Abstract:
Apple simultaneously launched Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its autumn conference on September 9. Both new watches are equipped with upgraded processors and new health sensing systems, focusing on strengthening heart rate monitoring, exercise tracking and artificial intelligence functions. Among them, Series 12 continues to be targeted at daily users, while Ultra 4 maintains its positioning for outdoor sports and professional users.
The starting price of Apple Watch Series 12 is still US$399, not following the general price increase trend of other Apple products this year. Apple said the new watch uses a new optical sensing system that can continuously monitor heart rate around the clock and improve reading stability under low-signal conditions. The new sensor will also select a more appropriate sensing channel based on the watch wearing direction and wrist position to improve data performance during exercise and when skin contact is not ideal.
Series 12’s health features have also been further expanded. In addition to existing functions such as heart rate, sleep, activity and training records, the new system will also enhance the analysis of physical status and recovery. Apple was previously found to be preparing a new application called "Readiness" in the watchOS 27 beta version, which may be used to comprehensively assess the user's sleep, training and recovery status to help users determine what intensity of activity is suitable for that day.
In terms of sports functions, Apple is also expanding Apple Watch’s support for strength training. The new version of the system is expected to record single-set training data, including information such as number of repetitions, weight used, type of equipment, side of the body trained and duration of each set. In the past, the "Physical Training" app that comes with Apple Watch mainly recorded the entire training process and was unable to save detailed data group by group like professional fitness apps. This adjustment will make it easier for users to create and track structured training plans directly on the watch.
Series 12 also increases the storage capacity from 64GB of the previous generation to 128GB. The larger storage space will not only accommodate more music, apps, and offline content, but may also provide headroom for running artificial intelligence models locally on the watch in the future. Apple is currently promoting the extension of Siri and other AI functions to the device, so the increase in storage capacity may be related to this development direction.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues to adopt a larger and more rugged outdoor sports design, with the main changes focusing on internal hardware and smart functions. The new Ultra is equipped with a faster chip, upgraded health sensors and a more efficient power management system, and will better support the new version of Siri. Users can perform more operations on the watch through voice, reducing dependence on the iPhone.
Ultra 4 also provides 128GB storage capacity and continues to be suitable for hiking, mountain climbing, diving, trail running and long-term outdoor activities. The Ultra series has previously been equipped with larger displays, independent action buttons, dual-frequency GPS, longer battery life, and stronger waterproofing and durability. The new products do not completely change this product positioning, but improve the user experience through processor, sensor and software upgrades.
The appearance of the two watches is not expected to change significantly. Apple this time places more emphasis on enhancing internal capabilities rather than redesigning the case. Series 12 continues the thin and light daily wear route, while Ultra 4 continues to use a larger size and stronger body to meet the requirements of outdoor sports users for durability, battery life and readability.
This release also has certain management implications. This is Apple's new CEO John Ternus' first major product launch since taking office. Ternus was previously responsible for Apple hardware engineering and is very familiar with the development of Apple Watch and other products. The upgrade direction of the new generation of Apple Watch shows that Apple is further developing wearable devices from simple notification and health recording tools to a platform that continuously senses body status, assists in sports decisions, and provides local intelligent services.
In terms of price strategy, which has attracted much attention, Apple has shown a restrained pricing stance on its two main watch product lines in the face of pressure from rising component costs in the global supply chain. The starting price of Apple Watch Series 12, the core model for the public’s daily health and sports scenarios, is set at
$399
, continues to maintain its benchmark price range in the mainstream smartwatch market; and the official starting price of Apple Watch Ultra 4, the top flagship designed for extreme outdoor sports, endurance challenges and professional diving, remains atUS$799
, continuing the standard specifications and price positioning that this ultra-high-end product line has adhered to since its inception.Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be available for pre-order on September 12th and will be officially launched on September 18th.
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