GoKawiil
Tech News
The Quantified Scientist's Rob ter Horst compared the Apple Watch Series 12's redesigned heart rate sensor against a Polar H10 chest strap across cycling, running, and weightlifting. He found near-perfect correlation during cycling, strong results while running, and solid but slightly weaker accuracy during weightlifting, an exercise notoriously difficult for wrist sensors to track.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, both built around a redesigned health-tracking system that checks heart rate every five seconds and HRV every five minutes, which Apple calls its most accurate wearable heart sensor yet. The watches also debut Audio Intelligence, featuring sound recognition, a 15-second 'live rewind' transcription tool, and Siri-generated meeting recaps, all powered by Apple's new S11 chip.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its 'Surprise and shine' event, keeping the rugged design of last year's model but swapping in the new S11 processor and an upgraded ECG and heart-rate sensor. The new sensor takes readings up to 60 times more often, checking heart rate every five seconds and heart rate variability every five minutes.
Ahead of Apple's September event, reports point to three key upgrades for the Apple Watch Series 12: an updated S-class chip built for AI features like Siri, an always-on heart rate sensor enabling continuous health tracking, and a returning ceramic case option in white and dark gray. The watch will launch alongside Apple Watch Ultra 4.