Apple Watch Ultra 4 & Series 12: BETTER HR, Steps & ECG! (All You Need To Know)
In a Nutshell
Apple’s Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new optical/electrical heart-sensing system on the S11 chip that samples heart rate every 5 seconds and HRV up to every 5 minutes, even in the background, while a new step-counting algorithm claims best-in-class accuracy. These higher-frequency data feed a continuously updating readiness score, a redesigned Health app with day-long vitals, and a new “health age” metric. Battery life and multi-day workout modes are also extended, but the most critical accuracy claims still need independent validation.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
The biggest update in the new Apple Watches is the biggest upgrade to any Apple Watch in a long time when it comes to health tracking. The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have a new health sensing system. Both watches contain a redesigned optical and electrical heart rate sensor powered by the new S11 chip. All these upgrades should lead to better heart rate tracking during exercise, better heart rate tracking during the day at a much higher frequency, better step counting, and better heart rate variability.
The optical heart rate sensor uses repositioned photodiodes and larger, more power-efficient green LEDs. This means brighter green lights and better sensors to detect the reflections of that light, which should improve heart rate even more. The electrical sensor has also been redesigned to improve ECG measurements. The Series 12 starts at $309 in the United States, while the Ultra 4 starts at $799.
Heart rate on the Apple Watch was always one of the strong points, one of the best, if not the best, on the wrist heart rate measurements. Apple claims they are now the best, based on a new study with the new sensor. However, what is potentially even more important is that Apple has changed the hardware and firmware so they can now collect heart rate and heart rate variability data at a much higher frequency.
Sign in to read the full notes
Get access to AI-generated notes, topic timestamps, and more.