Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 10: Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 alongside its latest iPhone lineup, with the new devices bringing upgraded health and fitness tracking, longer battery life and expanded artificial intelligence features.

The Apple Watch Series 12 is powered by the new S11 chip and a Health Sensing System that enables more frequent heart-rate and heart-rate variability (HRV) measurements. Apple says heart rate is measured every five seconds throughout the day, while HRV measurements can be taken up to 24 times more frequently than before.

The new Readiness feature analyses recent activity, training load, vital signs and sleep data to provide a score from 0 to 10, along with guidance such as Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready or Go For It. The score can change during the day as new data becomes available.

Overnight vitals now include recovery HRV measured against the user's personal baseline, while a new daytime view allows users to switch between daytime and overnight measurements. Apple has also redesigned its pedometer model using machine-learning algorithms to improve distance and step-count measurements.

Battery life on the Apple Watch Series 12 is rated at up to 24 hours for everyday use and up to 10 hours during outdoor workouts. Apple says 15 minutes of charging can provide up to 12 hours of additional battery life.

The S11 chip also enables Audio Intelligence features, including Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap and faster Shazam. Sound Recognition can alert users to sounds such as sirens, alarms, doorbells and a baby crying, even when an iPhone is not nearby.

Live Rewind can display a text snippet covering the previous 15 seconds of a conversation, while Siri Recap can provide a brief summary of a conversation.

Apple said these audio features are designed without storing audio recordings. Raw audio is processed in a hardware-isolated environment using the S11 chip and then deleted. Live Rewind and Siri Recap are scheduled to arrive in beta later this year.

With watchOS 27, the Apple Watch Series 12 also gets Apple's Apple Intelligence-powered Siri AI, designed to support more natural conversations using personal context and broader world knowledge. A new Siri app and Siri Modular watch face provide quicker access to the assistant.

watchOS 27 also introduces a dynamic app grid that highlights five Siri-suggested apps based on frequently and recently used applications. A new single-handed tap gesture allows users to interact with Smart Stack widgets, while contextual suggestions can include reminders such as a parked car or a birthday message.

The update also adds perimenopause and menopause support to Cycle Tracking and allows Workout Buddy to work on the Apple Watch without an iPhone, subject to connectivity requirements.

The Apple Watch Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. In India, pre-orders are open and sales will begin in stores from September 18.

The aluminium model with GPS or GPS + Cellular starts at Rs 56,900, while the titanium GPS + Cellular model starts at Rs 99,900. The ceramic GPS + Cellular model starts at Rs 1,24,900.

The aluminium model is available in dark bronze, black, light gold and space grey, while titanium comes in radiant gold and natural titanium. Ceramic is available in pearl white and night blue.

Apple is offering no-cost EMI for up to six months with select banks. Eligible customers can also avail cashback of up to Rs 6,000 on selected iPhone models with eligible cards.

Apple has also introduced new colours and finishes for its watch bands, including olive, burgundy, wildflower blue and pale succulent for the Sport Band, and chambray blue, magenta, burgundy plaid and light umber plaid for the Sport Loop.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 gets the new Health Sensing System, S11 chip, more frequent heart-rate and HRV measurements, Readiness score, improved step tracking and Audio Intelligence features.

The Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of everyday battery life and up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode. Apple says a 15-minute charge can provide up to 18 hours of additional battery life.

For extended outdoor activities, the new Extended Workout mode provides up to 25 hours of tracking with full GPS and heart-rate measurements. Max Extended Workout can extend tracking to up to 45 hours for activities such as running, walking and hiking, while recording GPS data every second.

The watch retains its rugged titanium design and is available in Natural and Black finishes with Alpine Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Band options.

The Alpine Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Band variants are priced at Rs 1,09,900, while the Titanium Milanese Loop costs Rs 1,24,900.

Apple is offering no-cost EMI for up to six months with most leading banks, along with cashback of up to Rs 6,000 on selected iPhone models with eligible cards.

AirPods 5

Apple's AirPods 5 retain the open-ear design but now feature Active Noise Cancellation as standard across the lineup. Apple says the new model can reduce external noise by up to 50 per cent more than AirPods 4 with ANC.

The earbuds also support Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers media volume when the wearer starts speaking.

They feature a new multiport acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ and Personalised Spatial Audio.

AirPods 5 also support Apple's Siri AI experience when paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Users can interact with Siri using head gestures, including a nod for yes and a shake for no.

Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence and the Translate app, allows users to hear translated speech through their AirPods during conversations. The feature can be activated by pressing both AirPods stems, using a Siri voice command or through the Action button on a compatible iPhone.

The higher-priced AirPods 5 variant comes with a Wireless Charging Case and introduces swipe-based volume controls on the stems.

AirPods 5 offer up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge and up to 22 hours of listening with ANC using the charging case. The case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-certified chargers and USB-C.

AirPods 5 are priced at Rs 14,900, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost Rs 17,900. Pre-orders are open and both models will be available in stores from September 18.

Apple is offering up to six months of no-cost EMI and Rs 4,000 cashback on AirPods for customers using eligible cards.