Apple’s latest Ultra 4 smartwatch sets new standards for durability and endurance, targeting adventure seekers and endurance athletes, as the Series 12 remains the economical choice for everyday wear.
Apple’s new smartwatch line-up leaves buyers with a familiar choice: the more affordable Series 12 for everyday use, or the pricier Ultra 4 for people who want the toughest option in the range. According to Trusted Reviews, both models are now on sale, with the Series 12 starting at £369/$399 and the Ultra 4 at £769/$799. MacRumors also notes that both watches share Apple’s S11 chip, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and the company’s new Health Sensing System, so the gap between them is less about core software and more about design, battery life and resilience.
The physical differences are straightforward. The Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, while the Ultra 4 is offered only in a 49mm case. Trusted Reviews says that gives the Ultra 4 the largest display area, although the 46mm Series 12 is close behind and will suit a wider range of wrists. The Ultra 4 is aimed at wrists between 130mm and 210mm, while the larger Series 12 extends to 245mm, making it the more flexible option for a broader audience.
On health and fitness tracking, there is far less separation than the price suggests. Trusted Reviews says both watches support the same headline features, including Apple’s new readiness score, ECG support, cycle tracking, Hypertension notifications and Sleep Apnoea alerts. Tom’s Guide, in a half-marathon test, found that both devices delivered strong GPS performance, though the Ultra 4’s multi-band GPS held its route more consistently. The same test suggested that the Series 12 produced slightly steadier heart-rate readings, probably because its lighter case sat more snugly on the wrist.
Where the Ultra 4 pulls ahead is in rugged use. Trusted Reviews says it carries a 10ATM water-resistance rating, compared with 5ATM on the Series 12, and it supports scuba diving with a depth gauge rated to 40m. Tom’s Guide also highlights the Ultra 4’s 100-metre water resistance and sapphire crystal display, while the Mac Observer points to its longer workout modes and dual-frequency GPS. That makes it the clearer choice for endurance athletes, open-water swimmers and anyone who expects to use a watch in harsher conditions.
Battery life is another decisive factor. Trusted Reviews says the Series 12 is rated for up to 24 hours of typical use, rising to 38 hours in low power mode, while the Ultra 4 is rated for up to 50 hours, or 84 hours in low power mode. The Mac Observer adds that the Ultra 4 is better suited to long events and extended training, whereas the Series 12 is more comfortable for daily wear and routine overnight charging. The Ultra 4 also includes Emergency SOS via satellite and a built-in siren, which reinforces its positioning as the more adventurous model.
For most buyers, the decision now comes down to use case rather than features. The Series 12 offers the same main health platform at a much lower price, and it is lighter, smaller and easier to justify as an all-day smartwatch. The Ultra 4 is the stronger option if battery endurance, durability, satellite safety tools and advanced outdoor tracking matter more than cost. Trusted Reviews says it is still awaiting full reviews of both watches, but the hardware split is already clear: the Series 12 is the mainstream pick, while the Ultra 4 is the specialist model.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
