Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers larger display, faster chip and longer battery than Ultra 2
The Ultra 4 adds a 1 Hz always-on display, an S11 processor, 4 GB RAM, new health sensors and up to 84 hours of low-power use, while the discontinued Ultra 2 remains available refurbished for $589.
Apple introduced the Watch Ultra 4 three years after the Ultra 2, keeping the 49 mm titanium case, Action button, siren, 3,000-nit display and dual-frequency GPS. The new model starts at $799 in the United States, while the Ultra 2 is no longer sold new but can be bought refurbished for $589.
Key hardware upgrades include a 1 Hz always-on LTPO3 OLED display that is about 5 % larger, an S11 chip paired with 4 GB of RAM (double the Ultra 2’s 2 GB), and a Health Sensing System that adds an electrical heart sensor and always-on optical sensor. The system provides more frequent heart-rate variability measurements, a daytime Vitals view and a Readiness app.
Battery life also improves, with Apple quoting up to 84 hours of low-power use and up to 45 hours of maximum-extended workout tracking, compared with 72 and 35 hours respectively for the Ultra 2. Charging to 80 % now takes about 45 minutes, half the time of the previous model.
Connectivity is upgraded from LTE/UMTS to LTE/5G and includes satellite messaging for emergencies. New software features enabled by the S11 chip include Audio Intelligence such as sound recognition and automatic music identification.
Apple suggests most Ultra 2 owners can continue using their watches if battery life remains sufficient, as the device will receive watchOS 27 and Siri AI updates. The Ultra 4 is positioned as the better choice for users who want the latest health metrics, longer battery life for remote activities, or plan to keep the watch for several years. The Ultra 2 remains a lower-cost option for those satisfied with its existing capabilities.