Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: What Apple is planning
Apple is planning a redesign of its smartwatch form factors in the long term. But that could still take a while. This is what's planned for the coming autumn.
Apple Watch Series 11 with sleep tracking.
(Image: Apple)
What's next for the Apple Watch? It seems clear that Apple will introduce the Series 12 of the computer watch in September – presumably along with a new Ultra generation, the fourth by then. But nobody knows yet what innovations the models will get. After leaks about operating changes and possible design improvements, things have been quiet lately regarding the next Apple wearables. An overview of what we already know – and what we expect in the coming months.
Old design remains old design
The idea that Apple could give its Watch a new form factor is an old rumor. In practice, however, little has changed. While there have been changes in the device's construction, with larger screens, different back panels, and various case materials, an Apple Watch from 2025 still looks almost the same as one from 2015. Speculations that Apple might make the computer watch squarer and flatter have not materialized. This also has advantages: The entire strap collection for the Watch can still be used ten years after its sales launch. The biggest change in the Apple Watch series was the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022 with a more robust, larger case and significantly extended battery life. The affordable SE models, in turn, look like the regular Apple Watch.
Even in September 2026, the look of the regular Apple Watch is unlikely to change. There is currently no concrete information that Apple is undertaking a redesign. Instead, an accelerated chip is expected, promising more performance. There is also no news about new sensors. At most, it's conceivable that Apple will improve existing algorithms for blood pressure monitoring, for example. A rather not very trustworthy rumor, on the other hand, states that Apple is planning sensors for its Apple Watch bands for the first time to capture more data. There are also corresponding patents for this. But apart from one leak, the rumor mill is silent on this.
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Touch ID, Ultra 4 Look, Blood Sugar
The same applies to the idea that Apple could integrate a Touch ID sensor into the watch – either on the screen or in the side button. With the fingerprint sensor, the watch could be better secured, as currently only a code is sufficient to unlock it – which then needs to be re-entered when the device is removed.
There is also little new information about the Apple Watch Ultra 4. It could theoretically receive new colors and offer a longer battery life. Observers, however, do not expect a new SE, then SE 4, this year. Meanwhile, Apple continues to work on other sensors such as for blood sugar levels – the company has been doing this for years. The Apple Watch turned 10 last year. Apple did not introduce a new design for it. It was recently reported from China that this might be made up for next year, when the iPhone celebrates its 20th birthday.
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