Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Series 12 alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both models arrive with a new S11 chip, upgraded heart-rate sensors, and a fresh set of health features. The Ultra 4 also gets a major battery-life boost, while the Series 12 improves stamina specifically during outdoor workouts.
Additionally, both watches use upgraded optical and electrical heart-rate sensors as part of a new Health Sensing System. Apple says testing involving more than 1,000 participants found this to be the most accurate heart-rate system built into any wearable. The watches launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the new iPhone Duo foldable.
New Health Features
The Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new Readiness score, ranging from 0 to 10. This number indicates how prepared a person is for different levels of physical training. Furthermore, Apple added Health Age through a redesigned Health app and its new Longevity tab. This feature combines VO₂ max, resting heart rate, heart-rate variability, and sleep data to estimate whether someone’s Health Age runs younger or older than their biological age.
Notably, Health Age won’t stay exclusive to the newest watches. Apple says the feature will reach older Apple Watch models later this year, starting in the US.
Audio Intelligence and Siri Features
Both new watches use their built-in microphone for a feature called Audio Intelligence. It can alert people with hearing difficulties to important sounds happening around them. Additionally, the system can help users recall parts of conversations they may have missed or forgotten.
Meanwhile, the new Siri app can automatically generate a title and key points for any recap. Shazam, too, gains a boost, identifying nearby music and displaying the song in real time.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Battery
Battery life stands out as one of the biggest upgrades on the Ultra 4. Apple rates the new model for up to 50 hours of normal use, compared with 42 hours on the previous generation. That’s an eight-hour improvement. In Low Power Mode, the Ultra 4 can last up to 84 hours, which is 12 hours longer than before. However, Apple still does not disclose battery capacity in milliamp hours.
Apple Watch Series 12 Battery
The Apple Watch Series 12 is rated for up to 24 hours of normal use and 38 hours in Low Power Mode. Those numbers remain unchanged from the Series 11. However, Apple increased the rated battery life during outdoor workouts to up to 10 hours, a 25 percent improvement over last year’s model.
Design and Finishes
The Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with three case materials and eight total finishes. The aluminum models include Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold, and Space Grey, with the first three being brand new colors. Additionally, Apple upgraded the display glass on aluminum models to Ceramic Shield 2, which the company claims is 60 percent tougher than Ion-X glass.
Titanium models come in Radiant Gold and Natural Titanium, and Apple says these cases are 3D printed using 100 percent recycled titanium. The aluminum used across the lineup is also fully recycled. Meanwhile, ceramic returns to the standard lineup with Pearl White and Night Blue finishes. The Ultra 4, meanwhile, uses Grade 5 titanium and comes in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium.
New Watch Bands
Apple also introduced new band finishes this year. The Trail Loop now comes in Dark Umber, Sand, and Burgundy, while the Alpine Loop offers Desert, Dark Olive, and Burgundy options. The Ocean Band, meanwhile, gets a translucent finish, available in Translucent Gray, Translucent Kelp, and Translucent Black.
Price and Availability
Thankfully, pricing hasn’t increased this year. The Series 12 starts at $399, while the Ultra 4 starts at $799, keeping both models in line with last year’s pricing structure.
