Apple Watch Series 12 And Ultra 4 Leak Reveals Major Upgrade After 3 Years

Apple’s Surprise and Shine event lands on September 9, 2026, and most of the attention is on the foldable iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro series. Most people overlook the Apple Watch, but a new leak reveals what’s coming for the Series 12 and Ultra 4. Don’t expect a major redesign. Apple is saving that for later, but there’s more changing under the hood than the design alone suggests.

Apple Watch Series 12 And Ultra 4 Leak Reveals New Chip And Software Features

Apple’s smartwatch chip hasn’t meaningfully changed since the S9 in 2023. The Series 10 and Ultra 2 introduced the S10 in 2024, and the Series 11 and Ultra 3 carried over that same chip last year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, that streak reportedly ends with the Series 12 and Ultra 4. Both are expected to debut a new chip, likely branded S11, marking the first real performance gains for the Apple Watch in years.

Health tracking is getting an upgrade too. Apple is reportedly developing a new heart rate sensor that collects data continuously throughout the day, rather than only during workouts or at scattered intervals. That’s paired with revamped Fitness and Health apps, expected to surface wellness metrics more in line with what competitors like Whoop and Oura already offer.

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On the design side, ceramic cases are making a comeback for the Series 12, expected in white and dark gray finishes, along with a refreshed lineup of band colors and styles.

A Bigger Redesign Is Still a Year or Two Away

There’s no Apple Watch SE 4 this year, and Apple is otherwise sticking to modest upgrades on the wearable side. A more dramatic redesign is reportedly in the works, but it isn’t expected for another year or two. For the long term, Apple is also said to be developing blood sugar detection, a feature the company has reportedly been researching for years, with no firm release timeline yet.

With screenless trackers like the Fitbit Air and Whoop gaining ground, Apple has also reportedly weighed a displayless Apple Watch of its own, though don’t expect that to launch anytime soon.

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