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Apple Tests Series 12 and Ultra 4 With Internal Upgrades Only

The company’s September watches are set to add faster chips and fitness software rather than visible redesigns while larger hardware changes remain years away.

Overview

  • Bloomberg reported Sunday that Apple has the Series 12 Wi‑Fi and cellular models (codenames N237 and N238) and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 (N240) in late-stage testing ahead of a likely fall launch.
  • The 2026 updates are expected to concentrate on a new S‑series processor for faster performance and software-led health and fitness tracking improvements rather than major exterior design changes.
  • Apple will not refresh the lower‑cost Apple Watch SE this cycle, signaling the company plans to focus its fall lineup on the standard Series and Ultra tiers.
  • Previously floated features such as Touch ID on the watch and sensors embedded in bands are now regarded as unverified or unlikely according to the latest reporting.
  • Apple continues long-term research on a non‑invasive blood glucose sensor and a broader watch redesign, projects that face technical and regulatory hurdles and are not expected to arrive for several years.