{
  "id": 8042671,
  "title": "Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Reviews: Look Out, Oura Ring",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/apple-watch-series-12-and-ultra-4-reviews-look-out-oura-ring",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-17T14:23:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MacRumors",
    "slug": "macrumors",
    "url": "https://www.macrumors.com/review/apple-watch-series-12-ultra-4/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 have received preliminary reviews ahead of their September 18 launch. Despite outward similarities to their predecessors, both new devices boast upgrades such as a more potent S11 chip, larger LEDs on the optical heart sensor, and improved heart rate sensing capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces a Readiness app, more precise step tracking, and quicker charging times. Meanwhile, the Ultra 4 meets Apple's battery life expectations, maintaining a charge for up to 48 hours with typical usage. Unlike competitors, the Apple Watch continuously updates its Readiness score throughout the day, offering actionable advice for users to optimize their daily activities and workouts. The new Audio Intelligence features Siri Rewind and Live Recap are set to debut with an upcoming watchOS update. While the new case options and colors provide visual variety, reviewers note that the absence of multi-day battery life and the ongoing subscription requirement for some stats sets the Apple Watch apart from devices like the Oura Ring. Overall, reviewers consider the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 a solid upgrade from older models, with a focus on enhanced health sensing systems and gesture support for hands-free interactions.",
  "summary": "The first reviews of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are now available ahead of the devices launching this Friday, September 18. While both new Apple Watches look virtually identical to the previous-generation models on the outside, there are a handful of upgrades this year. For example, a more powerful S11 chip and larger LEDs on the optical heart sensor enable more accurate…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechSpot",
        "title": "Apple iOS 27 is draining iPhone batteries faster, but it should be temporary",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/apple-ios-27-is-draining-iphone-batteries-faster-but-it-should-be",
        "published": "2026-09-17T11:58:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "Finally, Readiness score comes to Apple Watch — Apple explains how it works and why now was the ‘right time’ to launch it",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/finally-readiness-score-comes-to-apple-watch-apple-explains-how-it",
        "published": "2026-09-17T12:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "The Apple Watch Series 12 is the start of a new wearable era",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/the-apple-watch-series-12-is-the-start-of-a-new-wearable-era",
        "published": "2026-09-17T12:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Mac",
        "title": "Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 review: More personal than ever before",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/apple-watch-series-12-and-ultra-4-review-more-personal-than-ever",
        "published": "2026-09-17T12:00:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}