Apple has launched its next-generation smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, in India. Pre-orders began today, with devices available for purchase starting September 18, 2026. Both models feature significant upgrades to health tracking and processing capabilities, powered by the new S11 chipset.
New Health and AI Features
A key focus of the Series 12 and Ultra 4 is enhanced health monitoring. Both watches incorporate AI-driven health tools, including Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tracking, which measures the body’s response to stress and overall well-being. Apple claims these new watches offer the most accurate heart rate sensing available in a wearable, based on testing with machines and during activities like running and HIIT workouts.
The watches also introduce a new interface for checking HRV, constantly monitoring heart rate, detecting stress, and tracking sleep cycles. A ‘Readiness’ feature analyzes recent activity, vitals, and sleep to provide a score ranging from ‘Recover’ to ‘Ready’ to ‘Go For It’, accessible on the watch and within the Health App. Apple Intelligence integration provides summaries of health data and recommends activities to maintain wellness.
The Health Age feature assesses whether a user’s health metrics align with their age and suggests improvements. On-device AI notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, include a Live Recognition feature that can detect sounds like alarms, doorbells, and crying babies. A Live Rewind feature can transcribe and rewind conversations for up to 15 seconds, while Siri Recap uses ambient noise to capture conversations for note-taking, with a focus on user privacy – Apple states that audio is not recorded, stored, or accessed.
Performance and Design
Both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are powered by the 64-bit S11 chipset, which includes a faster Neural Engine, CPU, and GPU. The S11 also incorporates a secure enclave to process audio without storing it.
The Apple Watch Series 12 offers three casing options: Aluminum, Titanium, and Ceramic. Aluminum cases are available in Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, and Space Grey. Titanium cases come in Radiant Gold and Natural Color, while Ceramic cases are offered in Pearl White and Night Blue. The Series 12 is available in 42MM and 46MM sizes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 features a rugged design with a titanium case, available in black and natural titanium. Both models include a Ceramic Shield display, with the Series 12 Ceramic variant extending this protection to the entire watch body.
Battery Life and Pricing
Apple promises up to 24 hours of battery life for the Apple Watch Series 12 and up to 48 hours for the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Indian pricing is as follows:
- Apple Watch Series 12 (Aluminum, GPS): Rs 56,900 (42MM), Rs 62,900 (46MM)
- Apple Watch Series 12 (Aluminum, GPS + Cellular): Rs 62,900 (42MM), Rs 74,900 (46MM)
- Apple Watch Series 12 (Titanium, GPS + Cellular): Rs 99,900 (42MM), Rs 1,04,900 (46MM)
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 (Alpine Loop): Rs 1,09,900
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 (Ocean Band): Rs 1,09,900
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 (Titanium Milanese Loop): Rs 1,24,900
- Apple Watch Series 12 (Ceramic, GPS + Cellular): Rs 1,24,900 (42mm), Rs 1,30,900 (46mm)
Both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 run watchOS 27.
