Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 to feature internal upgrades without design overhaul
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the upcoming Apple Watch models are in late-stage testing, with no refresh planned for the SE line this cycle.
Apple is preparing to launch the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, which will deliver significant internal performance enhancements while retaining the current external design. According to a report by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, the devices are currently in late-stage testing. The update focuses on improved processing power and health-tracking capabilities rather than a visual redesign.
The Series 12 is expected to be available in both Wi-Fi-only and cellular variants. This cycle marks the first major processor change for the Apple Watch line since the introduction of the S9 chip in 2023. While the specific nature of the performance upgrades remains unclear, Gurman indicated that the new chips will provide a noticeable bump in speed and capabilities, alongside advancements in health and fitness tracking.
The Apple Watch SE line is not scheduled for a refresh this year. This decision follows the release of the Apple Watch SE 3 last year, which satisfies the demand for the entry-level segment in the current product cycle. Consumers looking for a more dramatic cosmetic change will need to wait, as Gurman noted that a major design rethink is not anticipated for at least one to two years.
In addition to the hardware updates, Apple continues to develop non-invasive blood sugar detection technology. Gurman reported that the company has been working on related software since 2024, although he cautioned that a wearable capable of measuring blood sugar non-invasively is still a long way from commercial viability. This feature would eventually complement Apple’s broader health software ecosystem.
The upcoming models represent a transitional phase for the Apple Watch, prioritising functional upgrades over aesthetic changes. With the Series 12 and Ultra 4 entering the final stages of testing, the focus remains on delivering tangible performance improvements to existing users while the company prepares for a more substantial design overhaul in the near future.
