Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 4 alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 later this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The announcement has sparked intense interest in the tech community as Apple continues to innovate and expand its product lineup with new and upgraded devices.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 rumors
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman outlined ’s product roadmap Apple for the rest of the year, including the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. “This slew of devices should also include an Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4,” Gurman said. The report underscores Apple’s strategy to strengthen its position in the smartwatch market by offering products that combine cutting-edge technology with elegant design.
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Apple doesn't release a new Apple Watch Ultra every year. The Ultra was released in 2022, followed by the Ultra 2 in 2023. In 2024, the only upgrade was a black color option, but the underlying hardware remained unchanged. The Ultra 3 arrived in 2025.
This release strategy shows that the company is carefully choosing when to introduce major changes, presumably to ensure that each new model offers substantial improvements.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 could feature a “complete redesign,” according to a DigiTimes in May 2026, but it’s unclear what that will include. The device is also rumored to receive a “significant upgrade in sensor functionality.” But again, we don’t know what that could be referring to. Sensors are a critical component of smartwatches, allowing them to data and fitness.
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An upgrade in this area could further enhance the Apple Watch Ultra 4's usefulness for users interested in monitoring their health.
In terms of new watch features, Apple is developing technology glucose monitoring blood, but it's believed to be a few years away. This technology could be a game-changer for people with diabetes, offering a painless and easy way to monitor their glucose levels. However, developing such technologies takes time and rigorous testing to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
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Leaked Apple code has suggested that the company is experimenting with biometric authentication in the form of Touch ID for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup, but it's unclear how that might be implemented. Touch ID could be placed under the display or integrated into the side button. The feature would reduce the reliance on numeric passcodes for unlocking, but the Apple Watch already has a wrist-based authentication feature for purchases.
The addition of Touch ID could offer an extra layer of security and convenience for users, making unlocking the device even simpler and more secure.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 are expected to arrive in September alongside the new iPhone models. watchOS 27 will add new watch faces to the new devices, including a variation of the Modular Ultra face. These new additions will offer users more customization options, allowing them to customize their watch to their personal preferences and needs.
