September 10, 2026, 1:33 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both models not only feature a new processor but also come with numerous new functions related to health, fitness, and artificial intelligence. At the same time, a material that had long disappeared from the lineup is making a comeback. Additionally, Apple claims to have improved battery life and significantly expanded the capabilities of the Health app. Pre-orders are already underway, with the market launch set for September 18, 2026.
Ceramic Variant Makes a Comeback
For the first time in several years, Apple is offering a smartwatch with a ceramic case again. The Apple Watch Series 12 is available in white or blue with this material. Additionally, Apple is expanding the color palette to include Dark Bronze. Black, Light Gold, and Space Gray remain available. Those opting for the titanium version can still choose between gold and silver.
With the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple sticks to the familiar black and natural variants. There are no major visual changes to either watch, so the models retain their previous dimensions. The Series 12 is again offered in 42 and 46 millimeters, while the Ultra 4 continues to be 49 millimeters.
Apple has once again equipped the new models with an updated protective layer for the display. Ceramic Shield 2 is used. However, the brightness levels remain unchanged. The Apple Watch Series 12 still reaches up to 2000 nits, while the Ultra 4 can reach a maximum of 3000 nits.
New Measurement System Aims to Deliver More Accurate Health Data
Apple is introducing several changes in the health sector. The centerpiece is the new Health Sensing System. LEDs and electrodes within the watch have been rearranged to achieve more precise health data collection.
Apple promises advancements, particularly in heart rate measurement. The watches now record the pulse every five seconds. Additionally, the heart rate can be continuously tracked in real time. Previously, such a display was only available during active training.
Also new is the integration of heart rate variability, or HRV. It describes the time differences between individual heartbeats. The data will now be included in the Vitals app and complement the existing health metrics. At the same time, they become part of the new Daily Form feature. This combines information from Vitals, activity, and sleep to create a daily assessment.
The watch then suggests appropriate recommendations. Apple mentions tips such as “Recover,” “Pace Yourself,” “Ready,” or “Go For It.” The assessment is not static but changes throughout the day and responds to completed activities.
Health App Receives New Tests and Further Evaluations
The Health app is also being extensively expanded. Apple is integrating Apple Intelligence and redesigning the application. The AI is expected to provide training tips and support various health functions.
Also new is a VO2max test, which can be conducted using the iPhone camera. During the test, a guide shows the required movements on the display. Once completed, the results are directly transferred to the Health app. The test can be repeated at any time.
Additionally, Apple is dedicating a section within the app to the topic of longevity. Users in the U.S. can even integrate results from external blood tests there. This feature is not initially planned for Germany.
Another new metric is called Health Age. The app calculates a biological age based on the available vital data, which may differ from the actual age. Additionally, the app provides tips on how this value might be improved.
New Chip Forms the Basis for AI Functions
Both the Series 12 and the Ultra 4 use the new S11 chip. According to Apple, it is the most powerful processor ever installed in an Apple Watch.
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The additional power is primarily intended to benefit the numerous AI functions. However, many of these will initially not be available in Germany. Apple points to the still pending regulations regarding Siri AI within the European Union.
Audio Intelligence Detects Ambient Sounds
Among the new features is Audio Intelligence, which includes Sound Recognition. The function detects various ambient noises and can identify things like doorbells, sirens, or baby cries.
Apple also integrates music recognition via Shazam. If a song is playing nearby, its title should appear directly in the Smart Stack.
Live Rewind, however, is not announced for Germany. With a double press of the crown, users can rewind 15 seconds. The watch continuously stores content in the background. The captured information is then made available within the Siri application.
Additionally, Apple introduces Siri Recap. This function also uses ambient listening. Recordings can be started and stopped via the Control Center. The system then automatically creates a transcript and a brief summary.
watchOS 27 Brings Further Innovations
Apple had already introduced watchOS 27 in June. The new software features are not only available for the current models. Owners of an Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, or newer can also use many of the innovations.
Siri AI once again plays a central role. Among other things, it will be possible to continue conversations on the watch that were started on a MacBook. This is made possible by the new Siri app. Additionally, the AI is expected to help correct messages.
In Germany, the Workout Buddy is certainly available without a paired iPhone nearby. Runners will be able to access the function without needing their smartphone.
The cycle log is also being expanded. It will soon include additional information about perimenopause and menopause. Users can document symptoms and cycle deviations. The Health app then creates an assessment based on this information. The update will be released on September 14, 2026.
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Ultra 4 Significantly Increases Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra 4, in particular, is expected to benefit from improvements in energy efficiency. Apple cites a runtime of up to two days. In training tracking, up to 45 hours should be possible. If the power-saving mode is also activated, the maximum runtime increases to up to 84 hours, according to the manufacturer.
The Apple Watch Series 12 remains at a stated runtime of up to 24 hours. Nevertheless, both models are expected to operate more efficiently during longer training sessions than their predecessors.
Prices and Sales Launch
The presentation of the new watches took place on September 9, 2026. Simultaneously, Apple began pre-orders.
The regular sale begins on September 18, 2026. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at 449 euros for the GPS version with 42 millimeters. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at a minimum of 899 euros. The Hermes version is the most expensive variant of the new model series, starting at 1699 euros.