Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: New health detection system
The Apple Watch update brings improvements in sensors, health, and fitness.
(Image: Apple)
At the iPhone event, Apple introduced two updated Apple Watches. While the Series 12 and Ultra 4 look like their predecessors, a new chip and a revised Health app are intended to capture even more health data.
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available as usual with a case length of 42 or 46 millimeters. The outdoor variant, Apple Watch Ultra 4, also remains unchanged externally: it has a titanium case with a 49 mm case length and retains the largest Watch display.
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S11 Chip and Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring
Both watches receive a new S11 chip and a revised sensor array on the underside, which measures heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, among other things. The new optical and electronic sensors now allow continuous health monitoring: the green LEDs are larger and now measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. This provides deeper insight into the wearer’s health status and is intended to make the activity rings more accurate. There is also a new heart rate complication that displays the heart rate in real time. Previously, this was only possible when a workout was started.
The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) value, an important indicator of stress and recovery, is now measured up to 24 times more frequently. It can be viewed in a new section of the Heart Rate app. It now shows two variants: the HRV value during recovery and the general HRV. The first is intended to detect everyday signals of stress and recovery, while the second value provides insight into overall and cardiovascular health. Vitals recorded during sleep contribute to the recovery value.
Apple Watch Series 12 und Ultra 4 (14 Bilder)
According to Apple, step counting has been revised with new machine learning algorithms. With the S11, more accurate distance measurements during indoor walking or running training should be possible than before. The two watches receive a new Steps complication, allowing users to track their steps in real time directly from the watch face.
Local Sound Recognition
Sound recognition can alert deaf individuals or people with hearing impairments to important sounds. This should also work without an iPhone. The function recognizes sounds such as sirens, alarms, doorbells, or a crying baby. The recordings are only used to notify the user about sounds.
Music playing in the background should be immediately recognized by the Shazam music search function, displaying the song title and artist in a widget of the Smart Stack. For both functions, Apple aims to provide the highest possible data protection: no audio recordings should be created or stored. The raw audio data used should be processed in a secure, isolated area of the S11, the Secure Enclave, and deleted immediately. This way, neither users nor the operating system, other apps, or Apple can access the data.
Siri AI and Audio Intelligence Not in the EU
Apple has announced further sound recognition functions with Audio Intelligence, which will be available later via Siri AI: Live Rewind can show users the last 15 seconds of a conversation as a text excerpt. Siri Recap summarizes conversations from an entire day and generates an overview with bullet points. Both functions are part of the new Siri app, which will not be available in the EU initially.
Daily Form Shows Current Fitness Level
With the Series 12 and Ultra 4, Apple is introducing the “Tagesform” (Readiness) function. This function analyzes, for example, recent sports activities, training load, and vital and sleep values to determine capacity and performance for the upcoming day. Daily Form is indicated by a score from 0 to 10. Users also receive recommendations on whether to rest and recover, take it easy, or go all out. The value is updated throughout the day as vital signs improve or decline. Apple developed the algorithm for the assessment using data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study in collaboration with sports scientists and physicians.
Longer Battery Life During Training and Faster Charging
The Apple Watch Series 12 continues to offer up to 24 hours of battery life with normal, mixed use. For outdoor workouts, the battery life should be ten hours. According to Apple, this is up to 25 percent more than before. The fast charging function has been revised; 15 minutes of charging should be sufficient for up to 12 hours of battery life.
For outdoor workouts with the Ultra 4, Apple specifies a battery life of 25 hours, promising 25 percent more than its predecessor.
Case, Prices, and Availability
Both watches can be pre-ordered from September 9th and will be available from September 18th. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at 449 Euros, depending on size and material. The aluminum variants are available in Dark Bronze, Black, Light Gold, and Space Gray. The titanium model is available in Natural Titanium or Gold. Additionally, a version with a ceramic case in Pearl White or Midnight Blue is available again. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has a Natural or Black Titanium case and costs from 899 Euros.
(hze)
