Apple is reportedly just over a week from revealing the Apple Watch Series 12 smartwatch at the September 9 event. Not too much has been reported about the next-gen wearable’s focus, but now we have an indication of the course Apple is looking to plot.
According to the well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman Apple may offer more in-depth heart rate data and tweak the way health data is presented to wearers.
In his latest reporting, Gurman says Apple will offer always-on heart rate tracking for the first time. It’s likely this could be handled without an upgraded sensor that is compelled to take more regular readings. Currently, the smart watch range takes HR readings in regular intervals or continually during an activity or mindfulness sessions.
However, Apple is apparently planning to constantly monitor the user’s resting heart rate, which could lead to both deeper insights and more drain on battery life. We shall see.
The other change mooted by Gurman is a brand new health and fitness app that would showcase general wellness data akin to ecosystems like the Whoop Strap and Oura Ring. We’re thinking an increased awareness of the relationship between activity and recovery from rest and sleep length and quality.
“Apple is also working on revamping its fitness and health app software to show more wellness-related metrics in a similar fashion to increasingly popular app offerings from Whoop and Oura,” Gurman writes in the latest Power On newsletter, via 9to5Mac.
Patent filings and credible reporting has suggested Apple is at least exploring the idea of releasing a smart ring, but it it could surface the same insights via the wearables it already sells.
We’ve already heard that Apple is mulling a return for the short-lived ceramic version of the Apple Watch, which was last seen on the Series 5. Gurman now suggests it may be available in the more premium finish in white and dark gray.
It seems like the Apple Watch Series 12 – due a more significant refresh in 2027 – might be a more newsworthy update than we’d previously thought.
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