Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 in its annual September event, both featuring a new Health Sensing System and S11 chip aimed at improving heart rate accuracy, battery life and health tracking features.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 & Series 12: Features
Shared Features: New Health Sensing System, S11 Chip
Both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 feature a redesigned Health Sensing System with new optical and electrical heart sensors, which Apple said delivers the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable based on an internal study involving more than 1,000 participants.
With larger, power-efficient LEDs on the optical sensor, both devices now measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, alongside more frequent heart rate variability (HRV) readings, measured up to 24 times more often than before. Apple said the two devices provide separate recovery and overall HRV metrics, along with updated overnight and daytime vitals tracking.
Both watches introduce a new feature called “Readiness,” which analyzes a user’s activity, training load, vitals and sleep score to generate a daily 0–10 rating, paired with one of four recommendations: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. The score updates throughout the day as new data is collected, and Apple said the underlying algorithm was developed in collaboration with exercise scientists and physicians using data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study.
Apple also introduces a redesigned pedometer system using new machine learning algorithms, which Apple said improves step counting and distance measurement accuracy. Additionally, the S11 chip enables two new audio-based features: Sound Recognition, which alerts users who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds such as sirens or doorbells, and Shazam integration, which identifies music playing nearby. Apple said both features process audio using a hardware-isolated Secure Exclave on the S11 chip, with no audio recordings stored to ensure privacy.
Battery Life & Design Differences
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of everyday battery life, extending to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, with 15 minutes of charging adding up to 18 hours of use. For outdoor workouts, the Ultra 4 introduces an Extended Workout mode offering up to 25 hours of tracking with full GPS and heart rate data, and a Max Extended Workout mode capable of up to 45 hours of outdoor tracking. It is available in Natural and Black Titanium finishes.
The Apple Watch Series 12 offers up to 24 hours of everyday battery life and up to 10 hours during outdoor workouts, a 25% increase over the previous model, with 15 minutes of charging now providing up to 12 hours of additional battery life. The Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with aluminum finishes including Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold and Space Gray, titanium finishes in Radiant Gold and Natural Titanium, and new ceramic options in Pearl White and Night Blue. Aluminum models now include Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple said is 60% tougher than the Ion-X glass used in the previous generation.
Both devices ship with watchOS 27, which introduces a dynamic app grid of Siri-suggested apps, a new single-handed tap gesture for navigating the Smart Stack, contextual widget suggestions, and expanded Cycle Tracking support for perimenopause and menopause. The new OS will be available as a free update from Monday, 14 September, for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, requiring iPhone 11 or later running iOS 27.
Pricing & Availability
In Malaysia, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at RM3,699, while the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at RM1,799. Both models are available for pre-order from Friday, 11 September, with in-store availability beginning Friday, 18 September, across Malaysia and more than 50 other countries and regions.
New band options were also introduced for autumn, including updated colors for the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, Ocean Bands and Sport Band lineups. The Apple Watch Hermès collection adds a new Grand H titanium band and Fathom and Wonder watch face for the Ultra 4, along with a radiant gold titanium finish and new Rocabar Club band for the Series 12.
Pokdepinion: More accurate heart rate tracking is a solid upgrade, but “readiness scores” might just become another number for people to obsess over.
