Upgrade to Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4? Here’s how to get the most out of it

If you're considering an upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4, there are several ways to maximize your experience. Upon upgrading, you'll notice improved performance and new health sensing features. However, the watch may seem similar in day-to-day use until you discover some key changes.

To get the most out of your new watch, start by adding exclusive new complication options. The Series 12 and Ultra 4 models support live heart rate, steps count, and readiness score on your watch face. Adding these complications can provide valuable insights into your health and fitness. You may find live heart rate data particularly useful, as it offers more current data compared to previous models' wide slots.

Step tracking can also motivate you to log activity earlier in the day, while the readiness score, which can change throughout the day based on your vitals and activity, can be a helpful reminder to stay on track.

Another handy feature is automatic Shazam recognition. When you open the Smart Stack on your new watch, it can identify the song title and artist playing around you, without the need for Siri or a tap on Shazam. This feature is easy to enable in Settings → Smart Stack and can be a great time-saver in various settings, such as restaurants or coffee shops.

Siri Modular is another feature that comes with watchOS 27 and is present on every Apple Watch, including the Series 12 and Ultra 4. This modular watch face allows for customization, with options for different colors, fonts, layout styles, and complications. Experimenting with different styles can help you find the perfect look for your watch.

To ensure the readiness score is accurate, you'll need to collect data behind the score. Apple recommends completing your Health Details, setting up Activity and overnight vitals, enabling Sleep, and wearing your watch while sleeping for at least seven nights. Additionally, it's essential to have sleep data from the previous night. To make overnight tracking more manageable, find a charging window during the day.

The Vitals app on Series 12 and Ultra 4 provides more insight than previous models, presenting daytime vitals, not just overnight. This information is based on heart rate and recovery heart rate variability. Overnight vitals also factor in respiratory rate and wrist temperature, offering a more comprehensive view of your health.

As for what's coming next, Siri Recap and Live Rewind are on the horizon for Series 12 and Ultra 4. Keep an eye out for these features, as they promise to enhance your Apple Watch experience even further.

Share your favorite ways to get the most out of the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 in the comments below.