The Apple Watch Ultra 4 Brings Siri AI, Live Recording Features to More Places

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 4 alongside the new Apple Watch Series 12 at its fall event. The Ultra 4 is equipped with an S11 chip featuring a quad-core Neural Engine, enabling Siri AI to function natively on the fitness-focused wearable. Preorders for the Ultra 4 begin today, September 9, with deliveries and retail availability set for September 18, priced at $799, matching the Ultra 3's price.

The Ultra 4 maintains the same design as the Ultra 3, measuring 14.4mm thick, 49mm diagonally, and weighing 61.6 grams. Constructed from 3D-printed recycled titanium in black or natural titanium, it boasts over two days of battery life, or 18 hours with regular use, and up to 45 hours in extended mode. The Ultra 4 connects with paired iPhones and utilizes 5G cellular technology when the iPhone is out of range.

It can also leverage Apple's satellite texting service for emergency communication. Siri AI features, including personalized actions on data and storing and returning to earlier conversational queries, are now available on the Ultra 4 through WatchOS 27. New Audio Intelligence features enable sound recognition for those with limited hearing, while Live Rewind generates a transcript of the last several seconds of conversation, and Siri Recap creates a transcript of recent conversations.

The Ultra 4 also features a new sensor array that enhances its accuracy as the most precise health-sensing system on a wearable device. It samples heart rates every five seconds and checks for heart rate variability every five minutes. A new Readiness score assesses readiness to engage in activities based on sleep, heart rate readings, and other data. The improved Health app is expected to be released later this year.