Everything We Know About Apple Watch 12 & Ultra 4

Apple drops a new Apple Watch or three every year in the fall. This September we can expect to get the new Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and potentially also an Apple Watch SE 4. The recent WWDC announcement introduced lots of new watchOS 27 software features and the hints we got along with rumors we've heard, is starting to paint a picture of the new Apple Watch lineup.

Apple Watch Rumors

Apple's 2026 baseline watch, which will likely be called the Apple Watch Series 12, is rumored to have a new chip, more sensors, new health tracking features, and maybe a button that allows for a fingerprint unlock using Touch ID. If the buzz about sensors and/or Touch ID are true, this could mean that we're getting a significant redesign, which we haven't had for a long time.

The Touch ID rumor got me the most excited, but it is also the most improbable. It was Macworld that discovered a patent for Apple Watch Touch ID tech, but Apple files plenty of patents that don't end up included in the final product. Plus, two of the top Apple leakers, Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman, have not entertained this rumor.

What Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has talked about was a major redesign complete with a new magnetic band mechanism, which he now says will be postponed until 2028. During a live Q&A on March 26, Gurman confirmed that he does not expect a huge redesign on the Apple Watch Series 12 until 2027 or even 2028. While this isn't exciting news, there is a rumored folding iPhone being released this fall which would overshadow any new Apple Watch design. Gurman also mentioned there being lots of new band colors and configurations, which isn't the most exciting but it's always fun to have more options!

Geeky Gadgets, on the other hand, have been reporting that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will have a thinner body while sporting a larger display, which would be exciting since the Apple Watch Ultra hasn't changed much since it first came out in 2022. To keep up with the latest Apple Watch news, features, and rumors, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

We also learned during the June 8 WWDC keynote event that all Apple products will finally get to experience the long-promised smarter Siri, which could mean new AI-powered watch features! I'm personally hoping for an improved and customizable Workout Buddy that would actually feel like a training coach.

According to DigiTimes, the new Apple Watch lineup might feature blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. We already got hypertension notifications in 2025, so maybe the blood pressure monitoring rumors are not as farfetched as they seem. However, a non-invasive method of detecting blood glucose levels seems unlikely to happen any time soon. DigiTimes does believe that we will get the double amount of Apple Watch sensors we have today, which could mean that the device would rely less on interpreting algorithmic data, therefore improving efficiency and battery life.

Apple has also been working on all-day heart-rate monitoring rather than periodically, at least according to a Tweet by Gurman. He also thinks there will be more general wellness style features that are similar to those of the Oura Ring or a Whoop wearable rather than focusing on closing Apple Watch Rings. As someone who got very overwhelmed trying to live up to my Apple Watch's expectations, having a softer more holistic approach to health sounds like a breath of fresh air.

Unfortunately, none of these rumors can be confirmed or denied until Apple's September Event. It is possible that there will be leaks in the upcoming weeks that could give us an even better idea of what's coming next. Next, learn about the other devices Apple might be releasing in 2026!

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