Apple Unveils Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

Apple officially unveiled its latest smartwatch iterations, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, during its "Surprise and shine" event held on September 10, 2026. While the iPhone 17 lineup was the primary focus of the event, Apple dedicated a significant portion to its wearable technology, introducing key updates for its flagship smartwatch models. Notably, there was no refresh for the Apple Watch SE model in 2026, a departure from previous years that may indicate a shift in Apple's product strategy for its more budget-friendly wearable.

The Apple Watch Series 12 is positioned as the successor to the Series 11, bringing incremental improvements and new features designed to enhance user experience and health monitoring. Specific details regarding the processor, display technology, and battery life for the Series 12 were not fully elaborated upon in the initial announcement, but Apple typically focuses on enhancing performance and efficiency with each new generation. The company emphasized advancements in its health tracking capabilities, which have become a cornerstone of the Apple Watch's appeal. These advancements often include more accurate heart rate monitoring, improved sleep tracking, and new sensors for detecting specific health conditions.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues to cater to the extreme sports and adventure enthusiast market, building upon the rugged design and advanced features of its predecessors. This model is expected to offer enhanced durability, longer battery life for extended expeditions, and specialized functionalities for outdoor activities. Apple's "Surprise and shine" event highlighted the company's ongoing commitment to innovation in the wearable sector, aiming to solidify its market leadership. Preorders for both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to open shortly after the event, with retail availability anticipated within the following weeks. Pricing details for the new models were released, with the Apple Watch Series 12 starting at $399 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 beginning at $799, reflecting their respective market positions and feature sets. The absence of an SE update suggests a potential streamlining of the Apple Watch product line or a delayed release for a future SE generation.