Apple Watch series 12
Apple Watch Series 12 is built on the new health measurement system and the Apple S11 chip. The company says the combination allows for more frequent heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, which are used to provide additional health and fitness information. The watch measures your heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, and HRV measurements can be taken up to 24 times more often than before.
The new sensor system also provides a readiness function that analyzes recent activity, training load, vital signs and sleep data to produce a score from 0 to 10. The score is accompanied by indications such as “Recovery”, “Taming”, “Ready” or “Act” and can change throughout the day as new data becomes available.
Nighttime vital signs now include recovery HRV measured against the user’s personal baseline, and a new daytime view allows users to switch between daytime and nighttime measurements. Apple has also redesigned its pedometer model, using machine learning algorithms to improve distance measurement and step counting. The new Steps complication allows users to see their step count right on the watch face.
Battery life remains rated at up to 24 hours for everyday use, and battery life for outdoor workouts extends to 10 hours. Apple says 15 minutes of charging can provide up to 12 hours of additional battery life.
The S11 chip also powers a new set of Audio Intelligence features coming later this year. These include audio recognition, live rewind, Siri Recap, and faster Shazam.
Sound recognition can alert users to sounds such as sirens, alarms, doorbells and a crying baby, even when the iPhone is not nearby. Live Rewind can display a snippet of text covering the previous 15 seconds of a conversation, and Siri Recap can create a summary of the conversation so users can review it later.
Apple says the audio features are designed without storing audio recordings. The raw audio is processed in a hardware-isolated environment using the S11 chip and then removed. Users can choose whether to enable individual features, and Live Rewind and Siri Recap are fully encrypted when synced via iCloud. A beta version of Live Rewind and Siri Recap is planned for later this year.
Siri AI on Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 12 with watchOS 27 also gets Siri AI, a new version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. It is designed to support more natural conversations and leverage personal context and wider world knowledge. The new Siri app allows users to continue conversations on the go, and the modular Siri watch face provides faster access to the assistant.
watchOS 27 also introduces a dynamic app grid that highlights five apps Siri suggests based on frequently and recently used apps. A new one-handed tap gesture allows users to interact with Smart Stack widgets, and Smart Stack can suggest widgets based on context, such as a parked car reminder or birthday message.
The update also adds perimenopause and menopause support to cycle tracking and allows Workout Buddy to work on Apple Watch when the iPhone isn’t nearby, as long as connection requirements are met.
Price and availability
Apple Watch Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. In India, Apple Watch Series 12 is now available for pre-order and will go on sale in stores from September 18.
Aluminum (GPS or GPS + Cellular): From Rs 56,900.
- Options: dark bronze, black and light gold, space gray
Titan (GPS + Cellular): From Rs 99,900.
- Shining gold, natural titanium
Ceramics (GPS + cellular): from 124,900 rupees.
- Pearl white and night blue
Offers:
- No Cost EMI: Available for up to 6 months from select banks.
- Bank offer: Cashback up to Rs 6,000 on select iPhone models with eligible cards.
Watch straps
Apple is also adding new colors and finishes to its lineup of Apple Watch bands. The Sport Band will be available in olive, burgundy, wildflower blue and pale succulent, while the Sport Loop will receive chambray blue and magenta options, as well as new burgundy and light amber checkered patterns.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple Watch Ultra 4 includes most of the new health, fitness and AI features introduced in Apple Watch Series 12, including a new health measurement system, the S11 chip, more frequent heart rate and HRV measurements, readiness assessment, improved step tracking and new Audio Intelligence features.
What makes the Ultra 4 different is its focus on longer outdoor workouts and battery life. Apple says the watch can provide up to 50 hours of daily use, and up to 84 hours in low power mode. A 15-minute charge can extend battery life up to 18 hours.
For longer outdoor activities, Apple introduced an Extended Workout mode that provides up to 25 hours of tracking with full GPS and heart rate measurement. Max Extended Workout extends this time to 45 hours for activities like running, walking and hiking, while still recording GPS data every second.
The Ultra 4 also retains the rugged design and outdoor-focused features of the Ultra line, with a titanium body and Alpine Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Band options. Available in Natural and Black colors.
Like the Series 12, Ultra 4 supports Siri AI through watchOS 27, as well as a revamped app grid, Smart Stack contextual suggestions, a new one-handed tap gesture, enhanced cycle tracking, and Workout Buddy without an iPhone when Wi-Fi or cellular is available.
Price and availability
- Alpine Loop: Rs 1,09,900.
- Trail: Rs 1,09,900.
- Ocean Band: Rs 1,09,900.
- Titanium Milanese Loop: Rs.1,24,900.
- Colours: natural and black.
Offers:
- No Cost EMI: Available for up to 6 months from most leading banks.
- Bank offer: Cashback up to Rs 6,000 on select iPhone models with eligible cards.
AirPods 5
Apple’s new AirPods 5 retain the open-back design, but make active noise cancellation standard across the line. In AirPods 4, the ANC feature was only available on the more expensive AirPods 4 with the ANC option. This means buyers will no longer have to upgrade to a separate ANC model to get noise cancellation.
Apple claims that the AirPods 5 can reduce ambient noise by 50 percent more than the AirPods 4 with ANC. They also get features like transparency mode, adaptive audio, and conversation tracking that automatically lowers the media volume when the user starts talking.
The headphones feature a new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation adaptive equalizer, and personalized spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.
Siri AI and live translation
AirPods 5 also brings Apple’s new Siri AI experience to the headphones when paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Siri can use personal context, answer broader questions, and perform actions in supported apps. Users can also respond to Siri with head gestures: a nod for “yes” and a shake for “no.”
Live Translation is another addition to AirPods. With support for Apple Intelligence and the Translate app, users can hear translated speech through their AirPods during a call. This feature can be activated by pressing both AirPods handles, using a Siri voice command, or the Action button on a compatible iPhone.
Apple says Live Translation is available across the entire AirPods line, depending on compatible hardware, software, languages, and regions.
AirPods 5 with wireless charging case
The more expensive AirPods 5 variant adds a wireless charging case and swipe-based volume controls on the AirPods’ legs. Users can swipe up or down the stem to adjust volume, bringing control to Apple’s open-ear AirPods for the first time.
Battery life is rated at:
- Up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on a single charge
- Up to 22 hours of listening time with noise canceling and charging case
The case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-certified chargers, and USB-C chargers.
AirPods 5: Pricing and Availability
- AirPods 5: Rs 14,900.
- AirPods 5 with wireless charging case: Rs 17,900.
Pre-orders are open and both models will be available in stores on September 18th.
Offers:
- No Cost EMI: Get up to 6 months No Cost EMI
- Bank: Rs 4,000 cashback on AirPods with eligible cards.