The countdown to Apple's big September event is underway. Next Wednesday, September 9th, the Cupertino company will hold its traditional fall keynote, and while the media spotlight will undoubtedly be on the iPhone 18 Pro and the highly anticipated foldable phone, smartwatches will also have their moment in the limelight. We're talking about the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, two devices that, according to the most recent leaks, will arrive with more significant changes than one might initially expect.
The information that has surfaced in recent weeks, primarily from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, all agree on one point: the exterior design will remain virtually unchanged. But it's not all bad news for those looking for a refresh. The interior will undergo a generational leap that has been long awaited, with a new processor powering health features and a much more capable Siri. Let's review everything we know so far.
Unsurprising design, but with a very special return
The sources consulted agree that The Apple Watch Series 12 will maintain the same rectangular silhouette. that we've seen in recent generations. Mark Gurman already warned about this in March: there won't be any significant design changes this year. Another Chinese leaker, Instant Digital, went even further, claiming that the major redesign won't arrive before 2028. So those hoping for an aesthetic revolution will have to wait a little longer.
However, one detail has sparked considerable interest. According to Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly preparing a Special edition of the Series 12 with ceramic casingA material we haven't seen in the watch for several generations. Two finishes are being considered: traditional white and a dark gray that would fit with the more premium aesthetic of the range. This option would join the usual aluminum and titanium cases, and everything points to it becoming the most expensive model in the series.
As for the straps, a wide variety of new colors and combinations are expected, but no changes to the attachment system. There's also no indication that Touch ID will be included, a rumor that has surfaced in previous cycles but never materialized. Gurman hasn't found any solid evidence on this, so it's most likely that we'll continue unlocking the watch with the passcode or with the iPhone.
The S12 chip: the leap that had been three years in the making
This is undoubtedly the most interesting aspect of the new generation. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 continue to use the S10 chip, which was the same as the S9 in the Series 9. In other words, The watch's performance has been frozen for three years.This has had direct consequences for compatibility with watchOS 27, which has left out models that are only a few years old.
Everything points to the Series 12 and Ultra 4 debuting a completely new processor, likely called the S12. In fact, some internal code leaks mention the technical reference T8320, confirming that the chip already exists. Apple could skip the S11 name altogether, just as it did with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The reason would be to avoid the numbering, which sounds similar to a swear word in English.
The leap would primarily be in efficiency, with a notable improvement in performance per watt. This would translate into better battery life without needing to increase battery size, and also the ability to run more demanding tasks. The most important of all: Siri AI, which arrives with watchOS 27, needs powerful hardware. to function smoothly. Previous models, with the S9 or S10 chip, are excluded from this new experience.
Health: the 24/7 heart rate sensor and the new app
The biggest new feature of this generation, according to leaks, is related to health. Apple is reportedly testing a heart rate sensor that records data continuously throughout the daynot just during workouts as is currently the case. This would allow for a much more complete picture of the user's physical condition, with metrics such as recovery, fatigue, and daily readiness for exercise.
This constant monitoring consumes energy, so Apple is reportedly working on a measurement system that doesn't emit light continuously, to avoid putting too much strain on the battery. It would complement traditional measurements taken during periods of peak activity. If the company manages to implement this without sacrificing battery life, it would be one of the most useful health improvements in recent years.
Along with this new sensor, Apple would completely revamp its Health and Fitness apps. The goal is show overall wellness metrics, not just exercise metricsWith a similar approach to popular apps like Whoop and Oura, this means users can see a clear score on how their body responds to stress, whether they've rested enough, or if they should take a rest day before their next workout.
Screen, battery and price: what to expect
Regarding the display, no major changes are expected in terms of size or bezels. Apple is expected to maintain the same dimensions as the Series 11, but could improve the peak brightness to approach the 3000 nits of the Apple Watch Ultra. They would also work on the efficiency of the LTPO panel, which would improve battery life without requiring a larger battery.
As for the battery, expectations are moderate. The Series 11 already offered a significant improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor, so a drastic upgrade isn't expected. However, the combination of a more efficient chip and an optimized screen should translate into slightly better battery life for everyday use. There are no rumors of a physically larger battery, so everything will depend on the power management of the new processor.
The price would remain unchanged from the Series 11, with a starting price of €449 for the base model. However, tariffs and exchange rates could lead to some adjustments at launch. The ceramic version, if confirmed, would be the most expensive in the range, as was the case in previous generations.
What to expect from the September 9th event
Apple's keynote will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino and will be the first with John Ternus as the new CEO, following Tim Cook's departure. In addition to the watches, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be unveiled, as well as the company's first foldable phone. Release dates for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and the rest of the operating systems will also be announced.
Regarding the watches, the information suggests that The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will come with the new S12 chip, a 24/7 heart rate sensor, and a ceramic option.There won't be a redesign, but there will be a leap in performance and health features that could be a game-changer for the lineup. The question is whether Apple will be able to maintain battery life with continuous monitoring, something that will only be known when the first reviews are published.
Finally, we must not forget that blood glucose remains a concern, but not this year. According to Gurman, the glucose sensor technology It's still in the miniaturization phase and wouldn't arrive before 2027 at the earliest. So, for now, we'll have to wait and see what the keynote has in store and if all these leaks are confirmed.
With all this in mind, the Apple Watch Series 12 is presented as an update focused more on the inside than the outside. The new chip, continuous heart rate monitoring, and the arrival of Siri AI are the three pillars on which Apple wants to build the next generation of its watch. If the leaks are accurate, we'll be looking at a watch that improves on the inside without changing on the outside, laying the groundwork for the major redesign that will arrive in 2027 or 2028. We'll have to wait until September 9th to find out.
