Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Aug 30
Apple Adds Always-On Heart Rate to Watch Series 12 as It Revamps Fitness App
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Aug 30

Apple Adds Always-On Heart Rate to Watch Series 12 as It Revamps Fitness App

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Aug 30

Summary

  • Apple is preparing always-on heart-rate tracking for Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, letting the sensor record throughout the day instead of mainly during workouts or periodic checks.
  • That added data is set to feed a redesigned Fitness and Health app aimed at surfacing more wellness metrics, in a push to better compete with data-heavy platforms like Whoop and Oura.
  • Bloomberg also said Apple is testing 2 ceramic finishes for the rumored Series 12 version—a traditional white and a dark gray—along with new band colors and configurations.
  • The upgrades point to a health-focused refresh rather than a major hardware overhaul, with a bigger Apple Watch redesign still targeted for next year at the earliest.

Insights

With hardware changes stalling, can Apple's new continuous health tracking truly dethrone dedicated recovery wearables like Oura and Whoop?
Will the revival of premium ceramic cases and a long-awaited chip upgrade be enough to mask the lack of a major design overhaul?
Why is the holy grail of noninvasive blood sugar tracking still years away despite Apple's massive investments in health tech?