Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are set to take the spotlight alongside Apple’s next-generation iPhones at the company’s September 9 event. While the iPhone lineup is expected to bring the biggest changes to Apple’s product range, the new watches could follow a quieter path, with Apple focusing on performance, health tracking and software rather than a dramatic redesign.
The event also marks a new chapter for Apple under CEO John Ternus, who is expected to lead his first major iPhone launch after taking over from Tim Cook. Apple has not officially confirmed all the products expected at the event, but multiple reports point to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 joining the iPhone 18 Pro and the company’s first foldable iPhone.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: What Models are Expected?
Apple is expected to introduce two new watches at the September 9 event: the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
The Series 12 would continue Apple’s mainstream smartwatch range, while the Ultra 4 would succeed the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Reports suggest that Apple does not plan a major change to either watch’s overall shape or design. Instead, the company appears to be concentrating on upgrades under the hood.
The Apple Watch SE 4 is not expected at this event. Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE 3 in 2025, and reports indicate that the budget model is likely to remain in the lineup for another year.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: No Major Redesign, But Ceramic Could Return
Anyone expecting Apple to completely redesign the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 may have to wait longer.
Current reports suggest that both watches will retain the familiar Apple Watch design. The biggest visual change could instead come from the materials Apple uses for the Series 12.
Apple has reportedly tested ceramic cases in white and dark grey. A ceramic Apple Watch would mark the return of a premium material that Apple previously used in the Series 3 generation. However, the ceramic option remains a reported possibility rather than a confirmed launch feature.
The Ultra 4 is also expected to retain the rugged look associated with the Ultra family instead of receiving a complete redesign.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Faster Chip Could Be the Biggest Hardware Upgrade
The processor could become the main reason to upgrade this year.
The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 all use the S10 chip. Reports suggest Apple is finally preparing a new S-series processor for the Series 12 and Ultra 4 after keeping the same chip generation for another year.
Apple could call the new processor the S11 or S12, although the final name remains unknown.
The more important change will be performance. A newer chip could improve app responsiveness, reduce power consumption and give Apple more room to introduce demanding health and AI-related features through watchOS 27.
The new processor could also help Apple maintain compatibility with future watchOS updates for longer.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Continuous Heart Rate Tracking Could Change Health Monitoring
Health tracking may become another major focus of the new Apple Watch generation.
Reports suggest Apple has been testing a system that could collect heart-rate data more continuously throughout the day. Current Apple Watch models already monitor heart rate during workouts and at different points during the day, but a more continuous system could provide Apple with a larger amount of health data.
That could eventually support more detailed wellness measurements, including heart-rate variability and other indicators connected with recovery and daily readiness.
This would put Apple closer to the type of continuous wellness monitoring already associated with devices such as Oura rings and Whoop-style wearables.
However, continuous heart-rate monitoring should still be treated as a reported feature until Apple confirms it.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Battery Life Could Get More Attention
Battery life could also improve with the Series 12.
Some reports point to Apple working on longer battery life, potentially through a larger battery and greater processor efficiency. The upgraded chip could become particularly useful here because Apple may need additional power efficiency if it increases health-sensor activity throughout the day.
The Ultra 4 could benefit from similar efficiency improvements, although there is less certainty around whether Apple will significantly increase its battery capacity.
For Ultra users, better endurance would be especially useful because the watch is designed for outdoor activities, workouts and longer periods away from a charger.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: Apple Watch Series 12 Could Get More Storage
Another reported upgrade is storage.
The Series 12 and Ultra 4 could receive up to 128GB of storage, compared with the 64GB capacity associated with current models. More storage would give users additional room for downloaded music, apps and offline maps.
However, extra storage does not automatically mean Apple plans to put a large AI model directly on the watch. On-device AI workloads generally depend heavily on faster memory and processing power rather than storage capacity alone.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: What Could Change on Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to follow the same general strategy as the Series 12.
Apple could retain the rugged Ultra design while upgrading the processor and health-tracking capabilities. Satellite connectivity is also expected to remain one of the major advantages of the Ultra lineup, with software updates potentially expanding what users can do with satellite-based features.
A brighter display has also been discussed in some reports, but this remains less certain than the processor upgrade. Increasing peak brightness can improve outdoor visibility, but it can also increase power consumption and heat.
For that reason, Apple may focus more on efficiency than simply pushing the display brightness higher.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: What About Touch ID and Blood Glucose Monitoring?
Several Apple Watch rumours have circulated about Touch ID and blood-glucose monitoring, but neither currently looks like a strong bet for the September 9 launch.
Touch ID was previously linked to Apple’s internal software references, but recent reporting indicates that it is unlikely to appear on the Series 12 or Ultra 4 this year.
Similarly, there is no strong evidence that Apple will introduce non-invasive blood-glucose monitoring with these watches in 2026.
That means buyers should focus on the more consistently reported upgrades, including the new processor, health tracking improvements, possible battery gains and software features.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: watchOS 27 Could Deliver the Bigger Everyday Change
The hardware may look familiar, but watchOS 27 could make the new Apple Watches feel different.
Apple is expected to use its software platform to introduce new health, fitness and AI-related capabilities. A faster chip would give the Series 12 and Ultra 4 more processing headroom for these features.
The new software could therefore be just as important as the hardware when it comes to the everyday experience.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | Expected September 9, 2026 | Expected September 9, 2026 |
| Design | No major redesign expected | No major redesign expected |
| Processor | New S-series chip expected | Same new S-series chip expected |
| Ceramic Finish | Possible | Less likely |
| Heart-Rate Tracking | Continuous monitoring reportedly being tested | Continuous monitoring reportedly being tested |
| Battery | Longer battery life possible | Efficiency improvements expected |
| Storage | Up to 128GB reportedly possible | Up to 128GB reportedly possible |
| Satellite Connectivity | No major new support expected | Expected to remain a key feature |
| Touch ID | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Blood-Glucose Tracking | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| watchOS 27 | Expected | Expected |
| Expected Price | Around $429, based on reports | Around $799, based on reports |
Pricing remains unofficial until Apple announces the watches. Macworld currently puts the Series 12 around $429, and the Ultra 4 near $799, but regional prices could differ.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: When Will Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Launch?
Apple is expected to unveil both watches during its September 9 event at Apple Park in Cupertino. The event begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, which is 10:30 p.m. in India. Apple is expected to stream the event through its official online platforms.
If Apple follows its usual launch pattern, preorders could begin shortly after the announcement, with retail availability later in September. The exact dates and prices will only become official once Apple makes its announcement.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: What to Expect
The biggest takeaway from the current reports is simple: Apple does not appear to be preparing a radical redesign for its 2026 watches.
Instead, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 could represent an internal upgrade cycle. A faster S-series processor, improved health monitoring, longer battery life, more storage and watchOS 27 features could form the core of the new generation.
For Apple Watch owners hoping for a completely new design, the September 9 event may feel familiar. But for users interested in health tracking, performance and longer-term software support, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 could still deliver meaningful improvements.
