The Apple Watch Series 12 will not feature a new design – Bloomberg
This is according to Bloomberg, citing journalist Mark Gurman.
The company has not yet officially announced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, so the names, specifications and release dates remain provisional.
What will change in the Apple Watch Series 12
According to Gurman, Apple will focus not on the watches’ appearance, but on their performance. The Series 12 and Ultra 4 are set to feature new chips that will ensure faster system and app performance.
The current Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 run on the S10 chip. Apple has been using its basic architecture for several generations now, so the new processor could mark the first significant performance boost in recent years.
Separately, Apple is preparing improvements to health and fitness tracking features. Bloomberg does not specify exactly which new metrics the Series 12 and Ultra 4 will be able to monitor.
The previous generation is already capable of assessing sleep quality and alerting users to signs of chronic high blood pressure. The Apple Watch Series 11 also lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, whilst the Ultra 3 lasts up to 42 hours in normal mode and up to 72 hours in power-saving mode.
When will the Apple Watch get a new design?
A major redesign of the Apple Watch is not expected in 2026. According to Bloomberg, the Series 12 and Ultra 4 will look similar to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3.
Noticeable changes to the case, screen or strap attachment method may not appear for another year or two. This means that a new design is not expected until 2027 at the earliest, although Apple may change its plans.
Reports of a possible inclusion of Touch ID or additional sensors in the straps have not yet been reliably confirmed. Gurman did not mention these features amongst the expected innovations for the Series 12 and Ultra 4.
Will there be a new Apple Watch SE?
There are no plans to update the more affordable Apple Watch SE series this year. Apple unveiled the third-generation SE in September 2025, so the next model may be released later.
The Apple Watch SE 3 features an S10 chip, an always-on display, fast charging, 5G support and enhanced health monitoring capabilities.
When will the Apple Watch measure blood sugar?
Apple continues to develop technology for measuring glucose levels without a skin prick. Such a feature could help users monitor changes in their levels without the need for a traditional blood test.
According to Bloomberg, the company expects to bring the technology to market by around 2030. However, development is still far from complete, so the feature is not expected to feature in the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4.
What else is Apple working on?
The company is also working on its own smart glasses. Privacy remains a key concern, as a device with cameras could film people around it without their apparent consent.
Apple is testing new software and hardware mechanisms to protect privacy. According to Gurman, the glasses could be unveiled at the WWDC conference in June 2027, with sales set to begin by the end of that year. The company has not officially confirmed these dates.
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