Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: 22 Miles Tested for the Ultimate Adventure

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has arrived, positioning itself once again as the definitive choice for extreme athletes and outdoor adventurers. While it retains the rugged aesthetic of its predecessor, the internal upgrades make a compelling case for an upgrade. After putting it through a rigorous 22-mile test run to evaluate its new heart rate monitoring, here is our verdict.

A Smarter, More Accurate Engine

The standout improvement in the Ultra 4 is the redesigned heart rate sensor. Featuring a '32-petal' design, it captures data more frequently and with higher precision. During my 22-mile test, the heart rate readings proved incredibly reliable, rivaling dedicated chest straps. This enhanced hardware, paired with the new S11 chip, also powers more advanced wellness features, including a new Daily Readiness Score and improved Health Age metrics.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery anxiety is a common pain point for smartwatch users, but Apple has addressed this by pushing the Ultra 4 to 50 hours of battery life in standard smartwatch mode—a solid increase over the Ultra 3. Even during intensive GPS and heart rate tracking, the watch sustains up to 25 hours, with an 'Extended Workout' mode reaching 45 hours for longer excursions.

Audio Intelligence Features

Later this year, the Ultra 4 will unlock new AI-powered audio features. 'Live Rewind' allows users to quickly review snippets of ambient conversation via the Digital Crown, while 'Siri Recap' can provide an itemized summary of your day based on ambient audio. While these features raise questions about privacy, they are strictly opt-in and designed to assist users with specific needs, such as those with auditory processing difficulties.

Design and Verdict

Physically, the Ultra 4 remains unchanged, housing the same titanium chassis and 3,000-nit display. For those who already own the Ultra 3, the decision to upgrade depends on how much you value the increased sensor accuracy and extended battery life. However, for those coming from older models, the combined jump in processing speed, tracking metrics, and overall performance makes this the most competitive endurance wearable Apple has ever produced.