Apple will reportedly introduce the Apple Watch Ultra 4 later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The rugged wearable should debut alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and new iPhone models in September, continuing Apple's annual update cycle for the premium watch line.

Apple skipped a major Ultra update in 2024, offering only a black color variant while keeping the Ultra 3 for 2025. A May 2026 DigiTimes report suggests the Ultra 4 features a "full redesign" and significant sensing upgrades, though specifics remain unclear. This marks a return to yearly major updates for the outdoors-focused model.

Other rumored enhancements include Touch ID integration, potentially placed under the display or in the side button. While noninvasive blood glucose monitoring continues development, it likely won't arrive until after 2026. Additionally, LG Display's HMO technology could power the 2027 Apple Watch display with improved power efficiency over current LTPO screens.

The Ultra 4 and Series 12 will launch with watchOS 27, which adds new watch faces including a Modular Ultra variant. This represents Apple's strategy to maintain competitive pressure on Garmin and other outdoor-focused wearables while advancing health monitoring capabilities.