# Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: Clear Winner, But Upgrade Not Recommended

> Apple Watch Ultra 4 beats Ultra 3 in health features but upgrading costs more.
- Title: Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: Clear Winner, But Upgrade Not…
- Summary: Apple Watch Ultra 4 beats Ultra 3 in health features but upgrading costs more. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has better health tracking and AI features than the…
- Keywords: apple watch ultra 4, apple watch ultra 3, health features, ai features, battery life, price comparison, apple watch, technology, Apple, Watch, Ultra, Clear
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/comparisons/apple-watch-ultra-4-vs-ultra-3-clear-winner-doesnt-mean-you-should-upgrade
- Author: Will Greenwald
- Published: 2026-09-25T18:15:27+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: apple watch ultra 4, apple watch ultra 3, health features, ai features, battery life, price comparison, apple watch, technology
## Price: Still Starts at $799
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes in one size (49mm), one casing material (titanium), and one wireless configuration (GPS and cellular) for $799, the same as the Ultra 3.
## Design: Identical Look and Feel
The Ultra 4 is nearly identical to its predecessor, with the exact same shape and measurements for its titanium body, and the same choice of natural titanium or black finishes.
## Health and Fitness: Smarter Sensors and Readiness Scores
Apple introduces its new S11 chip as the brains of the Ultra 4 and the Series 12, adding new AI and health features that the S10-equipped Ultra 3 lacks.
## AI Features: Audio Intelligence and Always-On Processing
The S11 adds new AI tricks to the Ultra 4 beyond holistic health tracking, enabling an upcoming Audio Intelligence feature that listens throughout the day for AI summaries and guidance.
## Durability: Equally Equipped for Adventure
The Ultra 3 is already a practically bulletproof smartwatch with a titanium body and a sapphire crystal display, tested to MIL-STD-810H standards.
## Connectivity: Equal Signal Strength Everywhere
Both watches get dual-band Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, LTE cellular connectivity, satellite connectivity, and precision L1/L5 dual-frequency GPS.
## Battery Life: A Weekend-Ready Endurance Bump
The Ultra 4 has an estimated battery life of up to 50 hours, running for 74 hours before needing a charge without power-saving mode.
## Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 wins in health features and AI capabilities but ties in design, durability, and connectivity.
## Price: Still Starts at $799
The Ultra 4 with a Titanium Milanese Loop costs $899, and the Hermès Ultra 4 ranges from $1,499 to $3,149.
## Key takeaway

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has better health tracking and AI features than the Ultra 3, but the price difference makes upgrading unnecessary for most users.