Apple announces Apple Watch Ultra 4: improved heart sensing, longer battery, new audio features

Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 4, describing it as an ultimate sports and adventure watch with a new Health Sensing System and the S11 chip.

Apple states the Health Sensing System paired with the S11 provides the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, higher-frequency heart rate and HRV measurements, and a new Readiness score. The Ultra 4 adds more accurate on-device GPS and extended battery life, claiming up to 45 hours of outdoor workout tracking.

The S11 chip also enables new Audio Intelligence features coming later this year: Sound Recognition to notify users of important sounds, Live Rewind which shows the previous 15 seconds of conversation as text after a double press of the Digital Crown, and Siri Recap which generates conversation summaries in the Siri app. Music Recognition (Shazam) is available on the Smart Stack.

watchOS 27 brings Apple Intelligence and launches Siri AI in beta on Monday, September 14 for supported devices; Apple said additional language support will follow in October. Pre-orders for Ultra 4 open immediately in more than 50 countries and regions, with in‑store availability beginning Friday, September 18.

The Ultra 4 is offered in natural and black titanium finishes with new bands. Apple noted promotional offers for new subscribers to Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music and reiterated AppleCare and Apple Upgrade options for buyers.