A longtime Apple Watch user who switched to WHOOP for better health tracking is now considering returning to Apple Watch Series 12, which offers improved health monitoring features including more frequent heart rate collection and a new Readiness app similar to WHOOP's recovery score, alongside the redesigned Apple Health app in iOS 27.
Apple released the Watch Series 12 today with internal upgrades and improved health sensors, including a faster S11 chip and enhanced heart rate monitoring that samples every five seconds. The device maintains the same external design as Series 11 but adds new color options, tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass, and faster charging capabilities. New features include a readiness score based on activity and vitals, with prices starting at $399.
The Quantified Scientist tested the Apple Watch Series 12's revamped heart rate sensor against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap across indoor cycling, running, and weightlifting. The Series 12 performed very well with correlations of 1.0, 0.98, and 0.97 respectively, placing it above 85% of competing devices during weightlifting.
Apple released the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with iterative improvements including a new more powerful chip and improved health sensors. The most notable change is the return of ceramic as a case material in Pearl White and Night Blue shades, featuring enhanced durability through improved manufacturing processes and a cleaner design without red crown accents.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 began shipping to customers on September 18 in Australia and New Zealand. The devices are rolling out globally across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, with availability through Apple Stores, carriers, and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 will require day-one software updates upon release on September 18. The devices ship with pre-release iOS 27 and watchOS 27 versions that differ from the launch versions, necessitating immediate updates during setup or over-the-air.
Apple released iOS 27.2 beta 1 featuring a redesigned Health app powered by Apple Intelligence, introducing new Insights and Longevity tabs that analyze health data and track metrics like flexibility and strength. The app requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later and a compatible Apple Watch, with additional features planned for future releases.
watchOS 27, released September 14, removes the Digital Crown double-click app-switching feature for all Apple Watch models and reserves it exclusively for the new Live Rewind audio transcript feature on Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older model owners lose functionality without gaining the new feature, and Apple offers no option to customize the button assignment or disable Live Rewind.
Apple is testing a redesigned Health app in iOS 27.2 beta featuring new Insights and Longevity tabs that track health metrics like activity rings, heart rate, sleep, and vitals. The app calculates a Health Age score based on long-term data and fitness assessments, with plans to integrate a $119 Quest Diagnostics lab panel. The app will launch later this year, not with iOS 27.2.
Apple's iOS 27.2 beta includes a redesigned Health app powered by Apple Intelligence that transforms Apple Watch data into personalized health guidance. New features include readiness scoring, longevity tracking, health age assessment, and at-home health tests using the iPhone camera, with some capabilities rolling out later in the year.
Apple released a new Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger (model A3277) that delivers 10W of power, double the previous 5W limit, enabling faster charging for the new Series 12 and Ultra 4 models. The $29 charger can add 12 hours of battery life to the Series 12 or 18 hours to the Ultra 4 in just 15 minutes, but requires both the new watch hardware and new charger to achieve these speeds.
Apple Watch Series 12, arriving this Friday, features larger bezels around its display compared to previous models, a design change Apple did not highlight in its announcement. Despite maintaining the same case height, the Series 12's width increased while the display size remained unchanged, resulting in more noticeable bezels—a reversal of Apple's typical trend toward bezel reduction. The larger case accommodates new internal upgrades including the Health Sensing System and S11 chip.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 launches September 18 at $799, offering improved health sensing, more memory, and better battery life compared to the Ultra 3. For existing Ultra 3 owners, upgrading is generally not worthwhile unless recovery tracking or extended battery life are priorities; new buyers should prefer the Ultra 4 unless the Ultra 3 is significantly discounted.
Apple has begun pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, launching September 18. Amazon is offering early discounts up to $20 on select models, with GPS versions starting at $389.99 and premium titanium and ceramic options discounted significantly.
watchOS 27 removes the double-click Digital Crown shortcut for app switching on older Apple Watch models to make room for Live Rewind, a new 15-second audio transcript feature exclusive to Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older watches now open a dynamic app grid with the same gesture, disappointing users who relied on the quick multitasking feature.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new Readiness app that scores user fitness readiness on a 0-10 scale based on activity, vital signs, and sleep data. The app requires upgraded hardware with new optical and electrical sensors and is exclusive to these latest models.
Apple released watchOS 27 with enhanced Siri AI capabilities, a new Siri Modular watch face, Smart Stack improvements including single-handed gesture controls, and various system enhancements. The update is compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and later and requires an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone for full Siri AI functionality.
Apple has released watchOS 27 with major updates including Siri AI, new Health features, a Siri modular watch face, and Tap gesture navigation. The update drops support for older Apple Watch models and brings improved performance through bug fixes and battery optimization.
Apple provides downloadable dimensional drawings and technical specifications for its product lineup, including MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and accessories.
Apple's S11 chipset in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 marks a major generational upgrade after years of incremental improvements, leveraging architecture from the A20 Pro flagship processor. The S11 includes a dedicated 4-core Neural Engine, 50 percent memory bandwidth increase, and matching memory capacity to the iPhone 13, designed to enhance on-device AI capabilities.