Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman provided a detailed preview of Apple’s next-generation wearables, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, ahead of the company’s scheduled September 9 event. Gurman’s analysis suggests that the new models will not feature a radical redesign, but will instead focus on incremental upgrades that improve performance and health monitoring capabilities.
Design and Materials
According to Gurman, the overall silhouette of both the Series 12 and Ultra 4 is expected to remain consistent with the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. The casings are likely to retain the same dimensions and button layout that have defined the lineup for the past two releases. While a major aesthetic overhaul is not on the table, Gurman highlighted the return of a ceramic case option for the Series 12. Apple has reportedly tested both white and dark‑gray ceramic variants, echoing the premium materials offered for the high‑end Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017.
Rumors about a new band incorporating an embedded health sensor have circulated, but Gurman did not confirm such a feature for the upcoming watches. The focus appears to be on refining existing components rather than introducing entirely new hardware accessories.
Performance and Health Features
One of the most significant changes anticipated is a new processor. The current Series 11 and Ultra 3 both rely on the S10 chip, which debuted with the Series 10 and Ultra 2. Gurman expects Apple to introduce an S11 chip—or a later iteration—to power the Series 12 and Ultra 4. This would mark the first meaningful performance boost for the Apple Watch in several years, delivering faster app launch times and smoother operation.
In the health arena, testing has revealed a new capability for the heart‑rate sensor: continuous data collection throughout the day. This enhancement could provide users with more granular insights into their cardiovascular trends without needing to manually trigger readings. Additionally, Gurman noted that Apple is revamping its Health and Fitness apps to display a broader set of wellness metrics, aligning the experience with popular third‑party platforms such as Whoop and Oura.
Future Outlook
Gurman confirmed that an Apple Watch SE 4 is not slated for release this year, indicating that Apple may be concentrating its resources on the flagship and ultra lines. He also mentioned that a “big redesign” is under development, but warned that such a transformation is unlikely to arrive for another one to two years.
Looking further ahead, Apple continues work on a blood‑sugar detection feature for the watch, with a long‑term goal of making it available by 2030. While that capability remains several years away, its inclusion in Apple’s roadmap underscores the company’s ambition to expand the watch’s role as a comprehensive health monitoring device.
Overall, Gurman’s preview paints a picture of evolutionary rather than revolutionary change for Apple’s wearable lineup. Consumers can anticipate a familiar form factor, a premium ceramic case option, a faster processor, and enhanced health‑tracking functions when the Series 12 and Ultra 4 are officially unveiled on September 9.
Norman Pearlstine is the Chief Editor of News Raise and focuses on Business news. His responsibility is to oversee the editorial content including business, commodities, personal investments and the stock market.
