Key facts
- Apple announced the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with a new "Health Sensing System" and S11 chip.
- The devices claim the "most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable" with higher-frequency measurements.
- New "readiness" scores analyze recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep to offer daily capacity insights.
- The Health app will be updated later this year to include a "Health Age" score and movement evaluations.
- Apple is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to offer a 50-biomarker panel for $119 via the Health app.
Apple announced the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, featuring a new "Health Sensing System" and S11 chip that the company claims provides the "most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable." These devices will capture heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements at higher frequencies than previous models. The "Health Sensing System" includes redesigned photodiodes and a larger electrode surface area for improved efficiency and skin contact.
Both new watches will introduce "readiness" scores, which analyze recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep to offer insights into a user's capacity for the day ahead on a scale of 0 to 10. This score will update throughout the day based on user activity.
The company also announced updates to its iOS Health app, which will roll out later this year and include a "Health Age" score. This feature will compare a user's health metrics against their actual age, using data from sources like VO2 max, sleep patterns, and blood biomarkers. The Health app will also incorporate movement evaluations using vision-based AI models on the iPhone and heart rate data from the Apple Watch, measuring flexibility, strength, and balance.
Additionally, Apple is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to allow users to schedule and purchase lab tests for over 50 key biomarkers directly through the Health app for $119, available at approximately 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations in the US. The company is also integrating Apple Intelligence features into the watches, including Shazam song detection and a "Live Rewind" feature for conversations.