Apple Watch Series 12 features leak ahead of Apple's Fall Event

While both models are rumored to bring relatively modest updates, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman offers some insight into what Apple may have planned—particularly for the Series 12. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman describes the Series 12 and Ultra 4 as “fairly minor upgrades.”

However, he says Apple is planning “many new band colors and configurations” for this year’s lineup. One potentially notable change could be the return of ceramic Apple Watch models. Apple is reportedly testing new ceramic “Edition” versions, internally codenamed “Iceman.”

The company discontinued ceramic Edition models in 2019., Apple has tested white and dark gray ceramic finishes for the Series 12. It remains unclear whether similar options are planned for the Ultra 4, though the rugged design of the Ultra makes a ceramic version less likely.

Beyond new bands and finishes, Apple’s 2026 watches are not expected to look dramatically different from recent generations. Instead, most of the improvements could come from updated hardware and software. One of the more interesting changes involves the Apple Watch’s heart-rate sensor.

Gurman reports that Apple is testing a feature that would allow the sensor to “continuously collect data throughout the day.”Currently, the heart-rate sensor provides real-time monitoring during workouts and certain mindfulness sessions, as well as when users open the Heart Rate app.

The watch also takes periodic readings throughout the day to detect unusually high or low heart rates and potential irregular heart rhythms. Continuous monitoring could give the Apple Watch a more detailed picture of the wearer’s heart activity and overall health throughout the day.

Apple is also reportedly overhauling its fitness and health software to make the Apple Watch more competitive with screenless health trackers such as Whoop and Oura. Gurman says the redesigned software will display more wellness-focused metrics.

The move could help Apple close the gap with competitors that have built strong reputations around personalized health and fitness insights. Whoop, for example, offers features such as a daily journal that tracks habits and activities to provide more personalized recommendations.

Finally, Gurman says Apple is still working on the “big redesign” that has been rumored for the Apple Watch. However, that overhaul is reportedly at least another year away, meaning the Series 12 and Ultra 4 are likely to retain the familiar design of recent models.

With the launch approaching, Apple’s next-generation watches appear set to focus less on dramatic visual changes and more on incremental health, fitness, and customization improvements.