On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. These new watches focus on a new health sensor design, a faster S11 chip, and new audio features.
You can pre-order both watches right now. They will be available in retail stores starting Friday, September 18.
Computer part prices have gone up a lot lately. This is sometimes called “RAMageddon”. Even so, Apple kept the same starting prices for its new watches.
The aluminum Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 in the United States. The titanium Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799. In the United Kingdom, the Series 12 starts at £369, and in India, it is Rs 56,900. The Ultra 4 is priced at £749 and Rs 1,09,900 in those countries.
This pricing helps Apple compete against rivals like Garmin. Garmin recently released the Fenix 9 series, which starts at $999.
Redesigned Health Sensors
The biggest hardware change on both models is the new Health Sensing System. Apple made the heart sensors bigger and arranged them in a ring shape. They also added better, more power-efficient green lights.
Because of this, the watches can check your heart rate every five seconds. This is 60 times faster than older models. The watch also checks your heart rate variability every five minutes to track your daily recovery and stress levels.
All this heart data powers a new app called “Readiness”. It works a lot like the recovery scores from fitness bands like Whoop.
The Readiness app gives you a score from zero to ten every day. It looks at your recent workouts, your sleep, and your heart rate. Then, it tells you what to do: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It.
Apple also updated the iOS 27 Health app. It now has a “Health Age” feature. This compares your real age to your health data, like heart fitness and sleep.
In the United States, Apple teamed up with Quest Diagnostics. Users can buy a $119 blood test directly through the Health app. You get your blood drawn at a physical Quest location, and the results are sent right to your phone.
The S11 Chip and Audio Features
The new S11 chip powers both watches. This chip runs a new group of tools called “Audio Intelligence.” These tools use the built-in microphone to help you hear and remember things better.
“Live Rewind” lets you double-press the side button to see a text transcript of the last 15 seconds of talking around you. “Siri Recap” can take notes during meetings and give you a summary.
“Sound Recognition” vibrates your wrist when it hears sirens, alarms, or a crying baby. This is very helpful for deaf or hard-of-hearing users. Also, Shazam is built into the watch to tell you what song is playing nearby.
Apple made sure these listening tools are private. The audio stays in a secure part of the chip called the Secure Exclave. Apple and other apps never save or hear your raw audio.
When Live Rewind is running, the watch makes a chime sound and shows a big microphone icon on the screen. This lets everyone know it is working, even if the watch is on silent. However, features like Live Rewind and Siri Recap have daily limits. You might have to pay a fee to use them more in the future.
Better Battery Life
Battery life is better this year, which helps Apple compete with the Garmin Fenix 9 that lasts up to 29 days. The Series 12 lasts 24 hours for normal use. It can now track outdoor workouts for 10 hours, which is 25 percent better than last year.
The Ultra 4 lasts up to 50 hours for normal use. In Low Power Mode, it lasts 84 hours. A new “Max Extended Workout” mode turns off background alerts so you can track a 100-mile race for up to 45 hours.
Both watches charge very fast. A 15-minute charge gives the Series 12 enough power for 12 hours. It gives the Ultra 4 enough power for 18 hours.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
| Starting Price (USD) | $399 | $799 |
| Case Sizes | 42mm, 46mm | 49mm |
| Battery Life (Normal Use) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 50 hours |
| Battery Life (Low Power Mode) | Up to 38 hours | Up to 84 hours |
| Peak Display Brightness | 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Water Resistance | 50m (Swimproof) | 100m (EN13319 Scuba Diving) |
Design and Ceramic Case
The Series 12 is the same size as last year. It comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. However, the aluminum models have stronger front glass called Ceramic Shield 2. Apple says it is 60 percent tougher than the older glass.
The premium ceramic case is back for the first time since 2019. It comes in Pearl White and Night Blue, starting at $899. Aluminum colors include black, space gray, light gold, and a new dark bronze. Titanium comes in natural and radiant gold.
The 49mm Ultra 4 only comes in natural and black titanium. Apple also released a luxury Hermès Ultra 4 band with a special extension for scuba diving.
Both watches are good for the planet. They are made using 100 percent renewable electricity. The titanium cases and the cobalt in the batteries are 100 percent recycled.
watchOS 27 and Old Watches
The new watchOS 27 software comes out globally on Monday, September 14. It lets you flick your wrist or tap your fingers to close alerts with one hand.
The update also adds a new Workout Buddy tool. It can track your wrist temperature to warn women about perimenopause years before major symptoms start.
Because these new AI tools need a lot of processing power, older watches will not get watchOS 27. The new software only works on the Series 9 and newer, SE 3, and Ultra 2 and newer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Apple Watch Series 12 have a new design?
No, the Series 12 looks like the older models and comes in the same 42mm and 46mm sizes. However, it features new colors and a returning ceramic case option.
What is the new Readiness score?
Readiness is a daily score from 0 to 10 that tells you if your body is ready to work out or if it needs rest. It uses your sleep, heart rate, and workout data to give you simple advice.
Are the new audio tools safe for my privacy?
Yes. The audio tools process sound in a secure part of the chip called the Secure Exclave. Apple never saves your raw audio or listens to your conversations.
How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Ultra 4 can last up to 50 hours during normal use. If you use Low Power Mode, it can stretch to 84 hours.
When can I buy the new Apple Watches?
You can pre-order both watches right now. They will arrive in retail stores on Friday, September 18.
