Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: New AI Audio & 48-Hr Battery for $799

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is the better buy for most users due to its improved battery life and new health and audio features, despite an unchanged price from the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and Release Date

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 maintains the same launch price as its predecessor, costing $799 / £749 / AU$1,399. It becomes available on September 18. This means if you were considering the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it makes sense to wait a few days for the newer model.

Physically, the dimensions have seen subtle tweaks. The titanium case remains, but the Ultra 4 is slightly wider and slimmer. Its battery life sees a significant improvement, lasting an additional six hours over the Ultra 3, reaching two days of normal use or 18 hours with continuous GPS.

Component	Apple Watch Ultra 3	Apple Watch Ultra 4
Price	$799 / £749 / AU$1,399	$799 / £749 / AU$1,399
Dimensions	49 x 41 x 14mm	49 x 44 x 12mm
Weight	61.6g	63.1g
Case/Bezel	Titanium	Titanium
Display	514 x 422 px LTPO3 always-on OLED Retina Display	514 x 422 px LTPO3 always-on OLED Retina Display
GPS	Yes, dual-band	Yes, dual-band
Battery Life	42 hours	48 hours
Connection	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite
Water Resistant	Yes, WR100 (diveproof)	Yes, WR100 (diveproof)

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Health and Fitness Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 features an enhanced Health Sensing System, improving heart rate accuracy. This redesign offers better skin contact due to an increased electrode surface area, enabling heart rate readings every five seconds and heart rate variability readings every five minutes.

Apple claims this makes its heart rate sensor the most accurate on any wearable. The Ultra 4 also introduces a Readiness Score, a feature widely adopted by other fitness wearables, which feeds into Vitals for a holistic overview of recovery. A new Health Age feature compares your fitness level to others in your age group.

It is currently unclear if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will receive these specific features. However, all existing features, including LTE and satellite connectivity, are available on the Ultra 4. The redesigned Health app on iPhone, which will support Apple Intelligence, will also be compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Audio Intelligence Features

Exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 are new Audio Intelligence features. These include Shazam integration directly on your wrist and Sound Recognition, which can alert you to sounds like a doorbell or a siren. There are also two additional features that may prove controversial.

Live Rewind allows the watch to recall conversations from the previous 15 seconds with a double-tap of the crown.

Siri Recap passively listens throughout the day, using Siri AI to provide a summary of your day in the evening. While Apple has implemented numerous privacy controls, these features may be perceived as intrusive by some users.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Design and Display

The physical design of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 sees minor adjustments from the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

It retains the durable titanium case, but the dimensions are now 49 x 44 x 12mm, making it slightly wider and slimmer than the Ultra 3’s 49 x 41 x 14mm. The weight has also slightly increased to 63.1g from 61.6g.

Both models feature a 514 x 422 px LTPO3 always-on OLED Retina Display, ensuring excellent clarity and visibility. The ruggedness also remains consistent, with both watches boasting WR100 water resistance, making them suitable for diving.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Battery and Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 significantly extends battery life, offering up to 48 hours of use on a single charge.

This is a notable increase from the 42 hours provided by the Apple Watch Ultra 3. For continuous GPS usage, the Ultra 4 lasts 18 hours, compared to an unspecified duration for the Ultra 3.

Both models are powered by an upgraded S11 chip, which promises faster CPU and GPU performance and improved Siri capabilities. This ensures a smooth and responsive user experience across all applications and features for both the Ultra 4 and the Series 12 models.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Connectivity and Other Features

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offer robust connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and 5G. Satellite connectivity is also present on both models, providing an essential safety feature for remote areas. The Ultra 4 inherits all the features of the Ultra 3.

A key addition for the Ultra 4, and potentially the Series 12, is the redesigned Health app on iPhone. This app leverages Apple Intelligence for personalized insights and includes features like Readiness, Longevity tracking, and VO2 Max measurement via guided workouts using the iPhone camera. These metrics will update based on activity levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 waterproof?

Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is water-resistant up to WR100, making it diveproof.

What is the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 4?

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge, and 18 hours with continuous GPS use.

Are the new health features exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 4?

The Readiness Score and Health Age features are new to the Ultra 4, though it’s currently unclear if they will be available on the Ultra 3. The Health Sensing System and improved heart rate accuracy are also part of the Ultra 4.

What are the new audio features on the Apple Watch Ultra 4?

Exclusive audio features on the Ultra 4 include Shazam on wrist, Sound Recognition, Live Rewind (recalling the last 15 seconds of audio), and Siri Recap (daily audio summaries).

Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if: you want the latest health tracking improvements, significantly longer battery life, and the new AI-powered audio features. The extended battery life, reaching up to 48 hours, and the improved heart rate monitoring are key advantages. The exclusive Audio Intelligence features like Live Rewind and Sound Recognition add unique functionality.

Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you want to save money or already own it and are satisfied. The price remains the same for the Ultra 4, making it a less compelling option unless you’re looking for the absolute latest. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option and can find the Ultra 3 at a reduced price, it still offers many premium features like LTE and satellite connectivity.