Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple’s new Apple Watch Ultra 4 is being judged largely on whether its roughly two-day battery life and 45-hour workout mode are adequate for serious endurance sports and multi-day adventures, especially compared with Garmin and other competitors that offer week‑long runtimes. Commenters see value in features like improved heart-rate sampling, training “readiness,” satellite capabilities, and Siri-based tools such as Rewind, but many argue these don’t offset limitations in battery life, dive depth, and the lack of new health sensors like blood pressure or glucose monitoring. The $800 price point also triggers broader criticism of Apple’s priorities, perceived planned obsolescence through software updates, and, in Europe, the delayed rollout of Siri AI due to regulatory constraints.
Battery life and “ultra” positioning
- Dominant theme: 2–3 days of normal battery life is widely seen as unacceptable for an “ultra/adventure” watch.
- Many compare to Garmin (Fenix, Epix, Enduro, Instinct, Descent), Suunto, Coros, Amazfit, Pebble, and even Casio, which commonly reach 10 days to multiple weeks.
- Some acknowledge Apple’s richer feature set/screen as a reason for higher power draw, but many argue Apple could design a more efficient, less GPU-heavy variant.
- 45 hours of workout tracking is praised by some endurance athletes as finally viable for long ultras; others say serious cyclists and multi‑day outdoor users still rely on bike computers or specialized devices.
Size, ergonomics, and controls
- Multiple commenters want an “Ultra Mini” or smaller case; current Ultra is described as massive and awkward on average or smaller wrists.
- Desire for more and better physical buttons, particularly a dedicated or mappable lap button, is strong; some are surprised this isn’t supported on the existing extra button.
Sensors, fitness, and health features
- New higher‑frequency heart‑rate sampling (about every 5 seconds at rest) is seen as interesting for health insights, though people question the battery tradeoff.
- Some note Apple’s training “Readiness” feature appears restricted to newer models, prompting complaints that older hardware is likely capable too.
- There are recurring wishes for blood pressure and noninvasive blood glucose, with recognition that glucose is a “long shot.”
Siri, on‑device AI, and regional limits
- Frustration that on‑device Siri capabilities sold with earlier Ultras have effectively been removed as newer, more demanding Siri versions arrive.
- Some describe this as feature regression that forces hardware upgrades.
- EU users report that new Siri AI/“Siri Recap” isn’t launching due to regulatory issues, reducing upgrade incentive.
“Rewind” / transcription legality
- Debate over whether short buffered audio plus transcription counts as “recording” in one‑party‑consent or all‑party‑consent jurisdictions.
- Several argue it’s more like live transcription or note‑taking; others think legal tests may eventually treat such features as recordings.
Diving and adventure use
- The 40 m / 130 ft dive limit is fine for typical recreational dives but inadequate for technical or deeper diving.
- Some divers use Garmin Descent‑type devices that support deeper depths and advanced gas mixes, and see no technical reason Apple couldn’t compete if it chose to.
Price and social critique
- $800 price sparks a moral debate: luxury gadgets vs. societal issues like insulin affordability and healthcare failures.
- Others respond that expensive watches are longstanding luxury items, and Apple’s product is just one more discretionary purchase.
Software updates and device longevity
- Multiple anecdotes claim older Apple hardware becomes sluggish or loses features after OS upgrades, encouraging premature replacement.
- Some users now avoid updating, but note that app support and restores can eventually force them forward.