According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 4 by the end of 2026, alongside the Apple Watch Series 12. The news, published in the latest Power On newsletter, confirms that Cupertino's giant does not plan to skip a year for its rugged smartwatch line. After the original model launched in 2022, the Ultra 2 in 2023, and the Ultra 3 in 2025, the update cycle appears to return to regularity. Gurman also mentioned that the new device will be part of a wave of products, including the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone.
Mark Gurman Confirms Ultra 4 Debut This Year
In his analysis, Gurman emphasized that 2026 will be a bumper year for Apple. "That flurry of devices should also include an Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4," he stated. The traditional September launch timeline remains the most likely, coinciding with the new iPhones. For industry followers, this is welcome news: the Ultra 3 arrived in 2025 with few hardware changes, but now Apple seems ready to impress.
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Possible Full Redesign According to DigiTimes
A DigiTimes report from last May suggests that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 may undergo a "full redesign," although precise details remain unclear. Expectations include a slimmer design or different case materials. Additionally, there is talk of a "significant upgrade to sensing functions," which could involve new health sensors. Among the most persistent rumors, Apple is developing noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technology, but this may still be a few years away from appearing on a wearable device.
Touch ID and Advanced Sensors for 2026
Leaked system code indicates Apple is experimenting with Touch ID biometric authentication for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup. Implementation could be under the display or integrated into the side button. This feature would reduce reliance on numerical passcodes for unlocking, even though the watch already has wrist detection for purchases. Integrating Touch ID would represent a leap forward in security and convenience, especially for users who wear the watch in professional settings.
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LG HMO Display for Lower Power Consumption
Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly evaluating LG Display's HMO (high-mobility oxide) thin-film transistor technology for the next-generation Apple Watch OLED display, expected in 2027. Compared to the current LTPO panel, HMO increases electron mobility for lower power consumption. This improvement could translate into longer battery life, a crucial aspect for users who wear the watch all day. Even if the Ultra 4 does not directly benefit, the path toward more efficient displays is clear.
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The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to arrive in September 2026 alongside watchOS 27, which will introduce new watch faces, including a variant of the Modular Ultra face. For more on Apple's strategy, check out our article on Apple Unveils 20 New Products Coming in 2026 and 2027. For a great deal, note that AirPods Pro 3 hit a record low price. An authoritative external source is the Wikipedia page for Apple Watch Ultra.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/22/apple-watch-ultra-4-expected-later-this-year
