Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Are Landing Next Month. Here Is What to Expect.

Summary

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup at Apple’s September event. Both models are getting the long-overdue S11 chip, the first meaningful performance upgrade since the S9 shipped in 2023. That chip matters because watchOS 27 is built around Siri AI, and the current hardware has been showing its age with the new assistant. Better battery life is a confirmed focus for the Series 12, with Apple reportedly increasing the physical battery size and improving efficiency. The Ultra 4 may bring significantly more sensors than the current model. A possible upgrade to the hypertension notification feature is in the works, with the FDA reviewing a new version of the alert Apple first launched in watchOS 26. A ceramic case option may also return on one or both models for the first time since Apple discontinued it in 2021.

Why it matters

The Apple Watch lineup has been running on essentially the same chip since 2023, and the Series 12 breaks that streak. For anyone wearing an older Apple Watch, particularly a Series 9 or earlier, the combination of a faster processor, improved battery life, and Siri AI support makes the case for an upgrade the most compelling in three years. Health-focused users should pay attention to the expansion of the blood pressure notification once Apple confirms the details.

HTD Says

Apple Watch has been coasting on the same chip for three years, and the Series 12 finally changes that, which matters more than it sounds now that watchOS 27 is asking Siri to do a lot more work. Software updates are now pushing the hardware. While this isn’t really breaking news, Apple is always expected to release new hardware yearly. They truly seem to be all-in on Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, which simply cannot be run well on older hardware, or so we are told.

My biggest complaint about my Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the battery life. As my battery anxiety kicks in regularly, I find that if my battery is at 50% or less partway through the day, I charge it. The latest developer beta does impact battery performance, but that is to be expected. It’s a beta, and they are always tweaking the battery algorithms.

These new models might be good for people who have been skipping upgrades. With Apple Watches, I feel like if you are 3-4 versions behind, it might be worth considering upgrading. The other key thing to think about is your battery health, which you can check in your Watch settings. If your “Maximum Capacity” is below 80%, I would consider an upgrade.

Source:

9to5Mac