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The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected later this year. According to recent reports, the new Ultra model will feature four key innovations. These include new health sensors, possible changes to the industrial design, hints of Touch ID, and significant improvements in energy efficiency.
The information regarding the Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes primarily from Digitimes reports and analyses of leaked Apple code. Supply chain sources indicate extensive internal changes. Simultaneously, evidence of biometric authentication in future Apple Watch models is emerging.
There are still several months until the expected unveiling in early September. Nevertheless, specific technical key features that could be relevant for the new Ultra model are already emerging.
New health sensors: Significantly more components
At the end of last summer, Digitimes, citing sources in the supply chain, reported that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 was expected to contain twice as many sensor components as previous models.
Apple regularly changes the sensor architecture of its smartwatches. According to Digitimes, the new sensors are intended to reduce the reliance on algorithmic data interpretation. This means that fewer calculations may be necessary to determine health metrics. The potential consequences:
- more precise health data
- better performance
- lower energy consumption
- longer battery life
Blood glucose monitoring is a topic that has been circulating for years. Apple is demonstrably working on this feature. However, despite encouraging developments, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is not currently expected to have integrated blood glucose monitoring.
Some of the additional sensors could also be related to a possible introduction of Touch ID.
Changes in industrial design
Digitimes also reports on "changes to the external design" of the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The extent of these changes is currently unclear.
Earlier rumors suggested a significant redesign. However, more recent reports are more cautious. Originally, the Apple Watch Ultra was planned to feature microLED technology. In that context, the model was expected to be significantly larger in 2026.
Since microLED is apparently no longer in the current plans, these design plans may have changed. It remains unclear whether these are merely minor adjustments to the housing or whether structural changes are planned.
Touch ID: Clues from leaked Apple code
Another point concerns biometric authentication. Filipe Espósito of Macworld found references to "AppleMesa" in leaked Apple code. This code name has been used internally at Apple for Touch ID for years.
The code clearly refers to Apple Watch models for 2026. This suggests that Apple is working on a form of Touch ID for upcoming models. Whether the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will already benefit from this is not definitively confirmed, but it is being discussed in connection with the new sensors.
There are currently no official details regarding the potential hardware implementation. Integration into:
- the side button
- the Digital Crown
- or the action button
Touch ID could mean that the passcode needs to be entered less often. This would be a particularly convenient solution for Apple Pay payments or other protected functions.
Improved energy efficiency
Digitimes also mentions a "significantly improved" energy efficiency in the new Ultra model. Possible reasons for this are:
- a new S-Class chip
- more efficient sensors
- internal architecture improvements
Last year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 saw the first improvement in battery life within the Ultra series. There are strong indications that this trend will continue with the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
The improved efficiency could lead to longer battery life. Alternatively, Apple might install a smaller battery to make room for additional sensors. If the current battery life is still achieved, Apple could accept this compromise.
Improvements in battery performance are considered the most likely result of the efficiency gains.
Current status of rumors regarding the Apple Watch Ultra 4
There are still about six months until the expected unveiling in early September. During this time, further information and leaks are likely to surface.
As it stands, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could bring improvements in several key areas:
- Health technology
- Industrial design
- Energy efficiency
- biometric authentication
The reports so far have focused particularly on the new sensors and potential efficiency gains.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 focuses on targeted optimization
The information available so far about the Apple Watch Ultra 4 points to targeted technical improvements. A doubling of sensor components, possible design adjustments, indications of Touch ID, and noticeably improved energy efficiency are currently the key features.
The focus is primarily on health, safety, and battery life. If the current rumors prove true, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 would represent a significant technological advancement for the Ultra series, improving upon it in several key areas.
For those who want to delve deeper into Apple's history and philosophy, here are some suitable book recommendations! (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)
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