Macworld
Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its September 9 event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra. An Apple Watch SE 4 is not expected.
Don’t expect a major redesign. Both watches should look much like their predecessors, although Apple has reportedly tested white and dark gray ceramic finishes. A new, faster S-series chip is expected to be one of the main upgrades.
Health changes could include continuous heart-rate data collection, while other new sensors remain possible. However, blood-glucose monitoring still appears years away, and Touch ID now looks unlikely despite appearing in prototype code.
watchOS 27 will bring Siri AI, a redesigned Find My app and other software improvements. Pricing is less certain: the Series 12 could rise from $399 to around $429, while the Ultra 4 may stay close to $799. Read on for our roundup of all the rumors about the new Apple Watches for 2026.
Which Apple Watches are expected on September 9?Apple is expected to unveil two new Apple Watch models at its “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9: the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Apple Watch is one of the few Apple products that receives a predictable annual update, so a Series 12 launch is widely expected. The Ultra 4 is also due to replace the current Ultra 3.
Neither model is expected to receive a major redesign. Instead, both are likely to be relatively modest “chip and ship” updates, focusing on new processors, connectivity and other internal improvements while retaining broadly similar designs.
Which Apple Watch isn’t expected to be updated?
The Apple Watch SE 4 is not expected to launch in 2026. Apple updated its budget model with the Apple Watch SE 3 in 2025, and that version is likely to remain in the lineup for another year.
What new features are expected: At a glanceApple Watch Series 12: expected new features
The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be a modest upgrade, led by a faster S-series chip and potentially a larger battery. The design should remain largely unchanged, though ceramic finishes are possible. Continuous heart-rate monitoring is reportedly in testing, while Touch ID looks unlikely. Siri AI and other watchOS 27 features should provide the biggest everyday changes.
Apple Watch Ultra 4: expected new features
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 should retain the Ultra 3’s rugged design while gaining the same new S-series chip. Satellite connectivity will remain a key advantage, with watchOS 27 expected to expand its capabilities. Continuous heart-rate monitoring and Siri AI are also possible, while a major redesign, Touch ID and blood-glucose monitoring appear unlikely.
FeatureApple Watch Series 12Apple Watch Ultra 4LaunchExpected September 9, 2026Expected September 9, 2026DesignNo major redesign expectedNo major redesign expectedNew finishesCeramic reportedly tested; new colors possibleNew colors/finishes possibleProcessorNew, faster S-series chip, likely S11 or S12Same new S-series chip expectedBatteryLarger battery reportedly being explored; potentially longer runtimeNo firm larger-battery rumor; efficiency improvements possibleHeart-rate monitoringContinuous data collection reportedly testedContinuous data collection reportedly testedBlood-glucose monitoringUnlikely in 2026Unlikely in 2026Touch IDTested internally, but now considered unlikelyUnlikely5GContinues from current generationContinues from current generationSatellite connectivityNo strong evidence of direct satellite supportExpected to retain satellite connectivitySiri AIYes, via watchOS 27 and compatible iPhoneYes, via watchOS 27 and compatible iPhoneFind MyNew unified Find My appNew unified Find My appReadiness appRumoredRumoredExpected priceAround $399–$429; $429 is speculativeLikely close to $799Overall upgradeInternal, health and software refinementInternal, health, software and satellite refinement What is the Apple Watch 2026 release date?The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be announced at Apple’s September iPhone event on Wednesday, September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the new iPhone Ultra.
Apple has launched a new Series Apple Watch every September since 2016, usually alongside the latest iPhones, so the arrival of the Series 12 is all but certain. The Ultra 4 is also widely expected to appear at the event.
Preorders are likely to open shortly after the announcement, with shipping expected to begin later in September.
Apple Watch 2026 chipsThe Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to feature a new, faster S-series chip, although there is some uncertainty over whether Apple will call it the S11 or S12.
Unlike some recent Apple Watch generations, where processor changes have been relatively modest, the 2026 chip is expected to deliver a more meaningful improvement in performance and efficiency. It should also provide more headroom for new watchOS 27 features and increasingly demanding on-device AI capabilities.
That could be particularly important as Apple raises the hardware requirements for watchOS. watchOS 27 supports Apple Watches with an S9 chip or later, dropping several older models, suggesting newer silicon is becoming increasingly important for features such as Apple’s more advanced Siri capabilities.
As a result, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 are widely expected to be relatively straightforward “chip and ship” updates, with the processor upgrade among the most significant changes. A faster chip could also help keep the new watches compatible with major watchOS features for longer.
Will the 2026 Apple Watch get a new design? Apple Watches have looked roughly the same for years.David Price / Foundry
A major redesign is not expected for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup. Both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are likely to retain the same overall design language as their predecessors, with this year’s upgrades focused more heavily on internal changes.
Last summer, a DigiTimes report raised hopes that 2026 could bring the Apple Watch its first substantial redesign in years. However, similar rumors have appeared before without materialising, including reports of a dramatically redesigned Apple Watch Series X.
More recently, Weibo leaker Instant Digital claimed that neither the Series 12 nor the Series 13 will receive a major new look, with a more significant redesign instead expected in 2028.
There has also been little evidence from Apple’s supply chain of a radically redesigned chassis. We’d therefore expect the Series 12 to retain the slimmer case and larger display of recent models, while the Ultra 4 should stick with its familiar rugged design. Smaller changes such as new colors, finishes, slightly slimmer bezels, or display tweaks remain possible.
One potentially more noticeable change could be the return of ceramic. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple has tested white and dark gray ceramic Apple Watch models, which could bring back a premium material Apple last offered with the Apple Watch Edition in 2019.
Will the Apple Watch get a new display?
The Series 11 has an always-on screen, but it leaves something to be desired on the brightness front.David Price / Foundry
A more substantial display upgrade is possible eventually, but it doesn’t look certain for 2026.
Apple has used OLED displays since the original Apple Watch, with recent Series models reaching up to 2,000 nits of brightness and the Ultra 3 reaching 3,000 nits. For several years there have been reports that Apple wants to move to microLED, which could offer better color accuracy, greater efficiency, and significantly higher brightness.
At CES 2025, Samsung demonstrated a microLED smartwatch display capable of 4,000 nits, showing the potential of the technology. However, while microLED remains a plausible future Apple Watch upgrade, there is currently little evidence that it will arrive with the Series 12 or Ultra 4 in 2026.
Will the Apple Watch Series 12 have longer battery life?Petter Ahrnstedt
There are signs that battery life could be a bigger focus for the Apple Watch Series 12, although any improvement has yet to be confirmed.
According to Weibo leaker Instant Digital, Apple is prioritising battery capacity and health sensors, and is reportedly trying to fit a physically larger battery inside the Series 12 rather than relying solely on efficiency gains from the new processor.
That could help Apple extend battery life beyond the 24 hours of normal use offered by the Apple Watch Series 11. Even a modest increase would be useful for sleep tracking and other always-on health features, which leave less time for charging.
So while a dramatic leap in battery life isn’t guaranteed, the Series 12 could combine a larger battery with efficiency improvements from its new chip to deliver longer real-world runtime.
Will the Apple Watch Ultra get a better battery?
The rumor about a larger battery currently applies specifically to the Series 12, rather than the Ultra 4. The Ultra already offers substantially longer battery life, with Apple rating the Ultra 3 for up to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
What connectivity changes are coming with the 2026 Apple Watches?Major connectivity changes are not currently expected for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup.
5G is already supported on current cellular Apple Watch models and there are also no strong reports pointing to a major new cellular modem upgrade this year.
However, Satellite connectivity is more significant, but it is primarily an Apple Watch Ultra feature. The current Ultra 3 already supports Emergency SOS, Find My, and Messages via satellite, and the Ultra 4 is expected to retain those capabilities.
watchOS 27 is also expected to expand what Apple Watch can do over satellite, with features including Apple Maps via satellite and the ability to send and receive photos in Messages via satellite. Those software features should be available on the Ultra 4 where supported.
There is currently no evidence that the Apple Watch Series 12 will gain direct satellite connectivity, so this is likely to remain one of the key differences between the standard Series model and the Ultra.
Will Apple Watch Series 12 get Touch ID?Foundry
Probably not in 2026.
Macworld uncovered developer code referring to the 2026 Apple Watch models alongside “AppleMesa,” Apple’s internal codename for Touch ID. No previous Apple Watch models had included similar references, suggesting Apple has at least tested fingerprint authentication for the Watch.
At the time, that raised the possibility that Touch ID could debut with the Series 12, potentially built into a side button or beneath the display. It would be useful for Apple Pay, private apps and messages, and unlocking the Watch independently of an iPhone.
However, more recent reporting has made a 2026 launch look much less likely. One leaker has claimed Apple is not bringing Touch ID to the Apple Watch, while other reports suggest Apple is prioritising larger batteries and new health sensors over using valuable internal space for fingerprint hardware.
The earlier code may therefore relate to prototype hardware rather than a feature destined for this year’s models.
For now, Touch ID appears to be something Apple has explored for the Watch, but it is unlikely to debut with the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4.
Apple Watch already uses passcode and wrist-detection security, and it can also act as an authenticator for other Apple devices, including automatically unlocking a Mac.
What health features are coming to the 2026 Apple Watches?Health and fitness tracking is expected to remain a major focus for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. The most credible new feature is continuous heart-rate monitoring throughout the day, while Apple may also make further improvements to its existing health sensors and hypertension features.
More ambitious additions, including non-invasive blood-glucose monitoring and AI-powered health coaching, remain in development but are much less likely to arrive this year.
Continuous heart-rate monitoring
One of the most significant rumored upgrades for the Series 12 and Ultra 4 is continuous heart-rate data collection.
According to a report in August from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has tested technology that would allow the Apple Watch heart-rate sensor to “continuously collect data throughout the day.”
Currently, Apple Watch takes periodic background heart-rate readings when you aren’t using the Workout, Mindfulness, or Heart Rate apps. Continuous monitoring could provide a much richer dataset, potentially improving health trends, alerts, and other analysis.
Will Apple Watch Series 12 monitor blood glucose?
Apple has been working on non-invasive blood-glucose monitoring for many years, but it remains unlikely to arrive with the Series 12.
Reports of Apple’s work on the technology date back to at least 2017, when we reported that the company had assembled a team of biomedical engineers to investigate continuous glucose monitoring.
Bloomberg subsequently reported that Apple had developed a system based on optical absorption spectroscopy and had reached the proof-of-concept stage. However, more recent reporting suggests a commercial Apple Watch implementation may still be several years away, potentially around 2030.
So while blood-glucose monitoring remains one of Apple Watch’s most anticipated future features, Series 12 is probably too soon.
What about AI health coaching?
Apple
Apple has also been developing an AI-powered health and fitness coaching system, previously reported under the name Health+.
The project has reportedly been scaled back from a single ambitious service into individual features that can be released progressively. That means some AI-powered health insights or coaching features could appear sooner, but there is currently little evidence that a complete Health+ service will debut with the Series 12.
For 2026, continuous heart-rate monitoring looks considerably more plausible than either blood-glucose monitoring or a full AI health coach.
What health features does Apple Watch already have?
The Series 11 and Ultra 3 already offer an extensive set of health features, including:
- Blood Oxygen monitoring
- ECG
- Heart-rate and heart-rhythm notifications
- Hypertension notifications
- Wrist-temperature sensing
- Cycle Tracking and ovulation estimates
- Sleep stages and Sleep Score
- Sleep apnea notifications
The Apple Watch SE 3 has a more limited health feature set and lacks Blood Oxygen monitoring, ECG, temperature sensing, and hypertension notifications.
What new apps are coming to Apple Watch?watchOS 27 will bring several new apps and app experiences to the Apple Watch, although Apple appears to be focusing as much on upgrading existing software as adding entirely new apps and some older Apple Watches will not be able to run watchOS 27.
Siri AI comes to Apple Watch
The biggest software addition is Siri AI. Apple Watch users will be able to start Siri AI conversations from their wrist, access previous conversations across Apple devices, and use newer capabilities such as personal context and web answers.
Much of the processing will still depend on a nearby compatible iPhone, but the change should make Apple Watch a much more useful entry point for Apple’s AI features.
watchOS 27 with Siri AI requires an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Ultra 2 or later, or SE 3, alongside a compatible iPhone.
Find My gets a major overhaul
Apple is also introducing a unified Find My app, replacing the separate Find People, Find Devices and Find Items apps with a single map-based interface.
That should make it much easier to locate people, Apple devices and AirTags directly from the Watch without jumping between multiple apps.
A new Readiness app could be coming
Late-breaking code discovered in September reportedly points to a separate Readiness app for Apple Watch.
The app is thought to focus on recovery and preparedness, potentially using health and fitness data to indicate how ready you are for exercise or other activity. However, this has not yet been officially announced, so it should still be treated as a rumor.
Existing apps are getting smarter too
Apple is also improving several existing Watch apps and features rather than simply adding new ones.
Workout Buddy is becoming more capable, with smarter fitness insights, Spanish-language support and the ability to work without a direct iPhone connection. Wallet gains the ability to display card balances, while the Smart Stack adds new interactions, including a tap gesture for selecting widgets.
watchOS 27 also introduces a more dynamic app grid that surfaces five contextually relevant apps, while Apple continues to make its Watch apps look and behave more like their iPhone equivalents.
Overall, the most important software additions for 2026 are Siri AI, the redesigned Find My app and the possible new Readiness app, with broader improvements across Workout, Wallet and the Smart Stack.
watchOS 27 also expands women’s health features with pre-menopause tracking.
How much could the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 cost?Apple has not announced pricing for the 2026 Apple Watch lineup but we can make some estimations especially in the light of Apple’s dramatic price rises for iPads and Macs in June 2026.
The current Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799. Apple left Watch pricing unchanged when it raised prices across much of its Mac, iPad and home-device lineup in June 2026, which suggests the new models could still avoid a major increase.
However, Apple warned at the time that further price rises could follow, and some analysts expect higher component costs to result i