Apple Watch Ultra 4 Touch ID Leak 2026: Should You Wait or Buy Ultra 3 at $610?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is shaping up to be the biggest Apple Watch upgrade in years. Leaked code and supply chain reports point to Touch ID fingerprint authentication embedded in the Action Button, a 15% thinner case, and double the sensor count of the current model. But with the Ultra 3 sitting at $610 on Amazon — its best price ever — is it worth waiting four more months?
The Leak
Apple Watch Ultra 4 with Touch ID in Action Button, 10-15% thinner, doubled sensors, better battery efficiency. September 2026 launch.
Current Deal
Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $610 — 24% off $799 list. Best price tracked.
Wait or Buy?
Buy Ultra 3 if you need a watch now. Wait if Touch ID or a thinner design is a must-have for you.
What Do We Know About Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The evidence for a major Ultra 4 upgrade comes from multiple independent sources. Here's what's been leaked so far:
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor: Code references to "AppleMesa" — Apple's internal Touch ID project name — have been found in watchOS betas. Supply chain sources say it's embedded in the Action Button, letting you unlock, authorize Apple Pay, and access sensitive apps with a fingerprint press. This would make it the first Apple Watch with biometric authentication beyond wrist detection.
- Thinner design: The case is expected to be 10–15% slimmer than the Ultra 3, enabled by new chip packaging technology. The Ultra 3 is 14.4mm thick — a 15% reduction would bring the Ultra 4 to about 12.2mm, making it noticeably more wearable for everyday use.
- Doubled sensor count: Supply chain sources report twice the number of sensor components versus Ultra 3. This could mean new health sensors (blood pressure is a perennial rumor), improved accuracy for existing sensors, or both.
- Battery efficiency gains: Digitimes reports "significant" power efficiency improvements from a new S-class chip. Combined with the same or larger battery, this could push real-world battery life past 48 hours.
- Expected pricing: Starting at $799, potentially $849–$899 with all upgrades included.
How Does the Ultra 3 at $610 Stack Up Right Now?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3at $610 is genuinely one of the best smartwatch deals available. Here's what you get at that price:
- Battery: Up to 42 hours in normal mode, 72+ in Low Power Mode
- Display: 3,000-nit Retina LTPO3 — readable in direct sunlight
- Safety: Satellite SOS, crash detection, depth gauge, siren
- Chip: S10 SiP with neural engine
- Connectivity: 5G RedCap LTE, dual-frequency GPS
- Durability: Titanium case, 100m water resistance, MIL-STD-810H
At $610 vs. the $799 list price, you're saving $189 — nearly 24%. The Ultra 3 isn't a compromised product; it's the most capable Apple Watch ever made. The Ultra 4 will refine it, but the core experience won't be dramatically different for most users.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: What Should You Buy?
| Feature | Ultra 4 (Leaked) | Ultra 3 ($610) | Galaxy Watch Ultra ($639) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch ID | Yes (Action Button) | No | No |
| Battery | 48+ hrs (est.) | 42 hrs | 60+ hrs |
| Display Brightness | 3,000+ nit (est.) | 3,000 nit | 3,000 nit |
| Thickness | ~12.2mm (est.) | 14.4mm | 14.6mm |
| Satellite SOS | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | $799–$899 (est.) | $610 (deal) | $639 |
| Available | September 2026 | Now | Now |
Should You Wait for Ultra 4 or Buy Ultra 3 Now?
Buy the Ultra 3 at $610 if:You need an Apple Watch now — for training, outdoor adventures, or daily wear. The $189 discount is substantial, and the Ultra 3 will continue receiving software updates for 5+ years. Touch ID is exciting but won't fundamentally change how you use the watch for fitness and health. You can always sell the Ultra 3 when Ultra 4 launches and recover much of your investment.
Wait for Ultra 4 if:You frequently use Apple Pay on your wrist and want fingerprint authentication instead of passcodes. Or if the thinner design matters to you — the Ultra 3's 14.4mm thickness is its most common complaint. You also benefit from waiting if you're not in a rush and prefer to buy the latest generation at full price.
Consider the Apple Watch Series 11 at $259 if:You don't need the Ultra's ruggedness, extreme battery, or diving features. The Series 11 handles health tracking, notifications, and Apple Pay just as well — at less than half the Ultra 3's deal price.
Android users: Skip this entirely and look at the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at $639, or wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected at Samsung's July Unpacked event. The Pixel Watch 3 at $247 is also excellent value.
Browse all options in our smartwatch comparison guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 expected to launch?
Based on Apple's annual release cadence, the Ultra 4 is expected to launch alongside iPhone 18 in mid-September 2026. Apple typically announces new Apple Watch models at the September event, with availability within 1-2 weeks of announcement.
Will the Apple Watch Ultra 4 really have Touch ID?
Multiple credible sources have found 'AppleMesa' code references (Apple's internal name for Touch ID) in watchOS beta builds. Supply chain reports indicate a fingerprint sensor embedded in the Action Button. While not officially confirmed, the evidence is strong — but as with any leak, plans could change before launch.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $610 a good deal right now?
Yes. At $610 on Amazon, the Ultra 3 is 24% below its $799 list price — the best price we've tracked. It offers 42-hour battery life, satellite SOS, the latest S10 chip, and a 3,000-nit display. If you need a rugged Apple Watch now, this is a strong value.
How much will the Apple Watch Ultra 4 cost?
The Ultra 4 is expected to start at $799, matching the Ultra 3's launch price. However, some analysts predict a possible increase to $849-$899 if all rumored features (Touch ID, doubled sensors, new chip) are included. We won't know for certain until Apple's September announcement.
Should Android users wait for Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead?
If you're on Android, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is the more relevant comparison. Samsung's next Ultra model is expected at the July Unpacked event with a 4,000-nit display, potential glucose monitoring, and 5G. At $639, the current Galaxy Watch Ultra is also discounted. See our Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 analysis for more details.