Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 leak points to upgraded heart tracking, new wellness tools, and more storage
Apple’s next smartwatch lineup could bring some of the most practical upgrades in years. Ahead of the expected launch of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, newly spotted references in watchOS 27 beta code appear to reveal several features Apple may be preparing for its next-generation wearables.
The biggest highlight is a new optical heart rate sensor. According to the code findings, the updated sensor may deliver a stronger signal-to-noise ratio, which could help improve accuracy during workouts, daily activity tracking, and health monitoring. That would be especially useful for runners, cyclists, strength-training users, and anyone who relies on Apple Watch heart rate data throughout the day.
Previous rumors have also suggested Apple may be working toward more continuous heart rate monitoring. Current Apple Watch models typically check heart rate at intervals when the user is not actively exercising. If the new sensor supports more frequent or continuous readings, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 could offer a more detailed picture of cardiovascular trends, recovery, and overall wellness.
Another interesting clue points to a new app called Readiness. While its full purpose is not yet confirmed, the name strongly suggests Apple may be building a feature focused on recovery, energy levels, or daily preparedness. This could work similarly to wellness metrics that help users understand whether they are ready for intense exercise or should prioritize rest.
The placement of the Readiness app also appears to be significant. It is expected to sit near the Workouts app in the watchOS 27 home screen layout, which suggests Apple may want users to treat recovery and preparation as a core part of fitness tracking, not just an extra feature.
The Workout app itself may also receive meaningful improvements. Code references suggest Apple could add better strength training support, including the ability to record weight and repetitions for exercises such as dumbbell workouts. This would be a welcome change for users who use Apple Watch at the gym but currently depend on third-party apps or manual notes to track resistance training progress.
Storage may be getting a major boost as well. The watchOS 27 beta reportedly includes references to a 128 GB NAND flash storage component. If Apple brings 128 GB storage to the Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4, it would double the capacity found in current models.
More storage would be useful for users who keep music, podcasts, apps, and offline maps directly on their Apple Watch. It would be especially helpful for Apple Watch Ultra users who often rely on the device away from an iPhone during outdoor workouts, travel, hiking, or endurance activities.
Apple is expected to officially introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 on September 9. While none of these features are confirmed until Apple announces them, the watchOS 27 code hints at a strong focus on health, fitness, recovery, and independence from the iPhone.
If these upgrades arrive as expected, the next Apple Watch generation could appeal not only to existing users looking for better performance, but also to athletes and health-focused buyers who want deeper insights from their smartwatch.
