Apple introduced two new smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, at its “Surprise and shine” event. The company kept the starting prices of both lines unchanged from the previous generation even as it added health-sensor improvements, expanded tracking features, and a ceramic case option for the Series 12. The Series 12 begins at $399 for the aluminum model without cellular, while the Ultra 4 begins at $799.
The most significant differences between the new watches and the earlier models come from features driven by the S11 processor. That chip enables the new Apple Intelligence capabilities, including the ability to produce short audio transcriptions and summaries, along with more detailed health and fitness programs. The same processor support appears across the new lineup.
Battery life is one area where the Ultra 4 separates itself from its predecessor. Apple rates the Ultra 4 at up to 50 hours on a single charge, compared with 42 hours for the Ultra 3. The gain gives the larger watch a wider gap over the standard Series 12 in endurance.
Buyers comparing the watches by weight will find the new versions slightly heavier than the models they replace. The heaviest ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 measures 42.8 grams in the 42mm size and 52.9 grams in the 46mm size. The heaviest Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes in at 63.1 grams, up from 61.8 grams on the older Ultra.
Apple is positioning the updates around health monitoring and tracking rather than a change in entry pricing. The ceramic case option gives Series 12 buyers a new material choice, while the Ultra 4 leans on its battery improvement. Together, the changes define how the new generation stacks up against the last one.
For US shoppers, the unchanged starting prices mean the aluminum Series 12 remains the $399 entry point and the Ultra 4 stays at $799. Neither figure includes cellular service on the Series 12’s base model, which Apple lists without that connectivity. The watches were announced as part of the company’s broader event coverage.
Detailed comparisons between the new watches and the previous versions were compiled in a chart covering the relevant specifications. Apple’s event also included other product news, including the iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Those items appeared alongside the watch announcements in the company’s event lineup.
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