Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will reportedly skip a major redesign
Vladislav Nikolaev
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are in late-stage testing, and Apple is prioritizing health and fitness upgrades, updated processors, and faster performance over a fresh design, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says. The new watches are still expected in 2026, but the company has pushed a major redesign further down the road.
Series 12 is being tested in two versions: Wi-Fi only and cellular. Apple is using the codename N237 for one Series 12 model and N238 for the other, while Apple Watch Ultra 4 carries the codename N240.
The design side appears to be moving much more slowly. Gurman says Apple does not expect a major overhaul for the new watches, and the company's broader rethink of the lineup is still further out.
Apple Watch performance has not materially changed since 2023, when the S9 chip debuted, even though Apple has formally introduced new processors since then. Looking ahead, Apple is working on a more ambitious rethinking of Apple Watch, but I would not expect it for another year or two.
Apple is also still developing a noninvasive blood sugar monitoring feature for Apple Watch. For now, though, the next two premium models seem set to arrive with internal upgrades first and a familiar design second.
It was previously reported that Apple has decided to scrap the Mac Pro models powered by its most powerful chips.
What matters more for Apple Watch users right now: faster hardware or a long-delayed redesign?
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