Early Apple Watch Ultra 4 rumors suggest a 'full redesign' alongside a new sensor array but I'm taking this information with a healthy pinch of salt

Date:
Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:06 +0000

Description:
Early rumors may indicate a 'full redesign;, but I don't see Apple ditching its established Ultra look anytime soon.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A new report based on 'market expectations' indicates Apple could be making some changes to its Watch Ultra series this year The report states a new sensor array is on the way,
alongside a 'full redesign' for the Watch Ultra 4 While new sensors could improve or add more features to Apple's already stellar health tracking, I don't believe a huge-scale redesign of the Watch Ultra is on the cards Rumors about the Apple Watch Ultra 4 have been thin on the ground until now, but we're finally beginning to hear a few tidbits here and there. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 only launched in September last year (snagging the top spot on our best Apple Watches list), but given that the original Apple Watch Ultra only lasted a year before it was succeeded by the Watch Ultra 2, it makes sense that Apple might announce the 4 during its annual September Event this year. The report by Digitimes (spotted via 9to5Mac ) based on 'market expectations' mentions a 'significant upgrade to sensing functions' for the Ultra 4, with a redesigned sensor array expected to create a large volume of orders from its sensor supplier, Taiwan-Asia Semiconductor. The Watch Ultra 3's heart rate sensing functionality is already superb (I've personally tested it alongside
a Polar H10 chest-mounted heart rate monitor and found it almost 1-1), so a sensor upgrade is likely to focus on improving another feature. Apple has cracked hypertension, which alerts users of potential chronic high blood pressure after 30 days, and packs sensors such as blood oxygen and skin temperature to support features including sleep tracking and women's health tracking. Latest Videos From You may like Apple Watch Ultra 4 tipped to get a new way to keep your heart healthy The best Apple Watch 2026: Which wearable is right for you? Apple is allegedly shelving plans to add Touch ID to Apple Watches

If a new sensor array is on the horizon, we're likely to see either an entirely new feature from Apple, or an even more accurate version of one of the features above. A 'full redesign'? It's the next part of the report that has me pressing 'x' to doubt. Digitimes mentions a 'full redesign' coming alongside the new sensor array, which sounds exciting, but I'm expecting any redesign to be relatively minor.

Apple tends to find a design that works and stick to it, creating a very strong brand identity you only have to look back at the last 10 years of Apple Watches to see that. The Watch Ultra series was an enormous change (by Apple's standards), equivalent to last year's iPhone Air .

There might be a change in thickness, materials or battery efficiency, but
I'm very much expecting the Watch Ultra 4 to look, at first glance, almost identical to the Watch Ultra 3. Granted, it might be marketed by Apple as a redesign, but in real terms I'm not expecting much to change. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Today's best Apple Watch deals Apple Watch 11 369 299 View See all prices Apple Watch Ultra 3
579 View See all prices Apple Watch SE 3 219 View See all prices We check
over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/early-apple-watch-ultra- 4-rumors-suggest-a-full-redesign-alongside-a-new-sensor-array-but-im-taking-th is-information-with-a-healthy-pinch-of-salt


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)