Apple Watch Ultra 4 Could Get Redesign and Blood Pressure Monitoring

[MacRumors]

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 could feature a complete redesign and blood pressure monitoring, according to DigiTimes.

Apple will apparently add a new high blood pressure notification feature to the Apple Watch that uses the optical heart-rate sensor on the back of the device to analyze how blood vessels respond to each heartbeat, sending alerts when an abnormal pattern is detected. The feature is said to be under FDA review.

It is not entirely clear how it differs from the Hypertension Notifications feature Apple introduced with watchOS 26 last fall, which itself uses the optical heart sensor to analyze blood vessel responses over 30-day periods. DigiTimes says that earlier Apple Watch models already had some blood-pressure sensing capabilities, and the new feature appears to represent a more refined or clinically validated implementation of that underlying hardware.

After this, Apple's next health monitoring capabilities are expected to focus on noninvasive blood-glucose monitoring, a capability Apple has been pursuing for a number of years, pending government approval.

The report is largely consistent with a DigiTimes report from last year, which said at least one new Apple Watch model would feature a "significant redesign," with supply chain sources pointing to exterior design changes including eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern on the back of the device. Today's update describes the changes more forcefully, calling it a "full redesign" alongside a "significant upgrade to sensing functions."

According to market observers cited by the report, the redesign could boost Apple Watch shipments by 20% to 30% compared to 2025. The sensor upgrades are expected to be a major boost for Taiwan-Asia Semiconductor (TASC), Apple's exclusive supplier of sensor components, with large-volume orders anticipated as early as July.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to be announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 12, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable "iPhone Ultra" in fall 2026.

Article Link: Apple Watch Ultra 4 Could Get Redesign and Blood Pressure Monitoring

 

[antnythr]

It could also not get a redesign. Follow me for more rumours.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I realize it will not help with the battery situation, but a smaller variant would be nice.

Less weight (for AWU), less thickness (for AWU), more buttons (for all AW), more battery (for all AW) ...

There is so much I wish would get tweaked about AW & AWU, at least optionally as different variants perhaps?

 

[boswald]

Where can I get that watch face? I hope it's not an Ultra exclusive.

 

[AeroEd]

I can’t think of a bigger waste of 💰 than Apple Watches . Maybe Vision Pro 😅

 

[Alex.ne]

Long due. Hope new sensors and features are not gonna be exclusive for AW Ultra 4.

 

[ELman]

Where can I get that watch face? I hope it's not an Ultra exclusive.

It's an Ultra Exclusive.

 

[p96]

Not being ugly grafted onto an unattractive blob shape would be nice, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[BeatsByTim]

If they made one that didn't look like a big tacky Invicta watch, I might be interested.

 

[boswald]

It's an Ultra Exclusive.

Of course it is. Thanks Apple!

 

[Spinarelo]

A redesign would definitely tempt me to upgrade my original AWU 1…. But outside of that I’m perfectly happy with it, and can hold on for a few more years.

But I’m not holding my breath. Apple’s idea of a redesign is slightly reduced bezels.

 

[Octavius8]

what to do with my ultra 3?. Garbage?

 

[DocMultimedia]

Blood pressure sensor will get me to go up to the Ultra.

 

[nortonandreev]

I hope so. I’ve been waiting for a redesign to replace my Ultra 1.

 

[jbachandouris]

That would be the only reason I’d upgrade my AW3.

 

[germanbeer007]

ah digitimes. their accuracy is <10%

 

[Kissmo1980]

I just hope the bands remain the same.
Just bought a Titan Loop…

 

[izyreal]

Commenting before the inevitable "Blood Pressure Monitoring Experiencing Issues - Dropped from Ultra 4" article

 

[Kylo83]

Forget the ultra, the series 12 needs a redesign, there watch has been the same for years

 

[b.williams]

High BP through “analysis” is not the same as actual BP measurement. Until they can actually get real BP readings this is mostly non-news.

 

[gknewell]

Could….

 

[Adelphos33]

Will hold on to my AWU1 until September. If I like the new redesign, I will consider buying. If not, immediately buying AWU3, which will be good for several years more

 

[DMG35]

I never thought I would be over the Apple Watch but I'm completely over it. I wear it only to work out and that is all I will wear it for moving forward. Since I stopped wearing it I've noticed how often people look at their watches for notifications. They do it unconsciously even when in meetings. It's incredibly rude, even though it's just being done by habit. When I stopped wearing it I honestly felt freer and less likely to constantly feel the need to get every notification immediate.

 

[pbau]

Bettery battery life please.
And glucose monitor

 

[RedWeasel]

Not being ugly grafted onto an unattractive blob shape would be nice, but I won't hold my breath.

Hey I got an Apple Watch so I can get rid of my unattractive blob shape, I'd appreciate some moral support instead of snarky
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