Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its September 9 fall event, with multiple reports describing the changes as incremental. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the models will largely keep the same overall look as the current Series 11 and Ultra 3, while updates focus on performance and health features.
Both outlets highlight Gurman’s expectations that there are no major design changes this year. Ceramic appears to be one potential exception: Apple has tested ceramic options for the Series 12, including white and dark gray configurations that resemble the ceramic “Edition” approach previously offered in 2017. Another reported area of change is the availability of new band colors and configurations. Gurman does not indicate Touch ID for this year, and there is no expectation of an Apple Watch SE 4.
For functionality, Gurman points to faster performance supported by newer chip capabilities and to health updates. In testing, Apple is exploring a heart-rate sensor mode that continuously collects data throughout the day rather than only during workouts and certain app or alert moments. He also says Apple is revamping Health and Fitness app software to emphasize more wellness metrics, aligning it more closely with offerings from trackers like Whoop and Oura. A larger redesign is discussed as being planned for roughly a year or two later.
