Apple opens preorders for Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with new health sensor system
Apple unveiled the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, both built around a new S11 chip and a redesigned Health Sensing System aimed at improving heart rate and heart rate variability tracking. The system uses ring-arranged photodiodes, larger electrodes, and bigger, more efficient green LEDs to measure heart rate every five seconds, with HRV readings taken up to 24 times more often than before. Preorders for both models are now open.
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More frequent and precise vitals tracking pushes Apple Watch further into daily health monitoring territory, competing with dedicated fitness and medical wearables. The added daytime vitals view and baseline comparisons could make the watch more useful for spotting early signs of stress or illness, reinforcing Apple's strategy of positioning the Watch as a preventive health tool rather than just a fitness tracker.
- New S11 chip and Health Sensing System enable more frequent heart rate and HRV readings.
- Redesigned photodiodes, electrodes, and LEDs improve sensor accuracy and efficiency.
- New daytime vitals view lets users compare metrics against personal baselines in real time.
Apple Watch Series 10 — If you're eyeing Apple's newest heart-sensing hardware, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the readily available model that already covers the essentials: heart rate tracking, ECG, sleep and workout metrics, plus deep iPhone integration. It's a great entry point into the Watch ecosystem while preorders ship.
See Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Apple starts preorders for Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 with new Health Sensing System”
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