Apple has announced the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, bringing a range of new health and wellness features, improved sensing capabilities, and upgraded audio intelligence to its latest smartwatches.
Both models are powered by the new S11 chip and feature an upgraded Health Sensing System with improved optical and electrical sensors. Apple says the new system can measure heart rate every five seconds, while heart rate variability (HRV) is tracked 24 times more frequently compared to previous-generation models.
Alongside the hardware improvements, the new Apple Watch models introduce new health insights, including a Readiness Score and Health Age, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 also receives a significant increase in battery life.
Pre-orders for both models start today, with general availability beginning September 18. Pricing starts at RM1,799 for the Apple Watch Series 12 and RM3,699 for the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Apple Watch Series 12
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with Apple offering a wider selection of materials and finishes for the latest generation.
The aluminium models are made from 100% recycled aluminium and are available in Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold, and Space Grey. These models also feature Ceramic Shield 2 glass for added durability.
For users looking for a more premium finish, the Series 12 is also available with 3D-printed 100% recycled titanium in Radiant Gold and Natural Titanium. Apple is also bringing back ceramic finishes, with Pearl White and Night Blue options available.
Under the hood, the Series 12 is powered by Apple’s new S11 chip and an upgraded Health Sensing System. The improved optical and electrical sensors allow the watch to measure heart rate every five seconds and track heart rate variability 24 times more frequently than previous models.
The new health tracking system also supports Apple’s latest health and wellness insights. One of the new additions is Readiness Score, which provides a rating from 0 to 10 to help users understand how ready their body is for different levels of training load.
Another new feature is Health Age, which can be found within the Longevity tab in the Health app. It combines metrics including VO₂ max, resting heart rate, HRV, and sleep data to estimate a user’s physiological age and compare it with their biological age.
Apple is also introducing Audio Intelligence to the Series 12. The new built-in microphone array can help alert users with hearing impairments to important environmental sounds. It can also assist with conversation recall, provide Siri recaps covering titles and key points, and integrate with Shazam.
Battery life remains rated at up to 24 hours for normal use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. However, Apple has increased outdoor workout battery life to up to 10 hours, representing a 25% improvement over the previous generation.
The Series 12 can also be paired with Apple’s latest band options, including the Trail Loop in Dark Umber, Sand, and Burgundy, as well as the Alpine Loop in Desert, Dark Olive, and Burgundy. The Ocean Band is available in translucent finishes, including Translucent Gray, Translucent Kelp, and Translucent Black.
The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at RM1,799, with pre-orders beginning 11 September and general availability from September 18.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues Apple’s rugged smartwatch lineup with a Grade 5 titanium construction, available in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium finishes.
Like the Series 12, the Ultra 4 is powered by the new S11 chip and features Apple’s upgraded Health Sensing System. The improved sensors provide more frequent heart rate and HRV measurements, supporting the new health and wellness features introduced with this generation.
Users can access the new Readiness Score, which provides a 0–10 rating designed to help determine how prepared the body is for different training loads. Health Age is also available through the Health app’s Longevity tab, combining VO₂ max, resting heart rate, HRV, and sleep metrics to provide an estimate of physiological age.
The Ultra 4 also features Apple’s new Audio Intelligence capabilities through its built-in microphone array. This enables features such as environmental sound alerts for users with hearing impairments, conversation recall, Siri recaps for titles and key points, and Shazam integration.
One of the biggest upgrades comes in battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of normal use, which is an eight-hour increase over the previous model. When Low Power Mode is enabled, battery life can reach up to 84 hours.
The Ultra 4 can also be paired with Apple’s latest Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band options. The Trail Loop is offered in Dark Umber, Sand, and Burgundy, while the Alpine Loop comes in Desert, Dark Olive, and Burgundy. The Ocean Band is available in Translucent Gray, Translucent Kelp, and Translucent Black.
With its combination of titanium construction, expanded health tracking capabilities, new audio features, and significantly longer battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains positioned as Apple’s higher-end smartwatch for users who need more endurance from their wearable.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at RM3,699, with pre-orders beginning 11 September and general availability from September 18.
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