How the new Apple Watches compare to the last-gen models

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="The new Apple Watches come in a variety of material and strap combinations." data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/268734_iPhone_2026_event_handson_ADiBenedetto_0034.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> The new Apple Watches come in a variety of material and strap combinations. </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple rolled out the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/992568/apple-watch-hands-on-series-12-ultra-4">Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4</a> at the "Surprise and shine" event. The new watches feature sizable improvements to the health sensors and tracking, plus the ability to recite audio transcriptions and summaries, plus a ceramic case option for the Series 12. Despite the new features, the watches start at the same base price as their previous iterations. The Apple Watch Series 12 costs $399 for the aluminum version without cellular, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs $799.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The biggest differences between the models are new features powered by the S11 processor. It supports the new Apple Intelligence features a …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/990508/apple-watch-series-12-ultra-4-spec-comparison">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>