Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Arrive With New Health and Battery Features
AppleThursday, 10 September 2026 at 03:42
While the new iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the new foldable iPhone Duo clearly stole the show, Apple also took the wraps off the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The new models bring the S11 chip, improved health sensors, new tracking features, and some battery improvements.
The Apple Watch Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, while the Ultra 4 keeps its larger and more rugged design. Both watches use upgraded heart rate sensors that can take measurements every five seconds.
Apple Watch Series 12 Brings New Health Features
Health tracking is one of the highlights of this generation. Apple has added a new Readiness score, which rates how prepared the user is for physical activity on a scale from 0 to 10. It takes several factors into account to give users a quick idea of whether they should train harder or take it easier.
Another new feature is Health Age. It looks at metrics such as VO₂ max, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep to estimate how the user's health compares with their actual age.
Apple is also giving the microphone more uses. The new Audio Intelligence features can recognize important sounds and alert users with hearing difficulties. There are smaller additions too, including better Siri summaries and Shazam integration.
The Apple Watch Series 12 also gets new finishes, including aluminum, titanium, and ceramic versions. Apple says its new Ceramic Shield 2 glass is 60% tougher than the Ion-X glass used previously.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Gets a Bigger Battery
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 gets the more noticeable hardware upgrade when it comes to battery life. Apple rates it for up to 50 hours of normal use, compared with 42 hours for the Ultra 3. Low Power Mode can push that figure to 84 hours. The Series 12 remains rated for up to 24 hours of normal use, but outdoor workout battery life increases to 10 hours.
The Ultra 4 uses Grade 5 titanium and comes in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium. Apple is also introducing new colors for its Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band.
Key Points
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 use the new S11 chip.
- Both models feature improved heart rate sensors.
- New Readiness and Health Age features expand health tracking.
- Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of battery life.
- Series 12 offers up to 10 hours of outdoor workout battery life.
- New case finishes and Apple Watch bands are available.
- Sales begin September 18.
- Series 12 starts at $399/€449, while Ultra 4 starts at $799/€899.
The new watches aren't a huge redesign, but Apple has made several useful changes under the hood. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 stands out with its longer battery life, while the Apple Watch Series 12 focuses more on health tracking and updated sensors.
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