The Apple Watch Ultra 4 Looks Boring, But Its Battery Could Change Everything

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 arrives at a difficult comparison point against Apple’s other new model, the Apple Watch Series 12, which “blew away” the reviewer at launch. Priced at $799, the Ultra 4 offers the same AI health insights, sharper sensors, and Audio Intelligence features as the $399 Series 12, but lacks exclusive smart features. Its rugged titanium shell is unchanged from the Ultra 3, and Samsung’s $700 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 competes on dive and endurance credentials. The standout potential is battery life: Apple claims up to 50 hours, 84 in Low Power Mode, and 45 hours of continuous GPS. Preorders start now, with stores opening Sept. 18.