The Apple Watch Ultra 4 doesn't look very different from the Ultra 3.
In fact, if you put the two next to each other, most people probably wouldn't notice the difference. But after spending time reviewing the new Ultra 4, I've realised that Apple isn't really trying to change what the Ultra looks like. It is trying to change what the Ultra knows about you. And that makes this a more interesting upgrade than it initially appears. I was testing the new black titanium version, and yes, I also got a new band to go with it. The black finish looks great — more understated and, in my opinion, a little more premium than the usual Ultra look.
But the real changes are happening underneath.
It gets more sensors, more realtime and frequent tracking, while it retains pretty much everything that made the Ultra 3 so good: the big, bright display, rugged titanium build, excellent GPS and all the usual Apple Watch features.
The difference is that Apple has significantly expanded the health-tracking capabilities. The watch collects heart-rate and HRV data much more frequently and uses that information, along with sleep and activity data, to give you a better idea of how your body is doing. The feature I've found most interesting is Readiness- something we have seen in the recovery scores we've seen on Whoop and Oura. Instead of throwing a bunch of numbers at you, it tries to answer a much simpler question: Should I push myself today or take it easy? And that's useful.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Whoop vs Oura
I've spent time using both Whoop and Oura, and this is where the Ultra 4 becomes particularly interesting. Whoop remains excellent if you're serious about training. Its entire experience revolves around strain, recovery and sleep. Oura takes a quieter approach. The ring disappears on your finger and does an excellent job of tracking sleep and recovery without constantly demanding your attention. The Ultra 4 is different. It is trying to do all of that while still being an Apple Watch. You get your notifications, calls, GPS, workouts, maps, music and apps, while also getting increasingly sophisticated health and recovery insights. That makes the Ultra 4 arguably the most complete single wearable of the three. But I wouldn't say it completely replaces Whoop or Oura. If recovery and training are your entire priority, those devices still have a more focused approach.
Real-world battery changes
Apple has increased the rated battery life to up to 50 hours, compared with 42 hours on the Ultra 3. It doesn't sound revolutionary. But when you're trying to track sleep and recovery, every extra hour matters. The more you wear the watch, the more data it collects. And the more data Apple has, the more useful features such as Readiness and Vitals become. That's the interesting cycle Apple is building around the Ultra.
Should Ultra 3 owners upgrade?
If you already own the Ultra 3, I wouldn't tell you to immediately upgrade. The Ultra 3 remains an excellent smartwatch, and the Ultra 4 doesn't suddenly make it obsolete. The design is familiar, the display is familiar and day-to-day Apple Watch functions feel largely the same. The upgrade makes much more sense if you're particularly interested in the new health tracking, recovery features and improved battery life. If you're buying an Ultra for the first time, though, I'd go straight for the Ultra 4.
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn't a dramatic redesign. It doesn't need to be. Instead, Apple has taken an already excellent smartwatch and made it considerably more interested in what's happening inside your body. The new health sensing, Readiness, sleep tracking and longer battery life make it a more compelling health wearable than previous Ultras. But if you already have an Ultra 3, this is an upgrade you should think about rather than automatically make.
For me, the Ultra 4 gets an 8/10.
But it is probably the most complete Apple Watch yet — and, for the first time, it feels like Apple is seriously coming for Whoop and Oura.
Price -₹109900.00
Apple Watch Ultra 4: 8/10
Pros: Better health tracking, Readiness, improved battery life, excellent display, rugged design, complete smartwatch/fitness tracking experience.
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Cons: Very similar to Ultra 3, still large and heavy, Whoop and Oura remain more focused on recovery and more easier to sleep with.
Bottom line: The Ultra 4 doesn't look dramatically different. It just knows a lot more about you.