[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 next month alongside a new iPhone. The focus is likely to be improved chip performance and stronger health monitoring features rather than major external design changes.

On Aug. 14 (local time), IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 will feature long-awaited improvements in chips and speed.

The Apple Watch currently uses the S10 chip, but overall performance gains have been viewed as limited since the S9 in 2023. If a next-generation chip is adopted, the new models are expected to go beyond a simple generational update and provide a foundation for using high-performance features.

With Siri-based artificial intelligence (AI) functions set to be strengthened in watchOS 27, the role of a new chip could also grow. The market is discussing the possibility that the next-generation Apple Watch could include an S11 chip.

Outlooks differ on design changes, centered on the Ultra 4. Digitimes claimed the Ultra 4 could undergo a major redesign, but Gurman saw a significant design change as likely to be delayed until next year. Instead, there is talk that a ceramic case option could return in this year's model.

Enhanced health features are also cited as a key change. Digitimes said the Ultra 4 could see a substantial upgrade in detection functions and the number of sensors could increase by up to two times. If sensors are expanded, the watch is expected to offer more detailed health monitoring beyond heart rate and exercise measurements.

Hypertension-related functions are also in focus. Apple introduced a hypertension alert feature in watchOS 26 last year, and a new hypertension-related alert function is known to be under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Whether the feature will be applied to both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 is expected to be confirmed at the unveiling event.

The direction of the new products is likely to be closer to internal change than external design. The strategy is to boost chip performance to support new software functions, and strengthen sensors and health features to expand the Apple Watch from a simple smartwatch into a health management device.

Still, the information disclosed so far is based on leaks and outlooks, so actual specifications could differ. Key points expected to be confirmed at Apple's official announcement next month include detailed performance of the next-generation chip, the sensor configuration and whether hypertension-related functions will be included.