Apple has launched the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 with a new S11 chip, redesigned health sensors, Readiness and Health Age metrics, and expanded Siri AI features through watchOS 27.
The Series 12 starts at $399 in the United States, while the Ultra 4 starts at $799. Both are available to preorder, with retail availability beginning September 18, 2026.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 prices
Apple Watch prices vary by case size, material, connectivity and band. The table compares the reported entry prices for the standard starting configurations.
| Country or market | Series 12 from | Ultra 4 from | |---|---:|---:| | United States | $399 | $799 | | India | ₹56,900 | ₹1,09,900 | | Australia | A$649 | A$1,349 | | Spain / euro pricing | €449 | €889 | | Brazil | R$5,499 | R$10,499 |
The US figures normally exclude state sales tax. Local totals can also rise substantially when cellular connectivity, a larger case, titanium or ceramic construction, and premium bands are selected.
What is new in Apple Watch Series 12?
Series 12 focuses on continuous health context rather than a radically different exterior. Its new Health Sensing System uses a much larger electrode array, a ring of photodiodes and updated LEDs. Apple says the watch can collect heart-rate readings every five seconds during the day.
More frequent data can improve trends and alerts, but the watch is not a replacement for a medical diagnosis. Users should treat abnormal readings as a reason to consult a qualified clinician, particularly when symptoms such as chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness are present.
The Health app adds a Longevity section with Health Age and a Readiness score. Readiness combines recovery signals to indicate whether a user may be prepared for a hard workout or might benefit from rest. Competing wearables have offered similar daily scores, so the value will depend on accuracy, transparency and whether recommendations are genuinely useful.
S11 chip and Siri Recap
Both watches use the S11 chip for faster CPU and GPU performance and more capable Siri features. Siri Recap can transcribe or translate recent conversation audio and display text on the watch, allowing the wearer to review something they missed.
That capability is useful in noisy places or across languages, but it introduces privacy questions because the watch can listen to the surrounding environment. Apple says the related features are opt-in and emphasises on-device processing. Users should still understand the settings before enabling ambient-audio tools around other people.
WatchOS 27 also adds a dynamic grid that surfaces suggested apps, new one-handed gestures and a smarter Smart Stack. Workout Buddy gains more wellness context and can operate without a nearby iPhone in supported situations.
Ceramic Apple Watch returns
Series 12 brings back ceramic cases after a long absence. Pearl white and night blue ceramic versions start at $899 in the US for the smaller case, above the base aluminium model.
Ceramic is positioned as a premium material with a distinctive finish and strong scratch resistance, but it does not change the core software experience. Buyers deciding between materials should compare durability, weight and price rather than expecting additional health functions.
Battery life and charging
The Series 12 remains rated for up to 24 hours, while faster charging can provide up to 12 hours of use from a 15-minute charge. The Ultra 4 increases its standard quoted battery life to up to 50 hours.
Ultra 4 is therefore the more practical model for long outdoor sessions, travel and multi-day tracking. Battery claims vary with GPS, cellular connections, display use, workouts and background measurements.
What makes Apple Watch Ultra 4 different?
The Ultra 4 retains the larger 49mm titanium format and is designed for demanding outdoor and water use. Its main advantages are the longer battery, rugged construction, larger display and sport-focused controls.
It receives the same new health-sensing direction as Series 12, so the Ultra premium is not solely about access to Readiness or Health Age. It is mainly justified by endurance, materials, screen size and specialised activity needs.
WatchOS 27 compatibility and removed feature
WatchOS 27 will also reach compatible existing Apple Watches, which means some interface and software changes are not exclusive to the new hardware. Owners should separate S11- or sensor-dependent functions from features delivered by the operating-system update.
Apple is removing Walkie-Talkie in watchOS 27, according to WIRED. Anyone who relies on that feature should factor its removal into the update decision and consider alternative voice-messaging options.
Which Apple Watch should you buy?
Series 12 is the sensible choice for most users who want the latest health platform, fast charging and standard Apple Watch design. Ultra 4 suits endurance athletes, divers, hikers and users who genuinely need the longer battery and larger rugged case.
Owners of a recent model should wait for independent sensor and battery testing. A new Readiness score may improve the experience, but it does not automatically make last year's heart-rate or sleep data obsolete.
Sources: WIRED's Series 12 and Ultra 4 report, Reuters Apple event coverage, India pricing, Australian pricing and Brazil launch details.
See MatchUpWorld's technology section for more Apple launch coverage.
