Apple Watch Ultra 4 review

The Ultra 4 is the right pick for iPhone owners who want a running watch that is also their everyday smartwatch. Apple calls its on-device GPS the most accurate in a sports watch, and the watch detects when you arrive at a track and combines Apple Maps data with precision GPS for track laps. Running metrics include running power and cadence, Custom Workouts support warmups and recovery intervals, and Pacer tracks time and distance goals. Training load shows how workouts affect you over time, and a morning readiness score uses recent activity, vitals and sleep. Offline maps, Backtrack and satellite Emergency SOS help on remote runs. Battery is the weak spot for runners: Apple rates up to 18 hours of standard workout tracking, or 45 hours in Max Extended mode, and up to 50 hours of everyday use. At $799 it is the most expensive watch here, and it only works with an iPhone.

Who it is for

iPhone owners who want one watch for running, daily smart features and safety off the grid.

Price

From $799 at Apple's US store when checked.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 From $799
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Up to 18 hours of standard workout tracking and up to 45 hours of Max Extended Workout tracking
• Precision GPS with automatic track detection for track running
• Training load, readiness score, running power and cadence
• Custom Workouts with intervals, Pacer goals and the Action button
• Offline maps, Backtrack and Emergency SOS via satellite

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The best smart features and app selection on the list
• Strength: Satellite communications and Emergency SOS for remote runs
• Strength: Water resistance rating of 100 meters
• Weakness: Only works with an iPhone
• Weakness: $799 is the highest price on this list
• Weakness: Up to 18 hours of standard workout tracking is the shortest GPS rating here

Key facts

• Price: From $799
• Workout battery: Up to 18 hours standard, 45 hours Max Extended
• Everyday battery: Up to 50 hours
• Phone needed: iPhone
• Water: 100 meters (ISO 22810:2010)

Where it ranks

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is No. 10 in our Best GPS Running Watches verdict and No. 6 in Best Smartwatches.