Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 Add New Health and AI Features
Apple's new watches add a Health Sensing System, readiness scores, longer battery life, and new Apple Intelligence features.
Apple has introduced Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 with a new Health Sensing System, higher-frequency health measurements, readiness scores, and new Apple Intelligence features.
Both models use Apple's S11 chip and measure heart rate every five seconds. They also track heart rate variability more frequently, adding more data to the updated Vitals and Heart Rate experiences.
TL;DR
- Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $449 in the U.S. and is available to pre-order now.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 and adds up to 50 hours of normal battery life.
- Both models introduce a new readiness score based on activity, vitals, and sleep.
- New Audio Intelligence features include Siri Recap, Live Rewind, and Sound Recognition.
New health tracking and readiness
The Health Sensing System combines new optical and electrical sensors with the S11 chip. Apple says the system provides its most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, while higher-frequency heart rate and HRV measurements provide a more detailed view of daily activity and recovery.
The new readiness score gives users a daily 0-10 score based on recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep. It also provides a recommendation such as Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It.
Apple Watch Series 12 also gets Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models, with aluminum, titanium, and ceramic finishes available. It offers up to 24 hours of battery life, while 15 minutes of charging can add up to 12 hours of use.
Apple Intelligence comes to the watch
The S11 chip enables new Audio Intelligence features coming later this year. Siri Recap can summarize important moments, while Live Rewind can help users recall something that was just said. Sound Recognition can alert users to important sounds such as alarms, sirens, doorbells, or a baby crying.
With watchOS 27, Apple Intelligence also brings Siri AI to Apple Watch with personal context and broader knowledge. Siri AI is scheduled to roll out as a beta on September 14 for supported devices and languages.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 focuses on longer outdoor use. It reaches up to 50 hours of normal battery life, 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 45 hours in Max Extended Workout mode with GPS readings every second.
For more on Apple's latest hardware, see our iPhone 18 Pro coverage, AirPods 5 coverage, and foldable iPhone Duo coverage.
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $449 in the U.S., while Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799. Both are available to pre-order, with store availability beginning September 18.
Source: Apple Newsroom.
