Apple Unveils Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with Enhanced Health Sensors

Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, both featuring the new S11 chip and an upgraded Health Sensing System. The new sensor array uses larger, more power efficient green LEDs and redesigned photodiodes to measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. This system allows for heart rate variability measurements up to 24 times more frequent than previous models. A new Readiness feature provides a score from 0 to 10 to help users determine if they should rest or engage in high intensity exercise based on activity, sleep, and vital signs.

The Apple Watch Series 12 retains the design of its predecessors but reintroduces a ceramic case option in pearl white and night blue. It offers 24 hours of battery life in routine use and faster charging that provides 12 hours of power from a 15 minute charge. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is designed for outdoor activities and offers up to 50 hours of battery life in normal conditions and up to 84 hours in low power mode. It also includes specialized workout modes, such as Extended Workout and Max Extended Workout, for long duration activities.

Both devices run watchOS 27, which introduces AI powered features via Apple Intelligence. A new Siri Recap tool can transcribe and translate real time conversations, allowing users to scroll back through a text transcript of the last 15 seconds of audio. The update also includes a dynamic app grid and new gestures for navigating widgets and notifications, though it removes the Walkie Talkie communication tool.

Pricing and availability vary by region. In the United States, the Series 12 starts at 399 dollars and the Ultra 4 at 799 dollars, with sales beginning September 18. In Brazil, prices start at 5,499 reais and 10,499 reais respectively. In Chile, the Ultra 4 is priced starting at 999,990 pesos for a September 22 release, while European pricing starts at 449 euros for the Series 12 and 899 euros for the Ultra 4.