Where to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyNotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.NotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchLightSystemDarkTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Where to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4NotificationsNotificationsComments DrawerNotificationsCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechAppleCloseApplePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AppleWhere to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4Longer battery life and a more capable chipset (that enables a host of new features) are the main reasons to upgrade.Longer battery life and a more capable chipset (that enables a host of new features) are the main reasons to upgrade.by Cameron FaulknerCloseCameron FaulknerEditor, CommercePosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Cameron FaulknerSep 10, 2026, 3:00 PM UTCLinkShareIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The VergePart OfAll the news from Apple’s ‘Surprise and shine’ eventsee all updates Cameron FaulknerCloseCameron FaulknerPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Cameron Faulkner is an editor covering deals and gaming hardware. He joined in 2018, and after a two-year stint at Polygon, he rejoined The Verge in May 2025.The iPhone Duo was the unequivocal star of Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event, but not for people who were mostly paying attention for news on wearables. Thankfully, Apple had a lot to share about its new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. There’s no update to the SE model for 2026, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing (the SE 3 rules). Also, no price changes either, which can’t be said for the entire iPhone lineup.While both new watches look similar to their predecessors, there are a number of updates under the hood that might intrigue some people enough to warrant a preorder. My colleague Victoria Song got hands-on with both smartwatches, and runs down the biggest changes, from the Audio Intelligence features made possible by the S11 chip (included in the Series 12 and Ultra 4), plus the possible impact of its improved sensors and tracking capabilities.If you don’t want to wait for reviews to hit before you make the purchase, the Series 12 starts at $399 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple itself for the 42mm size ($50 more for the 46mm). High rollers can configure one with a ceramic case (the first time ceramic has been on the menu since the Series 5) starting at $899. Like usual, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 from Amazon and Best Buy and comes in one size, which features GPS and 5G support. Launches will occur on September 18th, the same day as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.Apple Watch Series 12$399$399$399 at Amazon (42mm, GPS)$399 at Best Buy (42mm)$489 at Amazon (42mm, 5G + GPS)Apple Watch Ultra 4$799$799$799 at Amazon$799 at Best BuyVerge ShoppingSign up to get the best deals on products we’ve found and tested sent to your inbox.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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Upgrading to the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 is primarily motivated by advancements in battery longevity and the integration of a more capable chipset, which unlocks a range of new features. These updates represent significant internal changes that warrant consideration for a preorder. Insights from hands-on experience, such as that shared by Victoria Song, point to notable enhancements in areas like Audio Intelligence, which is made possible by the S11 chip included in both models, alongside improvements in sensor accuracy and tracking capabilities.

Regarding availability and pricing, the Apple Watch Series 12 is listed starting at $399 for the 42mm size across various retailers, with an option for the 46mm at an additional $50. For those seeking advanced configurations, choices include models featuring ceramic cases, starting at $899. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 begins at $799 from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and this version is offered in a single size that incorporates GPS and 5G support. The anticipated launch date for these new models is set for September 18th, coinciding with the release time of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

For the broader context of Apple’s recent announcements, there were no price adjustments across the entire iPhone lineup, and details regarding the SE model for 2026 were not updated. The focus of the news segment concentrated heavily on the wearable technology rather than the iPhone duo itself. This information is situated within the broader ecosystem of Apple's 'Surprise and shine' event.