Apple unveils Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with new health features and AI capabilities

Apple has unveiled its new generation of smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The company highlighted advanced health monitoring, a new 'Readiness' score, artificial intelligence-based features and longer battery backup as the main attractions of this year's models.

The Apple Watch Series 12 features a new 'Health Sensing System'. This will make it possible to measure heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) more frequently. Alongside this, the new 'Readiness' feature will analyse the user's sleep, physical activity, training load and other health-related data to give an idea of their daily level of preparedness.

Besides health and fitness, various AI-based features have been added to the two new watches. Through watchOS 27, users will have the opportunity to use AI-supported Siri on the Apple Watch. Under the new 'Audio Intelligence' system, features such as Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap and faster Shazam are also being provided. However, some features of Live Rewind and Siri Recap will arrive later in beta.

A major improvement has also been brought to the Ultra 4 model in terms of battery capacity. With normal use, it can provide backup for up to 50 hours, and in low power mode, that time can increase to 84 hours. Apple has said that just 15 minutes of charging can provide backup for up to 18 hours. The Ultra 4 also features a 49mm titanium case, improved GPS and water resistance up to 100 metres.

The Series 12, on the other hand, will be available in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. Versions in various materials including aluminium, titanium and ceramic will be available. Pre-orders for both models have started. Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 will go on official sale in the Indian market from September 18. Apple has said the two new watches will also start being supplied to various markets around the world on the same day.