Apple is gearing up for its annual September iPhone event, and alongside the next iPhones, the company is expected to take the wraps off two new Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 will likely share the spotlight, and while leaks have focused heavily on the iPhone lineup, there is still plenty to dig into on the wearable side.

The September launch has historically been Apple's biggest showcase of the year. The company typically uses the event to refresh its flagship products, and the Apple Watch has been part of that cycle since 2015. This year, the event is expected to include the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, but Apple Watch fans will also get their first look at the next generation of wearable hardware and software.

Key facts at a glance

• Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 are expected to debut in September.
• Both models are rumored to get a new S11 chip, offering a long-awaited performance boost.
• WatchOS 27 will bring Siri AI capabilities that may require the faster chip.
• A possible return of a ceramic case option is being considered.
• Health sensor upgrades could double the number of sensors in the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
• New hypertension notification features are reportedly under FDA review.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12: What to expect

According to reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, both new Watch models will receive a long-awaited bump in chips and speed. The current Apple Watch lineup uses the S10 chip, which first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While the S10 brought improvements over the S9, performance gains in recent generations have been modest. Users have not seen a major leap in speed since the S9 chip debuted in 2023, and the S10 was widely viewed as an incremental update. A more powerful S11 chip could change that, especially with watchOS 27 introducing Siri AI features that may demand additional on-device processing power.

Apple's wearable chips have historically been designed to balance performance and power efficiency. The S9 introduced a neural engine with two times faster machine learning capabilities, and the S10 refined that foundation. An S11 chip would likely continue that trend, offering faster app launches, smoother animations, and improved on-device Siri performance. With Apple Intelligence expanding to more product lines, the Watch could benefit from a chip that can handle more advanced language models locally.

The new chip could also improve battery life. Apple has been working to maintain the 18-hour all-day battery estimate for the Series line and the longer battery life on the Ultra line. A more efficient S11 chip could allow for new features without sacrificing battery longevity.

Design changes and the return of ceramic

One of the most interesting rumors involves the design of the Apple Watch Ultra 4. A report from Digitimes claims the Ultra 4 will receive a "major redesign." However, Mark Gurman has pushed back on that claim, saying major design changes are not expected until at least next year. Gurman did suggest that Apple might bring back a ceramic case option for this year's models. Apple previously offered ceramic Apple Watch editions, but the material was discontinued. A ceramic option could appeal to users who want a more premium look and increased durability.

The standard Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to follow the same design language that Apple has used since the Series 7, with slim bezels, rounded corners, and a variety of case finishes. Rumors of a new "Apple Watch Ultra" design have circulated before, but Apple has kept the flat, rugged look of the Ultra line since its launch in 2022. The Ultra 4 may pick up new color options or materials, but a full redesign might wait for a future anniversary edition or a new product cycle.

Health sensors and hypertension notifications

The health features of the Apple Watch are always a major draw, and this year's models are expected to bring significant upgrades. According to the same Digitimes report, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will receive "a significant upgrade to sensing functions," with up to double the number of sensors in the Watch. That expansion could open the door to new health metrics and more accurate tracking across existing features such as heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing.

Some of those new sensors could relate to a rumored upgrade for hypertension notifications. Apple launched hypertension notifications last year in watchOS 26, and the FDA is reportedly reviewing a new notification feature related to high blood pressure. If approved, the feature could be unveiled alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, and a wearable that can alert users to potential issues would be a significant advancement in preventive health.

Apple has steadily expanded the health capabilities of its Watch. The first Apple Watch included a heart rate sensor, and later models added ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, and sleep apnea notifications. The addition of hypertension notifications would build on this legacy. It may also set the stage for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, though that feature has been rumored for years and is not expected in the near term.

watchOS 27 and Siri AI

watchOS 27 is expected to be a major software update, and the new Siri AI capabilities are likely to be a key focus. Apple has been working to integrate artificial intelligence across its operating systems, and the Watch could use AI to provide smarter health insights, contextual notifications, and more natural voice interactions. The new S11 chip might be necessary to run these features directly on the device, ensuring that responses are fast and private.

On-device processing is particularly important for health data. Users want their biometric information to stay on the Watch or in HealthKit, and Apple has emphasized privacy as a core principle. An AI-powered Siri that can interpret health data without sending it to the cloud would be a major selling point.

Developers are also likely to take advantage of the new chip. Third-party watchOS apps have been limited by the performance ceiling of older chips, and a faster S11 could unlock new app categories and more complex complications. Fitness apps, in particular, may benefit from more powerful watch hardware.

Pricing and availability

Apple has not announced pricing for the new Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 10 started at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 started at $799. The Series 12 and Ultra 4 are likely to stay in those ranges. Apple may also continue to sell older models at discounted prices, as it has done in previous years.

The new Watch models are expected to be available for pre-order shortly after the September event, with first deliveries arriving a week or two later. Historically, Apple has shipped new Watch models in late September alongside the iPhone launch. The exact launch dates may vary depending on manufacturing and supply chain conditions, but the September event is the key date for announcements.

Accessories and ecosystem integration

The Apple Watch ecosystem is about more than the hardware. New bands are likely to be announced at the September event, and third-party accessory makers are already preparing cases, chargers, and mounts. The recent AirPods Pro 3 price drop and new MagSafe accessories have also helped build anticipation for the fall product cycle.

Apple Watch owners can expect deeper integration with the iPhone 18 lineup, including new watch faces, updated complications, and improved syncing between devices. The combination of new hardware and software could make this one of the most compelling Watch upgrades in years.

What new features do you want from Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12? Let us know in the comments.

Source:9to5Mac News