Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 during an event on September 9, 2026, introducing upgraded S11 chips and an expanded focus on biometric health tracking, according to product announcements from Apple and reporting by Manager Online and iPhoneMod. The new smartwatches feature enhanced sensor arrays designed to support deeper health monitoring, including upcoming software features that evaluate longevity and daily readiness.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Hardware and Sensor Upgrades
According to Manager Online, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 run on the new Apple S11 processor, which powers an entirely redesigned biometric sensor array. The hardware updates include an expanded ECG electrode surface area, a ring-shaped photodiode layout, and a larger green LED. These adjustments allow the devices to measure background heart rate every 5 seconds—60 times more frequently than previous iterations—and sample heart rate variability (HRV) every 5 minutes, representing a 24-fold increase in sampling frequency.
In terms of durability, the Apple Watch Series 12 uses a Ceramic Shield front glass that is 60 percent more durable, according to Manager Online. The standard Series 12 is offered in aluminum, titanium, and ceramic case options in 42mm and 46mm sizes, delivering a 24-hour battery life as reported by Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is built with a titanium case in Natural and Black finishes, offering a battery life of over 48 hours for general use, up to 18 hours of GPS workout tracking, and up to 45 hours in advanced power-saving mode, alongside fast-charging support.
Health Sensing System and Longevity Features
Apple has tied the new sensor data to a newly introduced ‘Readiness’ application that evaluates physical recovery across four daily levels, as detailed by Manager Online. Reporter Mark Gurman, cited by iPhoneMod, noted that Apple is overhauling the Health and Fitness apps to display broader health metrics akin to devices like Whoop and Oura, while implementing continuous all-day heart rate data collection.
Apple announced plans to roll out a ‘Health Age’ assessment feature and a ‘Longevity’ tab in the iPhone Health app, which will integrate blood test results and VO2 Max measurements captured via iPhone cameras. Additional tools evaluate muscle strength, stability, flexibility, and on-demand VO2 max testing. Gurman previously reported that while a ceramic case option returns with the Series 12, features like blood glucose monitoring remain in development with a target for release by 2030, and no Apple Watch SE 4 is scheduled for release.
Audio Intelligence and Processing Updates
The S11 chip also drives a suite of audio features branded as Audio Intelligence. According to Manager Online, the system uses the device’s microphone and processor to monitor ambient sounds, support a ‘Live Rewind’ function that replays and transcribes the last 15 seconds of audio upon pressing the Digital Crown twice, and run ‘Siri Recap’ to automatically summarize meetings from recorded audio. Apple notes that audio data is processed locally and deleted immediately without storing raw audio files, while text transcriptions are protected with end-to-end encryption via iCloud.
Pricing and Availability
Apple confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at 14,900 baht in Thailand for the 42mm GPS model, with 46mm variants ranging from 15,900 to 16,900 baht (priced at $399 in the United States). The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at 29,900 baht in Thailand (priced at $799 in the United States). Apple stated that the devices will launch in global markets on September 18, 2026, with a release in Thailand scheduled shortly thereafter.
Did you know?
The Apple Watch Series 12 marks the first major processor performance upgrade in several generations, transitioning from the S10 architecture used across multiple prior iterations to the new S11 chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary differences between the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Apple Watch Series 12 prioritizes a lightweight, customizable design with 42mm and 46mm sizing, aluminum, titanium, and ceramic case options, and a 24-hour battery. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is built for endurance sports and rugged use with a titanium case, 48-hour general battery life, and extended GPS tracking endurance.
What health features are new to watchOS 27?
The update introduces a Readiness app, continuous heart rate sampling every 5 seconds, HRV tracking every 5 minutes, and upcoming features including a Longevity tab, Health Age assessments, and lab biomarker integration in the iPhone Health app.
How much do the new Apple Watch models cost?
In Thailand, the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at 14,900 baht, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at 29,900 baht. In the United States, prices begin at $399 and $799, respectively.
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