Apple Watch Ultra 4 features a new health sensing system and the S11 chip, providing high-precision heart rate monitoring and increased heart rate variability (HRV) measurement frequency, up to 24 times higher. It introduces a Readiness Index, which analyzes recent activity, training load, and sleep scores to provide a daily physical condition score from 0 to 10 with actionable advice.
The device offers improved battery life, lasting over two days (up to 50 hours) in daily use, and up to 84 hours in low power mode. In outdoor workout tracking, it supports up to 25 hours with full GPS and heart rate readings, a 25% increase over the previous model. For longer activities, the maximum extended workout mode allows for tracking up to 45 hours, including 100-mile races, with per-second GPS readings.
The S11 chip enables new audio features, including Sound Recognition for hearing-impaired users to detect alarms, doorbells, and baby cries. Shazam is now integrated for instant music detection. All audio processing is handled within a hardware-based Secure Enclave to ensure privacy, as raw audio is not stored or accessible to the system or Apple.
The watch includes a new one-handed double-tap gesture to navigate Smart Stack widgets. The design incorporates 45% recycled materials, including 100% recycled titanium for the 3D-printed case and 100% recycled cobalt for the battery. It is available in natural and black titanium finishes, starting at ¥6,499, with orders starting today and official release on September 18.