Apple is apparently planning a whole series of new devices in quick succession this fall – and right in the middle of it all is the next generation of its rugged flagship watch. According to a recent industry report, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 12, accompanied by several new iPhones.
For a long time, it was unclear whether Apple would even continue the Ultra series this year – after all, the manufacturer hasn't updated its flagship smartwatch every year. Now, there are increasing indications that a new model is indeed coming in 2026. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman places the watch in Apple's fall roadmap in his latest Power On newsletter, and the details circulating so far paint a picture of a potentially significant leap forward. How the various expectations fit together can be seen in the overall overview of the rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Not a year of letting up: Apple stays on track
In his newsletter, Gurman outlines the complete product roadmap for the rest of the year – including the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone. He also believes that an Apple Watch Series 12 and an Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be part of this lineup.
This is noteworthy because Apple hasn't updated its Ultra line annually. The first Ultra was released in 2022, followed by the Ultra 2 in 2023. In 2024, the only new feature was a black color option, while the underlying hardware remained unchanged. The Ultra 3, released in 2025, represented a true update – and if Gurman is correct, Apple won't skip a year this time. The Series 12, which is expected to be a minor update, would also be part of the same fall lineup.
Redesign and improved sensor technology under discussion
More concrete hints about the internal components are already circulating. A report from May 2026 mentioned a "complete redesign," without specifying exactly what would change. The same source also spoke of a "significant upgrade to the sensor functions" - again, it remains unclear what this could refer to. Those who wish to read about the expected design and sensor innovations of the Ultra 4 in detail can find the information gathered so far there.
An earlier clue comes from leaked Apple code, which in the summer of 2025 hinted at biometric authentication via Touch ID for the 2026 Watch lineup. This could be implemented, for example, via a sensor under the display or in the side button, which would reduce the reliance on a PIN for unlocking – even though the Apple Watch already features wrist-based authentication for payments. However, caution is now advised: A leaker with a solid track record has significantly dampened expectations for a fingerprint sensor in 2026, citing battery life and cost considerations. Whether Touch ID will actually make it into the Ultra 4 is therefore far from certain.
What is realistic regarding health functions
One of the most eagerly awaited features is unlikely to be included for the time being. While Apple is working on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, this technology is still considered several years away, as the necessary miniaturization is being refined. The fact that the glucose project recently even received a new project leader underscores how long-term Apple is taking this area. Therefore, this feature shouldn't be expected for the Ultra 4.
The next display upgrade is expected in 2027
Beyond this year's generation, the next generation after this one is already on the horizon. Apple is reportedly considering LG Display's High Mobility Oxide (HMO) technology for the 2027 Apple Watch display. Compared to the current LTPO technology, HMO increases electron mobility and thus reduces power consumption. The advancements we can expect in OLED technology and the battery life of future Apple Watch models are therefore among the most exciting long-term questions.
Joint appearance in September
Both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Apple Watch Series 12 are expected in September – alongside the new iPhone models. The software foundation is watchOS 27, which will provide the new devices with additional watch faces, including a variant of the Modular Ultra watch face. This places the next Ultra in one of Apple's busiest fall releases in recent years – and the leap from the Ultra 3 to the Ultra 4 could be greater than the recent intermediate steps suggest. (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)
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