Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Launch With New Health Features
Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, bringing updated health-monitoring features, a new S11 chip and improvements to heart-rate tracking.
The new models feature upgraded optical and electrical heart-rate sensors under what Apple calls its Health Sensing System. According to Apple, testing involving more than 1,000 participants showed improved heart-rate measurement accuracy.
The two smartwatches were announced alongside Apple’s latest iPhone lineup.
New Health and Fitness Features
One of the major additions is a new Readiness score, rated from 0 to 10. It is designed to help users understand how prepared their body may be for different levels of physical activity.
Apple has also introduced Health Age through its redesigned Health app and new Longevity section. The feature uses information such as VO₂ max, resting heart rate, heart-rate variability and sleep data to provide an estimate of a user’s health age.
Apple says Health Age will also become available on some older Apple Watch models later this year, initially in the US.
Audio Intelligence and Siri Updates
The new Apple Watches also introduce Audio Intelligence, which uses the built-in microphone to recognize important sounds and provide alerts that may be useful for people with hearing difficulties.
The feature can also help users recall parts of conversations.
Apple has updated Siri as well, allowing the app to generate titles and key points for conversation recaps. Shazam integration can identify nearby music and display information about the song.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Battery Life
Battery performance has received a notable upgrade on the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Apple rates the watch for up to 50 hours of normal use, compared with 42 hours for the previous generation. This represents an eight-hour improvement.
In Low Power Mode, the Ultra 4 can reportedly deliver up to 84 hours of battery life, compared with 72 hours previously.
Apple has not revealed the battery’s capacity in mAh.
Apple Watch Series 12 Battery
The Apple Watch Series 12 offers up to 24 hours of normal use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode, which are the same ratings as the previous generation.
However, Apple has increased battery performance during outdoor workouts. The Series 12 is rated for up to 10 hours of outdoor workout use, a 25% improvement over the previous model.
Design and Color Options
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes and comes in multiple case materials and finishes.
The aluminum version is offered in Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold and Space Grey, with several new color options.
Apple has also upgraded the display protection on aluminum models with Ceramic Shield 2, which the company says is 60% tougher than Ion-X glass.
Titanium versions are available in Radiant Gold and Natural Titanium. Apple says the titanium cases are made using 100% recycled titanium, while the aluminum used in the watches is also 100% recycled.
Ceramic models return to the standard Apple Watch lineup in Pearl White and Night Blue.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 uses Grade 5 titanium and is available in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium finishes.
New Apple Watch Bands
Apple has also announced fresh finishes for several watch bands.
The Trail Loop comes in Dark Umber, Sand and Burgundy, while the Alpine Loop is available in Desert, Dark Olive and Burgundy.
The Ocean Band now features a translucent design and is offered in Translucent Gray, Translucent Kelp and Translucent Black.
Price and Availability
Apple has kept the starting prices unchanged despite the new features.
- Apple Watch Series 12: Starts at $399
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: Starts at $799
The new models combine updated health tracking and fitness features with improved battery performance, particularly on the Ultra 4.
