Apple Watch Ultra 4 tipped to start at $899 in US with late September 2026 release alongside Series 12

Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra 4, starting at $799, with pre-orders beginning September 9 and availability in stores on September 18, 2026, in the U.S. The new model, positioned as a premium rugged option above the Series 12, maintains the previous generation’s price point, according to Apple’s official newsroom and product page.

This release date aligns with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 12, which was announced at Apple’s fall event on September 9. Both models will be available simultaneously in the United States and internationally, as confirmed by multiple technology news outlets including MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 will be available for pre-order starting September 9, 2026, with retail availability scheduled for September 18, 2026, according to Apple’s official newsroom and product page.

Contrary to some reports suggesting a $899 starting price, Apple’s official information states that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will begin at $799 in the U.S. This pricing is consistent across Apple’s newsroom announcement, product page, and retail listings such as T-Mobile’s device overview. Major technology publications including BGR, AndroidHeadlines, and MacRumors have independently verified the $799 starting price for the Ultra 4. Carrier documentation further corroborates this figure, listing the GPS + Cellular version at $799.99. The $899 figure has been associated with certain Apple Watch Series 12 configurations, particularly those with ceramic finishes, but not with the Ultra 4 model.

The Ultra 4 is positioned as the premium rugged option in Apple’s 2026 smartwatch lineup, featuring a 49 mm titanium case available in natural and black finishes. This is consistent with the form factor introduced with the previous generation, the Ultra 3. The device offers up to 50 hours of battery life under everyday use, with extended battery modes that provide longer endurance, which supports its higher price point relative to the Series 12. The Ultra 4 also incorporates advanced health sensing systems and readiness features that align it with the Series 12 while adding durability and outdoor-focused capabilities, according to Apple’s specifications and third-party reports.

International pricing varies, with European sources citing a starting price of approximately €899 for the Ultra 4, which may have contributed to confusion about the U.S. dollar pricing. Japanese market reports list the 49 mm titanium GPS + Cellular Ultra 4 at ¥142,800, tax included, with prices varying based on band selection. These regional price differences reflect currency exchange rates and local taxes rather than a change in Apple’s U.S. pricing strategy.

The Apple Watch Series 12, launched alongside the Ultra 4, starts at $399 and is positioned as the mainstream option in the 2026 lineup. Both models share the same pre-order and retail availability dates, with pre-orders opening on September 9 and in-store availability beginning September 18. Retail and carrier sources confirm that the Series 12 and Ultra 4 will be the primary choices for consumers seeking the latest Apple smartwatch technology this year.

Apple’s official press release and product pages provide detailed information on the Ultra 4’s features, finishes, and pricing, confirming the $799 starting price and the September 18 release date. Coverage from technology news sites such as 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and BGR consistently reflect these details, based on Apple’s public disclosures and carrier documentation.

The launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 continues Apple’s annual September event tradition, which typically introduces new iPhone and Apple Watch models. The Ultra 4 maintains its status as the top-tier Apple Watch, offering enhanced durability and battery life for users requiring rugged performance, while the Series 12 targets a broader consumer base with updated health and fitness features. Both models will be available through Apple’s retail stores, online channels, and authorized carriers starting September 18, 2026.