Apple Watch Ultra 4: Four new rumored features coming this fall

Apple has new products launching next week, but no Apple Watch models will be among them. Later this year, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming, with four new features rumored so far.

#1: New health sensors

At the end of last summer, Digitimes it has been reported based on supply chain sources that this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to double the number of sensor components.

Some of these new sensors may be related to the addition of Touch ID, which I will cover separately.

But one thing Apple is constantly changing on the Apple Watch is its array of health sensors.

Digitimes says the new sensors will allow Apple to reduce its reliance on algorithmic data interpretation, which could lead not only to better health data, but also improved performance and battery life.

Apple has been working on adding blood sugar monitoring to the Apple Watch, but despite some encouraging recent trends, that feature is currently not expected this year.

#2: Industrial design changes

Digitimes also reports that the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 will bring “changes to the exterior design.”

How big will these design changes be? It’s hard to say. The report mentions rumors of “significant rebuilding”, but recent reporting is pessimistic about how much will change.

Back when microLED was in Apple’s plans, the 2026 Apple Watch Ultra was expected to be even bigger. Without new display technology, those plans may have changed.

#3: Touch ID

Macworld’s Filipe Espósito found evidence in Apple’s Touch ID code leak that he is in the works for 2026 Apple Watch models. He reported:

Apple has been experimenting with some form of biometric authentication on the Apple Watch. The code for what apparently refers to the 2026 Apple Watch models mentions support for “AppleMesa,” which has long been Apple’s internal code name for Touch ID.

No further details on the hardware implementation have been shared. It’s possible that Apple will integrate Touch ID into a side button, Digital Crown, or action button.

Adding Touch ID could reduce the need to enter your passcode, and it could prove an easier way to authenticate Apple Pay purchases and more.

#4: The benefits of energy efficiency

Maybe because of the new S-class chip, or the benefits related to the new sensors, Digitimes says “energy efficiency will improve significantly” in the new Ultra model.

Last year on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, battery life improved for the first time in the Ultra line. And it sounds like that’s possible with the Ultra 4 as well.

Battery gains appear to be the most likely result of significant performance improvements. There are other possibilities too, like Apple shrinking the battery to make room for other sensors. If it can deliver the same great battery life with a noticeably smaller battery, it can make that trade-off.

Rumored features of the Apple Watch Ultra 4: folding

There are about six months left until the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 which is expected to be launched in early September. As a result, it is certain that there will be more leaks and rumors to come.

Based on current expectations, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 may bring improvements in several areas that users care about the most: health, design, and battery.

What new features do you hope the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will offer? Let us know in the comments.

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