Apple Watch Series 12 to Feature Ceramic Options, New Chips, and Enhanced Fitness Metrics

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Written by John Oliver

2026-08-30

Get ready for some modest yet meaningful changes in the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, expected to be unveiled soon. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new models won’t undergo any significant design overhaul compared to the Series 11 and Ultra 3 versions. However, they will introduce some interesting material options and technical upgrades.

Discover the Latest in the New Smartwatches

Firstly, the ceramic case—last seen in 2017 with the Apple Watch Series 3—makes a comeback. Apple has been testing both white and dark gray ceramic cases, offering a stylish alternative for those who appreciate the finer details.

In terms of performance, expect Apple to finally replace the aging S10 chip found in Series 11 and Ultra 3 with the newer S11 chip, promising the first performance boost in several years. This upgrade should enhance the overall speed and efficiency of the device.

Health and fitness tracking is also set to improve. One intriguing feature under development involves the heart-rate sensor continuously monitoring your heart rate throughout the day. In conjunction with these enhancements, Apple plans to revamp its Health and Fitness apps, aligning them more closely with offerings from popular apps like Whoop and Oura.

As health tracking evolves, consider reading about the best workouts to burn fat to maximize the benefits of your Apple Watch Series 12.

If you’re anticipating a big redesign, Gurman suggests holding your breath a while longer. A major overhaul is in the pipeline but isn’t expected for at least another year or two. Looking further into the future, Apple continues its development of blood sugar detection technology, with hopes to release it by 2030.

The Apple Watch SE 4 won’t be making an appearance this year, indicating that Apple’s focus remains on refining its higher-end models before branching out further. For now, keep an eye on the Series 12’s ceramic options and performance improvements as the most notable changes this year.

For more insights into the latest tech upgrades, explore how the Curiosity Rover uncovers Mars’ ancient secrets, highlighting Earth’s technology progress.

Sources & Links

Source: macrumors.com

Frequently asked questions

What material options will the Apple Watch Series 12 offer?

The Apple Watch Series 12 will offer ceramic cases, which were last seen in 2017 with the Apple Watch Series 3. Apple has been testing both white and dark gray ceramic cases.

What chip will the Series 12 use?

The Series 12 will use the newer S11 chip, replacing the aging S10 chip found in Series 11 and Ultra 3, providing a performance boost.

Are there any new fitness features in the Series 12?

Yes, health and fitness tracking will improve with features like a heart-rate sensor that continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day.