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Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4

A

Product A: Apple

Watch Series 12

104 of 150 known

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B

Product B: Apple

Watch Ultra 4

107 of 150 known

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple Watch Series 12

BApple Watch Ultra 4

General

5 of 10 differ

Series

Apple Watch3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026

Apple Watch Ultra3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A3581, A3582, A3584, A3587, A3583, A3586, A3585, A35884Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108056Read 30 September 2026GPS 42mm A3581, 46mm A3584. GPS + Cellular 42mm A3582, 46mm A3587 (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific). China mainland: A3583, A3585 (GPS), A3586, A3588 (cellular)

A3579, A35804Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108056Read 8 October 2026Apple Watch Ultra4:49mm A3579 covers North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, including the Japanese review market. A3580 covers China mainland. No Chinese regional test is claimed.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

9 September 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026

9 September 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026

Status

Available5Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watchRead 30 September 2026

Available5Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-ultraRead 30 September 2026

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Apple Watch Series 1114Reviewtomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/apple-watch-series-12-announced-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-flagship-apple-watchRead 23 October 2026Tom's Guide calls the Series 11 last year's model and asks if the new Apple Watch Series 12 will take its place.15Press articlemacrumors.com/guide/apple-watch-series-11-vs-12Read 23 October 2026MacRumors says the Series 12 brings many changes over its predecessor, the Series 11, which Apple has discontinued.

Apple Watch Ultra 314Reviewtechradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/apple-watch-ultra-4-vs-apple-watch-ultra-3-whats-changed-and-should-you-upgradeRead 23 October 2026TechRadar calls the Apple Watch Ultra 3 the previous gen of the Apple Watch Ultra 4.15Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/09/16/apple-watch-ultra-3-vs-ultra-4Read 23 October 2026MacRumors says the Apple Watch Ultra 4 improves on its predecessor and notes the Ultra 3 launched last year.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$3993Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026Pricing and Availability: starting US launch price.

$7993Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Pricing and Availability: starting US launch price.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€44912Press releaseimages.apple.com/de/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026Pricing and Availability: starting EUR price including German VAT.

€89911Press releaseimages.apple.com/de/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Pricing and Availability: starting EUR price including German VAT.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

AU, CA, FR, DE, IN, JP, AE, GB, US, CN3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026Pre-order in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UAE, the UK, the U.S. and more than 50 other countries. CN from the China mainland model numbers

AU, CA, FR, DE, IN, JP, AE, GB, US, CN3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Pre-order in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UAE, the UK, the U.S. and more than 50 other countries. CN from the China mainland model number

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, Space Gray, Radiant Gold, Natural, Pearl White, Night Blue1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Natural, Black1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Segment

Smartwatch2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12Read 30 September 2026Apple's everyday smartwatch. The sports and adventure model is Ultra 4

Outdoor3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Apple calls it the ultimate sports and adventure watch

OS updates promisediYears of explicitly promised OS updates. A security-only support period does not establish an OS-upgrade promise.

Not available

Not available

Security updates untiliExact end date published for security-update support of this model. Do not calculate it from a stated number of years. A security-only period does not promise OS upgrades.

Not available

Not available

Case

6 of 8 differ

Case sizeiMarketed case-size options. The marketed size can differ from physical case height, such as ceramic editions. Base dimensions describe the smallest base-material case.

42, 46mm1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

49mm1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Case shape

Rectangular1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Rounded rectangular outline observed in the model-labeled In the Box manufacturer illustration. Geometry classification only, not a size or material inference.

Rectangular1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Rounded rectangular outline observed in the model-labeled In the Box manufacturer illustration. Geometry classification only, not a size or material inference.

Case materialiMaterial of the housing body, not just the bezel. Use Mixed when the maker describes a mixture of housing/frame materials. Read the published-material field for the parts and proportions.

Aluminium1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Base is the aluminium case. Titanium and ceramic cases are variants

Titanium1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Case material (as published)

Aluminum case1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Titanium case, Grade 51Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

BackiMaterial of the back of the smallest base-material case. Other materials or regional editions can differ. See source notes.

Aluminum back4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108056Read 30 September 2026Aluminum back on aluminium cases. Titanium back on titanium, ceramic back on ceramic

Ceramic back4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108056Read 8 October 2026Sapphire crystal, Retina display, and ceramic back

Case dimensionsiPhysical case height, width and thickness. The source note states exclusions such as the heart-rate sensor protrusion.

Height42Width37Thickness9.7mm(1.7 × 1.5 × 0.4 in)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Height49Width44Thickness12mm(1.9 × 1.7 × 0.5 in)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Weight (case only)iWatch body without a strap. An unqualified published weight must not be assumed to exclude the strap.

32.2g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Case weight. Base is 42mm aluminium GPS

63g(2.2 oz)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Case weight. Natural 63.0 grams, black 63.1 grams

Weight with strapiWatch with the stated strap attached. Strap material and case size belong in the source note. Reviewer measurements belong in measured fields.

Not available

Not available

Durability

5 of 8 differ

Water resistanceiStatic water-pressure rating in atmospheres. It is not a safe swimming or diving depth. Diving limits are listed separately.

5ATM1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Published as water resistance 50m under ISO 22810:2010. 50 m is 5 ATM

10ATM1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as water resistance 100m under ISO 22810:2010. 100 m is 10 ATM

Water resistance standard

ISO 22810:20101Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Durability and footnotes.

ISO 22810:20101Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Durability and footnotes.

Dust and water rating

IP6X1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

IP6X1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Dive rating

Not available

EN 133191Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40m (±1m accuracy)

Max dive depthiMaker-rated depth for the stated diving use, not a conversion from the water-resistance pressure rating.

Not available

40m1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

MIL-STD-810iMaker claim that the watch was tested against specified MIL-STD-810 methods. It is not a guarantee for every military-standard test.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Tested to MIL-STD 810H

MIL-STD-810 tests

Not available

altitude, high temperature, low temperature, temperature shock, immersion, freeze with thaw, ice and freezing rain, shock and vibration1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Operating temperatureiPublished operating range. Source notes identify on-wrist limits and other operating conditions. Storage or charging limits are excluded.

Min0Max35°C1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Published as 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)

Min0Max35°C1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Environmental Requirements > Operating temperature: 0 to 35 C. Separate on-wrist operating range is -20 to 55 C and dive operating range is 0 to 40 C.

Display

6 of 14 differ

Display type

LTPO OLED1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

LTPO OLED1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Display type (as published)

Always-On Retina display with wide-angle OLEDs and LTPO31Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Always-On Retina display with wide-angle OLEDs and LTPO31Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Screen sizeiPublished active display diagonal for a rectangular display, or diameter for a round display. Do not calculate it from pixels or display area.

Not available

1.98in(5 cm)7Spec databasegsmarena.com/apple_watch_ultra_4-14935.phpRead 30 September 20261.98 inches. DC Rainmaker's review also states 1.98 inch

Resolution

374 × 446px1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

422 × 514px1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Pixel densityiPublished pixel density. A rectangular diagonal formula must not be applied to a round display.

326ppi1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026326 pixels per inch for both sizes

326ppi1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Display area

970mm²1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

1,245mm²1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Touchscreen

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12Read 30 September 2026Tap gestures and touch-based controls on the display

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Tap gestures and touch-based controls on the display

Max refresh rateiHighest published display refresh rate in active operation.

Not available

Not available

Min refresh rateiLowest published display refresh rate, usually in always-on mode. It is not the active-use minimum unless stated.

1Hz1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

1Hz1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Peak brightnessiMaker peak-brightness claim. It may apply to a small area or bright ambient light. Full-screen limits and battery/temperature conditions belong in source notes.

2,000nits1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

3,000nits1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Minimum brightness

1nit1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

1nit1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Always-on display

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Display cover

Other glass1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Sapphire1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Display cover (as published)

Ceramic Shield 21Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminium cases. Sapphire front crystal on titanium and ceramic cases

Flat sapphire crystal1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Platform

0 of 15 differ

Platform

watchOS1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

watchOS1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

OS at launch

watchOS 273Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/introducing-apple-watch-series-12-with-the-all-new-health-sensing-systemRead 30 September 2026

watchOS 273Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026

Software

Not available

Not available

Latest OS

watchOS 27.0.113Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/100100Read 30 September 2026Get the latest software updates: latest watchOS is 27.0.1, expanded September 28. SE 3 eligibility is also explicitly confirmed in 9to5Mac September 28 coverage.

watchOS 27.0.112Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/100100Read 30 September 2026Get the latest software updates: latest watchOS is 27.0.1, expanded September 28. SE 3 eligibility is also explicitly confirmed in 9to5Mac September 28 coverage.

Works with

iOS5Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watchRead 30 September 2026Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone

iOS5Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-ultraRead 30 September 2026Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone

Phone requirement

iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), with iOS 27 or later1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), with iOS 27 or later1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

App store

Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/27Read 30 September 2026App Store section: install apps on Apple Watch.

Yes9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/27Read 30 September 2026App Store section: install apps on Apple Watch.

Voice assistants

Siri1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Siri1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Chipset

Apple S111Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Apple S111Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Process

Not available

Not available

CPU cores

21Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026S11 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor

21Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026S11 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor

CPU configuration

Not available

Not available

Max CPU clock

Not available

Not available

GPU

Not available

Not available

Low-power coprocessor

Not available

Not available

Memory

0 of 2 differ

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

4GB8Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/09/10/apple-watch-series-12-ultra-4-increased-ramRead 30 September 20264GB according to Apple's developer tool Xcode 27

4GB8Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/09/10/apple-watch-series-12-ultra-4-increased-ramRead 30 September 20264GB according to Apple's developer tool Xcode 27

StorageiTotal built-in storage the maker states, in decimal GB. Space available to the user is lower and goes in the source note. A figure the maker gives only as available space is not stored.

64GB1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

64GB1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Health sensors

0 of 8 differ

Heart rate sensor

Always-on optical heart sensor1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Sensors > Health Sensing System: exact optical sensor name. Electrical sensor generation is separate.

Always-on optical heart sensor1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Sensors > Health Sensing System: exact optical sensor name. Electrical sensor generation is separate.

ECG capabilityiElectrical heart sensing hardware with an ECG capability. The ECG app can require an eligible country, age and paired phone.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Blood oxygen sensingiBlood-oxygen sensing capability. App availability and medical status vary by market.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Skin temperature sensingiA sensor or supported function that measures skin temperature. It is not a core-body thermometer.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Blood pressure featureiPublished blood-pressure feature category. Hypertension notifications are not numerical blood-pressure readings.

Hypertension notifications1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Hypertension notifications

Hypertension notifications1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Body composition sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin conductance (EDA)

Not available

Not available

Medical clearancesiNamed regulatory clearances and their jurisdiction. General water resistance or an ECG sensor does not establish medical clearance.

Not available

Not available

Motion and environment sensors

1 of 9 differ

Accelerometer

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Published as High-g accelerometer

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as High-g accelerometer

Accelerometer range

Not available

Not available

Gyroscope

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Barometric altimeter

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Published as Always-on altimeter

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as Always-on altimeter

Compass

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Ambient light sensor

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Depth gauge

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Depth gauge rangeiPublished measurement range of the depth gauge, distinct from maximum diving depth and water-pressure resistance.

6m1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

40m1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Water temperature sensor

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Health and fitness

1 of 5 differ

Health featuresiSupported health functions with country, phone and subscription restrictions in the source notes. Upcoming functions are not counted as available.

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, Irregular rhythm notifications, ECG app, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Sleep stages, Sleep apnea notifications, Readiness score, Cycle tracking, Temperature-based ovulation, Hypertension notifications, Noise monitoring1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026temperature_based_ovulation from 'retrospective ovulation estimates' with the temperature sensor. readiness_score from the Readiness app

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, Irregular rhythm notifications, ECG app, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Sleep stages, Sleep apnea notifications, Readiness score, Cycle tracking, Temperature-based ovulation, Hypertension notifications, Noise monitoring1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026temperature_based_ovulation from 'retrospective ovulation estimates' with the temperature sensor. readiness_score from the Readiness app

Fitness featuresiSupported workout functions. A sport-profile name alone does not prove advanced metrics such as running power or running dynamics. Trackback follows the recorded route back to the start. A compass arrow that points straight to the start does not count.

VO2 max, Training load, Running dynamics, Running power, Pool swim, Open water swim, Interval workouts, Trackback1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026running_dynamics from Cadence, Stride Length, Ground Contact Time, Vertical Oscillation. interval_workouts from Custom workouts. trackback from Backtrack

VO2 max, Training load, Running dynamics, Running power, Pool swim, Open water swim, Interval workouts, Route navigation, Trackback1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Maker confirms offline maps, custom routes and Backtrack, but the read spec does not explicitly establish turn-by-turn guidance. That unsupported feature member is removed.

Sport profilesiPublished count of distinct sport/activity profiles. A claim such as 180+ is not an exact integer count.

Not available

Not available

Dive modesiActual supported dive modes. Water resistance or a depth app alone does not establish decompression-capable scuba support.

Not available

Not available

External sensorsiTypes of external workout sensors the watch can pair with. GPS reception, phone data and built-in sensors do not qualify.

Power meter1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Connection to cycling accessories via Bluetooth, with Functional Threshold Power and Power Zones

Power meter1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Bluetooth-compatible with power meters

Safety

0 of 6 differ

Fall detectioniAutomatic fall detection. Incident detection restricted to recorded workouts is not counted as general fall detection.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Car crash detection

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Emergency SOSiA manual emergency alert to emergency services or preset contacts. Source notes identify the recipient, paired-phone requirement and country limits. Satellite is listed separately.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Emergency sireniPublished or measured siren sound level in decibels. Audible distance alone does not establish this value. Measurement distance belongs in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Live location sharingiShares live location during supported use. A paired phone or data subscription may be required.

Not available

Not available

Dedicated LED flashlightiA dedicated hardware LED flashlight. Lighting the display white is not counted.

Not available

Not available

Positioning

2 of 3 differ

PositioningiPublished satellite systems and signal bands. Do not infer bands from dual-frequency support alone.

GPS (L1), GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Published as Precision L1 GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)

GPS (dual-frequency), Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as Precision dual-frequency GPS (GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)

Dual-band GNSSiMaker-stated dual-frequency satellite reception. Supported constellations and signal bands are listed separately.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Offline mapsiMap data stored on the watch and usable without live phone data. GPX routes or breadcrumb tracks alone are not offline maps.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Connectivity

5 of 15 differ

BluetoothiPublished Bluetooth support for this model. The version is recorded separately. Unknown version does not mean the radio is absent.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker specification explicitly publishes Bluetooth 5.3. This proves Bluetooth support without deriving a different version or borrowing another model.

Not available

Bluetooth version

5.31Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

5.31Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Wi-FiiPublished Wi-Fi support for this model. The standard and bands are recorded separately. Unknown standard does not mean Wi-Fi is absent.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker specification explicitly publishes this model's Wi-Fi support and standard/bands. Support is recorded separately from version details. All listed case and radio editions support Wi-Fi.

Not available

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 41Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Wi-Fi 41Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

CellulariTrue when a cellular edition is sold. A variant row states whether that individual model has cellular hardware.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Network

LTE, 5G1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

LTE, 5G1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

4G bandsiPublished LTE bands for the stated regional cellular model. Do not transfer bands to another region or Wi-Fi-only model.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71, 38, 39, 40, 411Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026FDD-LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71. TDD-LTE 38, 39, 40, 41. Models A3582 and A3587

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71, 38, 39, 40, 41, 531Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026FDD-LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 71. TDD-LTE 38, 39, 40, 41, 53. Model A3579

5G bandsiPublished 5G NR bands for the stated regional cellular model. RedCap support does not establish conventional full-bandwidth phone 5G.

n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n66, n71, n38, n40, n411Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026FDD-5G NR n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n66, n71. TDD-5G NR n38, n40, n41. RedCap

n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n66, n71, n38, n40, n41, n531Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026FDD-5G NR n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n66, n71. TDD-5G NR n38, n40, n41, n53. RedCap

NFCiSome regions sell an NFC edition, so it is per variant.

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12Read 30 September 2026Pay by tapping the watch wherever you see the contactless symbol (Apple Pay)

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Apple Pay contactless payments

Contactless payments

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Payment services

Apple Pay1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Apple Pay1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Ultra-wideband

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Satellite

None1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026No satellite feature in the Series 12 spec. Satellite communications are listed only for Ultra 4

Emergency SOS, Messaging1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Satellite communications (Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My). Provided by Globalstar

ANT+

Not available

Not available

Audio

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Speaker

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Dual speakers

Microphones

Not available

31Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Hardware/Audio section identifies the microphone, or the three-microphone array for Ultra 4.

Calls on the watchiVoice-call capability of the marketed model, including sold cellular editions. Variant radio capability and paired-phone requirements still apply.

Cellular or phone2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12Read 30 September 2026Call, text and stream music with 5G, or through the paired iPhone

Cellular or phone2Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026Text and talk over 5G without iPhone

Music on the watchiPlays audio stored on the watch. Remote control of phone playback or streaming alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Controls

2 of 5 differ

ButtonsiPhysical controls used to operate the watch, excluding the rotating crown and strap-release buttons. A clickable rotating crown is counted only in Crown.

11Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Side button. Digital Crown and band release button not counted

21Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Action button and side button. Digital Crown not counted

Named operating buttonsiNames of operating buttons, excluding the crown and strap-release controls.

Side button1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026User control buttons only. Digital Crown and band-release buttons excluded.

Action button, Side button1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026User control buttons only. Digital Crown and band-release buttons excluded.

CrowniA crown that rotates to control the interface. A round push button that does not rotate is not a crown.

Rotating haptic1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Rotating haptic1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Rotating bezeliPhysical rotation or touch gestures around the display edge. A fixed decorative bezel is None.

Not available

Not available

Gestures

Single tap, Double tap, Wrist flick1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Single tap, Double tap, Wrist flick1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Battery and charging

6 of 13 differ

Battery capacityiPublished battery capacity for the stated case size. Rated and typical capacity are distinguished in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiMaker endurance claims with distinct operating modes and case sizes. With solar describes augmentation of that estimate, not hardware capability. Use false for ordinary claims without solar augmentation, true for explicitly solar-aided claims, and omit it when solar qualification is unclear. Source notes state AOD, GNSS, music and solar conditions. Do not create a normal-use row from an AOD-only claim. Low power denotes the maker battery-saver mode. Keep its typical, light-use and always-on claims separate from standard-mode claims. GPS power saving identifies an intermediate reduced-accuracy GNSS saving preset. Source notes retain the maker's preset name and published conditions. Max battery GPS is the distinct maximum-saving claim. When the maker has only one GPS saving preset, it is GPS power saving.

AApple Watch Series 12

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	24
Low power	No	38
GPS	No	10

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Power and Battery Life, battery footnotes. Normal-use claim is a mixed workload, not a GPS-only test. Outdoor workout is tested without iPhone, with heart-rate sensor on. AOD assumptions are not stated in the official test footnotes. Low Power Mode is distinct from normal use.

BApple Watch Ultra 4

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	50
Low power	No	84
GPS	No	18
Extended GPS workout	No	25
Max battery GPS	No	45

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Power and Battery Life: normal workout 18 h, Extended Workout 25 h, Max Extended Workout 45 h. Footnote specifies outdoor run/walk/hike without iPhone and with HR on. These are not reviewer measurements.

Smartwatch mode (claimed)iMaker normal-use smartwatch claim without solar. A watch with only an explicit AOD-mode claim has no value here. Workloads differ and source notes must be read.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

50h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

AOD battery life (up to)iMaker claimed smartwatch endurance with the always-on display enabled and without solar, for the base case. Source notes preserve workload and case conditions. This is a claim, not a measured test or an AOD-off estimate.

Not available

Not available

GPS mode (claimed)iMaker regular GPS/GNSS activity claim without solar, for the base case. AOD, multi-band, music and power-saving conditions have separate rows when published.

10h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

18h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Solar chargingiPublished solar charging hardware capability. An ordinary battery estimate without solar augmentation does not prove that the watch lacks solar charging hardware.

Not available

Not available

Charging methodiThe connection at the watch, not the cable end at the USB adapter. A proprietary inductive puck is not Qi unless interoperability is explicitly established.

Magnetic puck1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Magnetic puck1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Charging guidanceiPublished charging requirements, nominal estimates and compatibility guidance. Keep adapter ratings separate from power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Max charging power (watch)iPublished maximum charging power at the watch. Adapter rating or charger input power does not prove the power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Fast chargingiAn explicit fast-charging capability claim. A short charging time or high adapter wattage alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Quick charge claimiMaker claim for usage from a short charge. Source notes identify the usage workload, such as normal use or sleep tracking.

Charge time15 minUse time12 h1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Power and Battery Life: normal-use hours from a short charge. Sleep-only charging claim is a different workload.

Charge time15 minUse time18 h1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Power and Battery Life: normal-use hours from a short charge. Sleep-only charging claim is a different workload.

Charge 0 to 80% (claimed)iMaker claim for charging an empty battery to 80%. Charger and approximate qualifiers belong in source notes.

30min1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Power and Battery Life, charge footnote: included fast charger cable, Apple 20W USB-C power adapter. Approximate maker time.

45min1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Power and Battery Life, charge footnote: included fast charger cable, Apple 20W USB-C power adapter. Approximate maker time.

Full charge time (claimed)iMaker advertised nominal full-charge duration. Approximate or theoretical maker estimates are allowed, with their conditions in source notes. Partial-charge intervals do not qualify. Measured 0 to 100% tests have a separate field.

60min11Maker product pageapple.com/uk/watch/batteryRead 30 September 2026Model-specific Charge section. Approximate claim, included fast charging cable with Apple 20W USB-C adapter. Series 12 says about one hour, SE 3 and Ultra 4 about 75 minutes.

75min10Maker product pageapple.com/uk/watch/batteryRead 30 September 2026Model-specific Charge section. Approximate claim, included fast charging cable with Apple 20W USB-C adapter. Series 12 says about one hour, SE 3 and Ultra 4 about 75 minutes.

Measured

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Peak brightness (measured)iReviewer measurement. Source notes state screen area, mode and ambient light. A small-area peak claim cannot be replaced with a full-screen measurement.

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-observed mixed-use endurance. Source notes state case size, AOD, workout use and whether it was a complete discharge. Extrapolation from partial discharge is excluded.

51h9Reviewmacworld.com/article/3243628/my-apple-watch-series-12-lasted-over-2x-longer-than-apple-says.htmlRead 30 September 2026First complete battery drain test in normal daily use: 51 hours. Case size not stated

Not available

Battery tests (measured)iReviewer-observed endurance, with case size and test settings in source notes. Partial-discharge projections are not stored as measured endurance.

AApple Watch Series 12

Test	Hours (h)
Mixed use, display setting unspecified	51

Source9Reviewmacworld.com/article/3243628/my-apple-watch-series-12-lasted-over-2x-longer-than-apple-says.htmlRead 30 September 2026First complete power-down test observed 51 hours. Case size, AOD setting, charger and precise workload not specified. The 57-minute charging observation is 0-80%, so cannot populate full-charge measured time.

BApple Watch Ultra 4

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iReviewer measurement from empty to full, not 0-80% or a charge from 5%. Source notes name the charger and case size.

Not available

105min13Reviewgigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20260927-apple-watch-ultra-4-reviewRead 8 October 2026Reviewer timed a 49 mm GPS+Cellular Ultra 4 in Japan from discharged 0% with the watch powered off to 100%, using the included charging cable and Apple 20 W USB-C power adapter. Published approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, exactly converted to 105 minutes with the approximate qualifier retained. Firmware, ambient temperature and optimized-charging settings are not stated. Asia-Pacific hardware is A3579 per Apple identification. This is an observed test sample, not the maker about 75 minute claim. Partial-discharge endurance observations in the review are excluded.

Strap

2 of 6 differ

Lug widthiDistance between standard strap attachment lugs, not the decorative width of a proprietary strap. Unknown for custom connectors unless the maker publishes lug width.

Not available

Not available

Quick-release strapiThe supplied strap can be detached through its quick-release mechanism. Compatibility with quick-release replacement straps alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Band release button

Not available

Strap systemiPublished attachment system and compatible case sizes. Proprietary connectors are distinguished from standard spring bars.

Not available

Not available

Strap materialiMaterial of the supplied strap for the stated package. Do not substitute material from another band sold separately.

Not available

Not available

Strap

Not available

Not available

Strap sizesiPublished wrist-circumference range for the stated strap or case. Source notes distinguish an overall compatible wrist range from one supplied strap size.

AApple Watch Series 12

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
130	200

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026Size and Weight: Fits stated wrist circumference. This is an overall case-compatible wrist range, not one supplied strap size. No maker size label is published.

BApple Watch Ultra 4

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
130	210

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026Size and Weight: Fits stated wrist circumference. This is an overall case-compatible wrist range, not one supplied strap size. No maker size label is published.

Regulatory

None of 3 known

FCC ID

Not available

Not available

SAR limb (US)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the US regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

Not available

Not available

SAR limb (EU)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the EU regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

Not available

In the box

1 of 2 differ

In the box

Apple Watch Series 12, Band, Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

Apple Watch Ultra 4, Band, Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m)1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Power adapter in boxiA mains/USB power adapter is supplied. A charging cable, inductive puck or charging dock alone does not count.

No1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026In the box lists only the charging cable

No1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026In the box lists only the charging cable

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-122Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12Read 30 September 2026

www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-42Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4Read 30 September 2026

Spec sheet

www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specs1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-series-12/specsRead 8 October 2026

www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specs1Maker product pageapple.com/apple-watch-ultra-4/specsRead 30 September 2026

Manual

support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/2710Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/27Read 30 September 2026watchOS 27 user guide. Models covered include this watch.

support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/279Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/welcome/27/watchos/27Read 30 September 2026watchOS 27 user guide. Models covered include this watch.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year6Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/warranty-us.htmlRead 30 September 2026US: Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty

1year6Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/warranty-us.htmlRead 30 September 2026US: Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty

Both are also in the API. Back to all smartwatches.