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The longest-lasting Apple Watch, with multi-day battery life, dual-frequency GPS, a dive depth sensor and satellite messaging in a rugged titanium case. At $799 and 49 mm, Wirecutter calls it too much watch for most people and only a minor upgrade over the Ultra 3.
Top complaints
- Huge and uncomfortable for smaller wrists
Wirecutter's tester, with 6-inch wrists, found the 49 mm watch uncomfortable to sleep in and says it slides around during exercise. She suggests the 40 mm SE or 42 mm Series 12 for small wrists.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide) - Minor upgrade over the Ultra 3
Wirecutter says it brings no design changes and largely the same health and fitness features, so it will feel stale to Ultra owners. Tom's Guide also says the design and display are basically unchanged.
- Expensive, with some features not ready
Wirecutter says it costs double a 42 mm Series 12, which has the same health features, and the Audio Intelligence features aren't ready to try yet.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide)
What owners love
- Multi-day battery
Wirecutter still had 27% left after 48 hours of two sleep sessions, 6 miles of walks and a weightlifting session. Tom's Guide cites up to 50 hours per charge.
- Built for endurance and the outdoors
Wirecutter notes dual-frequency GPS, a depth sensor rated to 40 m, an 86-decibel siren and satellite messaging.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide) - Every Series 12 health feature
Continuous heart rate, frequent HRV and the Readiness score (Wirecutter), plus Health Age (Tom's Guide).
- You have small wrists or want to sleep in it comfortably
- You own an Ultra 3
- You don't need endurance or outdoor features
- Hikers, triathletes and divers with an iPhone
- Going two or more days between charges
- People who want a big, rugged screen
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for lengthy battery life (updated 2026-09-17). The flaws are that it's a minor upgrade over the Ultra 3, too massive for some people, and expensive.
- Tom's Guide: 'Also consider': a redesigned sensor system, better battery (up to 50 hours) and a faster chip, but basically the same design and display as last year.