[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 at its September event next week.

IT media outlet 9to5Mac reported on Sept. 1 local time that the new product is likely to be released alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4. It said the main changes being discussed include a new S-series chip, strengthened health functions and a ceramic case option.

The most noticeable change is a new watch chip. Apple has not made big improvements in central processing unit performance even when it changed the generation number of its S-series chips, and last year it kept the S10 without releasing an S11. This year, expectations are growing that Series 12 will include an upgraded S-series chip. The name is being discussed as possibly S12 or S11.

The chip is expected to focus more on supporting artificial intelligence, rather than a simple generational update. That is because Siri AI, cited as a key feature of watchOS 27, is expected to work best on the new chip. Everyday speed and responsiveness could also improve. The outlet said the new chip is more powerful and faster.

Health features are also cited as a key change. Series 12 may include an upgraded high blood pressure alert function. The outlet reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is known to have reviewed an improvement plan for the related alert function, and the feature could be applied for the first time next week. Whether it will actually be included and the specific scope remain unconfirmed until the event announcement.

Changes to the heart-rate sensor are also drawing interest. The Series 12 heart-rate sensor is expected to support continuous operation. Currently, it is closer to a method that detects high-intensity activity or collects data at arbitrary intervals, but the new sensor could make continuous collection throughout the day possible. According to remarks relayed as coming from Mark Gurman, the new Series 12 sensor can collect data continuously throughout the day rather than only during intense activity or at arbitrary intervals.

In terms of design, a ceramic case could return. The last product Apple offered with a ceramic case was the Series 5 in 2019. For Series 12, two ceramic colors, white and dark gray, are known to have been tested. Citing Bloomberg, the report said Apple tested both white and dark gray configurations for a Series 12 ceramic case.

Pricing for a ceramic model remains a variable. The outlet said it is unclear how much of a premium the ceramic option would add to the Series 12 price. In the past, the Series 5 ceramic model started at $1,299, which was priced higher than the current Apple Watch Ultra.

The changes in Series 12 also carry significance in product strategy, rather than only in added functions. The new chip is expected to strengthen the foundation for running watchOS 27 and Siri AI, and the always-on heart-rate sensor would expand the scope of health data collection. If a ceramic case is added, differentiation by material could again be highlighted even in the base lineup. The report said the focus at next week’s event will be whether Series 12 is unveiled in a form that updates performance, health and premium options at the same time.