According to industry sources, Apple could unveil the fourth generation of the Watch Ultra in the fall of 2026—presumably at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro. However, some signals from the supply chain also point to a possible delay until 2027. The rumored details primarily revolve around a thinner case and a new sensor module for blood pressure monitoring.
Thinner Case, Larger Display
According to rumors, Apple is working on a titanium frame that is about 15 percent thinner. At the same time, the display is expected to grow in size; reports indicate that the OLED panels will come from LG and will be brighter than before. Earlier rumors about an integrated fingerprint scanner or Touch ID, however, have apparently not been confirmed—Apple is likely to continue relying on other solutions for biometric security.
Eight sensors and blood pressure trends instead of exact readings
At the center of the rumors is a circular sensor module on the back with eight sensors—twice as many as on the previous model. The new blood pressure measurement feature is not intended to provide exact systolic and diastolic readings like an upper-arm cuff, but rather to detect high blood pressure trends and issue warnings in the event of critical developments. According to reports, the feature is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A non-invasive blood glucose sensor, which many people with diabetes have been hoping for for years, is still not expected to be included in this generation.
New Chip for Greater Efficiency
Inside, a new S-processor—presumably designated the S11—is said to be at work, with a focus on energy efficiency. That will be necessary: watchOS 27 is expected to integrate Apple Intelligence’s AI features more deeply into the watch, which requires additional processing power. Despite a thinner case, battery life could actually increase as a result—the current Ultra 3 lasts 42 hours.
Similar rumors about blood pressure alerts and a larger display were already circulating regarding the predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 —a sign that Apple is consistently moving in this direction with the Ultra series. Meanwhile, competition is also coming from Samsung, which has announced a Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22, 2026, featuring the Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
In terms of price, the Ultra 4 is likely to reinforce its premium status: Analysts expect a starting price above the current 799 euros, due to the new sensors and the redesigned titanium case.
Note: The details mentioned are based on industry rumors and supply chain information. Official confirmation from Apple is still pending.
