Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: Should You Wait or Buy Now in 2026?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade: leaked details reveal Touch ID, doubled health sensors, a thinner design, and potentially real blood pressure readings. Meanwhile, the Ultra 3 is discounted to $609— its deepest price cut yet. Should you buy the bird in hand, or wait five months for what's coming?
Ultra 3 Now
$609 on Amazon (was $799). Proven, available today, best rugged Apple Watch ever made.
Ultra 4 Coming
Expected September 2026. Touch ID, 2× sensors, thinner body, real BP readings.
Our Take
Buy Ultra 3 now if you need a watch. Wait only if Touch ID or blood pressure values are must-haves.
What Do We Know About Apple Watch Ultra 4?
Multiple leaks and analyst reports have painted a clear picture of what's coming. Here are the confirmed and high-confidence rumors:
Touch ID: Finally, No More Passcodes
References to "AppleMesa"in leaked developer software confirm Apple is building fingerprint authentication for Apple Watch. You'll likely unlock by touching the screen or digital crown — a genuinely useful improvement, especially with gloves or wet hands where the current passcode entry is painful.
Doubled Sensor Array
The Ultra 4 reportedly packs twice as many health sensors as the Ultra 3. Rather than adding entirely new measurement types, Apple is focused on making existing tracking significantly more accurate — heart rate, SpO2, and temperature sensors should all improve.
Real Blood Pressure Values
The Apple Watch Series 11 introduced basic hypertension alerts, but the Ultra 4 may deliver actual systolic/diastolic blood pressure readings. If this ships, it would be a massive leap for wrist-based health monitoring and a potential game-changer for the 100+ million Americans with hypertension.
Thinner, Lighter Design
Apple is reportedly slimming down the Ultra body while maintaining its rugged titanium build. The current Ultra 3 is 14.4mm thick — even a 1–2mm reduction would make a noticeable difference on the wrist.
What About Blood Glucose?
Not happening in 2026. Multiple analysts confirm Apple's non-invasive glucose monitoring technology isn't accurate enough to ship yet. This feature is likely several product cycles away. If glucose monitoring is your primary interest, the Oura Ring Gen 4 with its blood pressure estimation is the closest thing available in a wearable today.
How Good Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Deal Right Now?
Very good. The Ultra 3 is currently $609 on Amazon — down from its $799 retail price. That's a $190 discount (24% off) and its deepest price cut since launch. You get:
- Best-in-class GPS accuracy — dual-frequency GPS that's the gold standard for outdoor sports
- 36-hour battery life (72 hours in low power mode)
- 100m water resistance with depth gauge and water temperature
- Titanium case with sapphire crystal — the most durable Apple Watch
- Action Button for one-tap workout starts, waypoint marking, and more
- Siren for emergency situations, audible up to 180 meters away
Should You Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 Now or Wait for Ultra 4?
Here's our decision framework:
Buy Ultra 3 now if:
- You need a rugged smartwatch today (training season, upcoming races, travel)
- The $609 deal is within your budget and you don't want to pay $799+ for Ultra 4 at launch
- The current health sensors meet your needs
- You're upgrading from Ultra 1 or a non-Ultra Apple Watch
Wait for Ultra 4 if:
- Touch ID is a must-have (you wear gloves, work with wet hands, or are frustrated with passcode entry)
- Accurate blood pressure readings would change how you manage your health
- You already have a functional Ultra 2 or Ultra 3
- You're willing to pay full retail ($799+) and wait until September
How Does Ultra 3 Compare to Competitors Right Now?
At $609, the Ultra 3 faces stiff competition:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra ($639) — Similar price, works with Android, larger display. The best Ultra alternative for Samsung/Android users.
- Garmin Venu 4 ($549) — Better fitness tracking depth and longer battery life. The Fenix 9 is expected later in 2026 with even more features.
- Google Pixel Watch 3 ($154) — A fraction of the price with solid Fitbit integration. Not rugged, but excellent value for everyday smartwatch use.
For a complete smartwatch comparison, visit our smartwatch category page or check out our best smartwatches guide.
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FAQ
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: Common Questions
Everything you need to know about the upcoming Ultra 4 and whether to buy Ultra 3 now.
When will Apple Watch Ultra 4 be released?
Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 and Apple Watch Series 12. Apple typically announces new watches at its fall event and ships them within two weeks. No official date has been confirmed.
Will Apple Watch Ultra 4 have Touch ID?
Multiple leaks point to yes. References to 'AppleMesa' — Apple's internal codename for fingerprint authentication — have been found in developer software. Users may be able to unlock by touching the screen or digital crown, eliminating the need to type a passcode.
Will Apple Watch Ultra 4 monitor blood glucose?
No. Multiple analysts confirm that Apple's non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology is still not accurate enough to ship. The Ultra 4 may instead deliver actual systolic/diastolic blood pressure readings — a significant upgrade from the hypertension alerts in Series 11 — but blood glucose is likely several years away.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. At its current discounted price of $609 on Amazon (down from $799), the Ultra 3 is an excellent value. It offers the best GPS accuracy, longest battery life, and toughest build of any Apple Watch. Unless Touch ID or improved blood pressure readings are must-haves for you, the Ultra 3 is a great buy right now.
How does Apple Watch Ultra 3 compare to Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($609 on sale) offers better battery life, a brighter display, and deeper iPhone integration. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra ($639) has a larger display, works with Android phones, and offers more watch face customization. Both are excellent — your phone ecosystem determines the best choice.