Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: New Health Sensing

Apple has unveiled two new smartwatches: the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both are built on the same foundation: the new Health Sensing System and the S11 chip, delivering what Apple calls the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable. The pair arrived at the same event where Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Apple Watch Series 12. Image: Apple

“Apple Watch Series 12 is the most advanced health and fitness companion we’ve ever created,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing. “With our new Health Sensing System and S11 chip, Apple Watch Series 12 gives you meaningful insights, like readiness, so you can better understand how to take on your day and care for your health.”

The new Health Sensing System

The Health Sensing System pairs new optical and electrical heart sensors with the S11 chip. Heart rate is now measured every five seconds all day, and HRV is sampled up to 24 times more often, with two variants offered: Recovery HRV for daily stress and recovery signals, and overall HRV for broader cardiovascular insight. Apple says a study of more than 1,000 participants found the new sensing the most accurate across leading wearables.

Both watches introduce readiness, a daily 0-10 score that weighs recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep to recommend one of four actions: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. The pedometer is redesigned for what Apple calls the most accurate step tracking of any smartwatch, with a real-time Steps complication.

Apple Watch Series 12

The Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, in dark bronze, black, light gold, or space gray aluminum, plus radiant gold or natural titanium. A ceramic edition returns in pearl white and night blue, and aluminum models get Ceramic Shield 2.

Series 12 in dark bronze aluminum. Image: Apple

Everyday battery stays at up to 24 hours, outdoor workout time grows to 10 hours, and a 15-minute charge adds up to 12 hours, gains of 25 and 50 percent over the previous model. Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 (US).

Apple Watch Ultra 4

The Ultra 4 keeps the rugged titanium build in natural and black, and pushes battery life further for endurance athletes. Everyday battery reaches up to 50 hours, or 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and a 15-minute charge adds up to 18 hours. A new Extended Workout mode tracks with full GPS and heart rate for up to 25 hours, while Max Extended Workout mode stretches outdoor runs, walks, and hikes to 45 hours, enough to finish a 100-mile race. Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 (US).

Apple Watch Ultra 4. Image: Apple

Ultra 4 with the Alpine Loop. Image: Apple

Audio Intelligence and what else is coming

Later this year, both watches add Audio Intelligence features: Sound Recognition alerts for important sounds, Live Rewind to replay the last 15 seconds of a conversation, Siri Recap summaries, and instant Shazam detection. Processing happens in a Secure Exclave compartment and nothing is stored, by design. A redesigned Health app arrives later this year with Insights and Longevity tabs including Health Age.

Pre-orders are open today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18. In the Philippines, Apple lists the Apple Watch Series 12 from PhP28,990 in aluminum and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 from PhP59,990, with cellular models supported by Globe and Smart. Availability through authorized resellers follows Apple’s local rollout.

Sources: Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 on Apple Newsroom

Giancarlo Viterbo

Founder, Chief Editor, and Sales Lead at Gadget Pilipinas | Website

Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.