Report: Apple Watch Series 12 may feature always-on heart-rate tracking, new Fitness app

Apple is reportedly developing two significant upgrades for its upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The two key features are always-on heart-rate tracking and a new app design aimed at providing more comprehensive wellness-related metrics to users. This comes as a welcome improvement for those who feel the current Apple Watch falls short in terms of fitness tracking.

The new app design is said to be inspired by popular health-focused apps like Whoop and Oura, which provide users with detailed insights into their sleep and recovery patterns. Unlike Apple Watch, which only focuses on activity rings, the revamped app would enable users to better understand and improve their overall health data.

To achieve this, Apple is reportedly testing the heart-rate sensor to record heart rate continuously throughout the day, not just during workouts or at random intervals. This move would enhance the device's data collection capabilities and make it a more robust fitness tracking tool.

Furthermore, Apple is also exploring two color options for the rumored ceramic version of the Apple Watch Series 12. These include a traditional white and a dark gray finish, along with new band colors and configurations. The current Apple Watch design language, introduced in 2024 with the Series 12, marked a slight shift with the watch becoming thinner at the expense of bezels.

Bloomberg suggests that a redesigned Apple Watch might be unveiled next year, possibly with the Series 13 or 14, though it’s not entirely clear at this point. Overall, these potential enhancements to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 underscore Apple's commitment to making its wearable device a more comprehensive health and fitness solution.