Apple introduces Watch 12 and Ultra 4 with S11 chip and premium case materials
New Apple Watch records and analyzes conversations (photo: Apple)
At its September presentation, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 smartwatches with the new S11 processor, ceramic cases and the AI-powered Audio Intelligence feature, according to Apple.
AI “in your ears”: How does Audio Intelligence work?
The main new feature in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 is the Audio Intelligence system powered by the S11 processor.
It continuously analyzes the sound environment around the user using the built-in microphone.
Key options:
Live Rewind: Double-tapping the Digital Crown displays a text transcription of the last 15 seconds of a conversation. Activation is accompanied by a sound signal, a microphone indicator and an animation on the screen.
Siri Recap: Creates a short text summary of a conversation and saves it in the Siri app. It can only be activated manually.
Sound recognition: Alerts users to a baby crying, a doorbell, a siren, or an alarm even without an iPhone connection.
Background Shazam: Automatically identifies music playing nearby and displays the track title and artist in a widget.
The Audio Intelligence features will be available by the end of 2026. They require an iPhone 16 or later with Apple Intelligence enabled and are unavailable in European Union countries.
Privacy protection
Apple emphasizes that Audio Intelligence does not create or store audio files. Audio processing takes place in the hardware-isolated Secure Enclave inside the S11 chip, after which the input data is immediately deleted.
The system does not identify speakers by name, while Siri Recap automatically blocks the collection of sensitive information such as financial data or personal identification numbers.
A new level of accuracy and measurements
Both watches received an updated health sensor platform with a larger electrode for ECG, larger photodiodes in the PPG sensor, and energy-efficient LED emitters.
This made it possible to increase the measurement frequency:
- heart rate is measured once every 5 seconds;
- heart rate variability is checked once every 5 minutes.
Based on activity, resting heart rate, and sleep quality, the watches generate a daily Readiness score on a scale from 0 to 10, along with recommendations on workout intensity.
Apple Watch Series 12: Classic design, fast charging, and ceramic
The Apple Watch Series 12 is designed for everyday use and brings back premium case materials.
Series 12 specifications:
-
Sizes: 42 mm and 46 mm;
-
Materials: aluminum (black, light gold, space gray, dark bronze), titanium (gold, natural), ceramic (pearl white and midnight blue), as well as a Hermès version;
-
Battery life: 24 hours of general use;
-
Charging: 15 minutes on the charger provides up to 12 hours of use;
Price: from $399, with sales starting September 18.
Apple Watch Ultra 4: Record-breaking battery and sports
The flagship Apple Watch Ultra 4 is designed for extreme conditions, long workouts, and extended battery life.
Ultra 4 features:
Battery life: up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, up to 50 hours in normal mode and up to 25 hours in Extended Workout mode;
Special features: support for the new VO2 Max test, AI-powered health analysis in the Health app and an Insights tab;
Case and bands: titanium case (natural and black), Hermès version with a Grand H titanium bracelet featuring an adjustment mechanism that can be used over a wetsuit;
Price: from $799.
