On September 9, 2026, Apple launched its first new products since the departure of long-serving CEO Tim Cook. Those worried that Cook’s retirement may lead to a slowdown of production at Apple soon had their fears allayed: over the course of a feature-length product presentation, the tech giants announced a slew of new hardware, as well as OS and software updates.
While most of the headlines were dominated by the iPhone Duo, Apple’s $2,000 folding phone, it could be easier to miss some of the event’s other major announcements. The new generation of iPhone Pro and Pro Max debuted, as did the AirPods 5.
Most significantly, the launch also unveiled two new Apple Watch Models: the Series 12 and the Ultra 4. Here, we explore every feature of the new 2026 Apple Watches and how they compare with the previous lineup.
Everything new in the Apple Watch Series 12
Much of the marketing around the Series 12 focuses on its improved abilities as a health and fitness tracker. This may be partially in response to the growing sector of the market being occupied by sports-specific wearables like the WHOOP Band or Oura Ring. With the Series 12, Apple once again positions the Apple Watch as a state-of-the-art fitness device, able to hold its own against devices from specialized sports brands. Much of this claim rests on the overhauled case back, which now includes a ring of redesigned LEDs and sensors that, Apple claims, provide more accurate heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements.
Much of the marketing is built around Apple’s claim that the Series 12 offers “the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable” - at least according to their own experiments. Apple measured that Series 12’s heart rate sensing against direct competitors in the fitness wearable category, including the Garmin Forerunner, Google Pixel Watch, WHOOP 5, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. It’s worth mentioning that, no matter how lofty the claim, an Apple Watch is not a recognized medical device and should not be treated as such. The “most accurate heart sensing” claim is in relation to other consumer-grade wearables like the Google Pixel Watch, rather than specialist medical devices. While stats geeks can get as granular as they like in the overhauled WatchOS 27 Health app and Heart Rate apps, the Series 12 also collates and presents its data in more accessible ways. As well as the now-familiar activity rings, the Series 12 provides its wearer with a “readiness” score – a number extruded from the Watch's multiple sensors into one single metric that lets the user know how much they’ve got left in the tank for the day.
While most people can already gauge their “readiness” by waking up and seeing how they feel, the new system typifies the Watch’s ability to encourage physiological awareness without overwhelming the wearer with mountains of stats and charts. The Series 12’s sporting credentials are bolstered by a new selection of lightweight bands, including a continued collaboration with Nike. Since its first truly sports-oriented model (2017’s Series 3), the Apple Watch has maintained its position as the world’s best-selling wearable by combining the performance of dedicated fitness products with a range of general lifestyle features and access to the Apple ecosystem. Fitness aside, the Series 12 features a host of improvements over its predecessor.
One of these is the battery. While overall battery life remains the same as its predecessor, Apple claims that the Series 12 charges up to 50% faster than the Series 11, able to run for 12 hours on just a 15-minute charge. This battery will be needed to power the new S11 processing chip, Apple’s fastest yet in a wearable. The new chip is designed to support the host of computing-heavy tasks required by the new Apple Intelligence/Siri AI app, Apple’s in-house LLM app for the Apple Watch.
Audio intelligence
As well as mimicking LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude, Apple Intelligence is an integral part of the Series 12’s Audio Intelligence feature: using the built-in microphone, the Series 12 now continually records and interprets surrounding audio, allowing the user to transcribe conversations, repeat recently recorded snippets, and be alerted to specific noises like sirens, alarms, or crying babies.
While the potential benefits here are coupled with a raft of privacy and data protection concerns (not to mention plain good manners), Apple states that recordings are not stored or accessible to anyone except the user. Parents buying an Apple Watch for their kids can explore the wider range of Apple Watch safety features here.
Hermès Series 12
Apple hasn’t forgotten the fashionistas this year either, announcing another entrant in the long-running collaboration with Parisian fashion house Hermès. The 2026 Hermès Series 12 comes with a gold case and black band, with cellular connectivity as standard.
Calling and texting on the Apple Watch Series 12
Like previous models, the Apple Watch Series 12 is available with cellular connectivity. These models can download mobile data plans to call, text, and get online via mobile data, just like an iPhone. The Apple Watch For Your Kids feature also allows an iPhone user, like a parent or caregiver, to set up multiple standalone Apple Watches for others, each with its own mobile plan. These Apple Watch plans are available only from a select group of mobile providers, including BetterRoaming.
Apple Watch Series 12: your questions answered
1. When is the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch OS 27 available?
Now. The Apple Watch Series 12 was released on September 18, 2026. The accompanying OS, WatchOS 27, has been available for all eligible Apple Watch models since September 14, while Siri AI features are currently available in English, with more languages planned for late 2026. Note that Siri AI will not be available in mainland China.
2. How much does the Apple Watch Series 12 cost?
A 42mm aluminium-case GPS+cellular Apple Watch Series 12 retails for $499, while GPS-only models start at $399. Choosing a larger size (the Series 12 is available in 42 and 46mm casings), different material (including titanium and the new ceramic option) or band style will increase the price. The most expensive configuration (cellular connectivity, 46mm screen size, ceramic case and steel link bracelet) will set you back around $1250. Apple also provides the option to pay in instalments.
3. How do I add an Apple Watch cellular plan?
Apple Watch cellular plans can be downloaded from select providers like BetterRoaming. Here’s a complete guide to installing an Apple Watch eSIM plan.
Everything new in the Apple Watch Ultra 4
Released alongside the Series 12, the Ultra 4 continues Apple’s line of high-performance, adventure-ready smartwatches. The beefier proportions, larger screen, and chunkier bands of the Ultra are designed for durability and outdoor usage. Under the Glass, the Ultra 4 includes all the same updates as the Series 12 — improved heart rate sensing and overhauled Health and Fitness features — plus an even longer battery life and a faster processor.
In addition to built-in satellite connectivity, all Ultra 4 models feature cellular connectivity as standard. These watches are ready to download and use an Apple Watch eSIM plan right out of the box.
Hermès Ultra 4
For those who need the absolute top-of-the-line in both fashion and function, Apple has released the Hermès Ultra 4. Unsurprisingly, the new titanium-band model is the most expensive Apple Watch yet, clocking in at over $3000.
As well as a redesigned band and face, the Hermès Ultra 4 contains all regular Ultra 4 capabilities, including cellular connectivity.
Apple Watch Ultra 4: your questions answered
1. When is the Ultra 4 available to buy?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Hermès Ultra 4 were released worldwide on September 18, 2026.
2. How much does the Apple Watch Ultra 4 cost?
Compared to the Series 12, the Ultra 4 has relatively few configurations that affect the price – there’s just one case size (49mm) and material (titanium), while all Ultra 4 models come with cellular connectivity as standard. An Ultra 4 with a regular band will cost $799, or buyers can add a titanium band for an extra $100. Apple also offers the option to pay in instalments.
3. What about the SE?
So far, Apple has yet to announce a successor to its entry-level SE Apple Watch line. The SE 3 is still available to purchase online, and can be bought as a cellular-GPS model, making it ideal for parents looking to stay in touch with their kids without buying them a fully-fledged smartphone. All cellular Apple Watches can be set up in Apple Watch For Your Kids mode.
Adding a Cellular Plan to an Apple Watch
Apple Watch eSIMs can only be purchased from a small number of official Apple Partners, including BetterRoaming. Adding a cellular plan to an Apple Watch only takes a few minutes. Apple Watch plans can be from the same provider as the linked iPhone, or a different provider altogether – the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature allows a parent or caregiver to set up a cellular Apple Watch for someone else. The Watch will then function as a standalone mobile device, while the iPhone owner can manage a range of parental features including contacts, screentime, and more. The Watch and the controlling iPhone will still work together with different plan providers.
