Apple has opened preorders for the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 ahead of a September 18 retail release. The new devices arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and AirPods 5, marking a significant hardware refresh for the company. Both watches feature the S11 chip, which provides performance gains over previous models. Consumers can secure their units now through major retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Amazon.
Hardware Upgrades and Technical Improvements
The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces hardware changes focused on health tracking. Users gain access to high-frequency heart rate measurements and improved heart rate variability data. A new Readiness Score arrives to help users interpret these physical metrics. The 42mm model starts at $399, while the 46mm variant costs $449. Both sizes are available in aluminum, titanium, and ceramic finishes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 targets high-end performance with a 50-hour battery life and a rugged build. Priced at $799, this model includes integrated cellular connectivity and a range of band options such as the Alpine and Ocean designs. Apple has built the S11 chip into both the Series 12 and the Ultra 4 to handle the processing load of new software features, including advanced AI-driven health analysis.
Preorder Incentives and Retailer Offers
Retailers are competing for early buyers with various promotional packages. Walmart is bundling subscriptions to Apple services like Apple Arcade, News, and Fitness with Series 12 preorders. Best Buy offers similar free trial periods for Fitness+ and Apple Music with both watch models. These perks vary by store location and stock levels.
Direct trade-in programs remain a primary method to lower the entry cost. Apple allows customers to trade in older hardware to receive up to $430 in credit toward a new purchase. Best Buy also supports trade-in transactions, allowing users to apply the value of their legacy devices toward the $399 or $799 starting prices of the new lineup. Availability at local pickup sites at Target depends on ZIP code and regional inventory.
Integration with the Updated Health Ecosystem
The software foundation for these watches centers on an overhaul of the Apple Health app. Apple plans to push an update that merges data streams from the iPhone and the watch into a single interface. The system uses an internal AI model to generate custom workout plans based on the user's logged activity. Integration goes further than standard movement data. Users can now input lab results directly into the Health app. Apple has also set up a partnership with Quest to allow for diagnostic biomarker panels to be ordered through the app for a fee of $120. This shift marks a deeper entry into preventative health monitoring for the company, moving beyond simple step counting and into clinical data management.
Release day is confirmed for September 18. Supply chains fluctuate during initial launch windows, so checking local store availability remains a priority for buyers who want to avoid shipping delays. Retailers will likely rotate their promotional offers as the launch date approaches.