO2), a premium always-on display, and the best Apple Watch workout tracking. If health is your priority, this is the one to get.
Full details →Serious athletes, trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who need the most durable, most accurate GPS watch Apple makes. Also for iPhone users who simply want the best Apple Watch regardless of sport, and value the extra battery life over the Series 12.
Full details →