Code found in the latest iOS 27 and watchOS 27 betas suggests several upcoming features for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. One of the most notable additions is a new app called Readiness, which appears to be separate from the existing Vitals app. The app is placed in the default Home Screen layout right after the Workout app, indicating it may be a key part of the watch’s health experience. This placement suggests that Apple is preparing a more comprehensive recovery or readiness feature for users. The Readiness app itself is not included in the current watchOS beta, so its interface and exact functionality remain unknown.
Another new element involves the optical sensor system, which is being referred to as Sunstone4p0 in the code, according to macrumors.com. This sensor is expected to have lower noise coefficients and improved wrist- and orientation-based channel selection. These changes may improve heart-sensing accuracy in situations where the signal is weak.
The watchOS 27 beta also hints at a possible upgrade to storage capacity for the Series 12 and Ultra 4 models. The T8320 chip is linked to 128GB of NAND storage, which would be a significant increase from the previous 64GB.
Beyond hardware and app updates, the betas also point to enhancements in how workouts are tracked. The system is expected to record more detailed information such as sets, repetitions, weight used, equipment type, body side, and workout duration. The underlying support for these expanded strength-workout records is present in the betas, but apps cannot currently create the new records.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to feature a variable-aperture main camera, according to a report from Firstpost. This development may be connected to image correction based on aperture settings. However, these features are not yet accessible in the current beta versions and Apple could still choose to delay or drop some of them from the September release.
Apple has not changed the design of the Apple Watch since the Series 10 launched in 2024. The upcoming Series 12 and Ultra 4 models are expected to follow the same physical design as their predecessors. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that these watches will bring new health and fitness capabilities. While Touch ID is rumored to be coming to the watch, it is not expected to appear in this year’s models.
The Apple Watch has continued to play a role in user health monitoring, as shown by a recent story of a woman who was saved by her device. In 2024, Amanda began receiving alerts about an abnormal heart rate from her Apple Watch. This prompted her to see a doctor and led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer. The watch’s ability to detect changes in vitals helped her get early treatment for a serious illness.
These developments show how Apple continues to expand the health-related functions of its wearable devices.
IMAGE: Apple Watch 10 KK IN HK CC0