Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Leak Hints at Ceramic Design and Major Health Upgrade

Apple's upcoming 'Surprise and Shine' event is less than two weeks away, and rumours surrounding the company's next-generation devices are picking up pace. While the iPhone 18 lineup is expected to take centre stage, Apple could also have some significant upgrades in store for its smartwatches.

According to a new report, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 could introduce more continuous health tracking, along with a redesigned approach to presenting wellness data.

Apple Watch Series 12 May Get Always-On Heart Rate Tracking

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims Apple is testing always-on heart rate monitoring for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4.

Currently, Apple Watch models monitor heart rate during workouts and take periodic readings during regular use. The reported upgrade could allow the upcoming watches to capture heart-rate data more continuously throughout the day.

This could give users a more detailed view of how their heart rate changes during different activities, rest and other parts of their daily routine.

Apple Could Take on Whoop and Oura

Apple is also reportedly working on a redesigned health and fitness experience. Gurman says the company wants to make wellness metrics easier to understand, potentially bringing the experience closer to dedicated fitness platforms such as Whoop and Oura.

Rather than presenting health information as isolated readings or workout statistics, Apple could offer a broader picture of how the body responds throughout the day.

Ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 Also Tipped

The health upgrades may not be the only changes. Apple is reportedly testing a ceramic version of the Watch Series 12, potentially in white and dark grey finishes. New band colours and configurations are also expected.

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 are expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra at Apple's September 9 event.