Apple has opened pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 in India after unveiling both wearables this week. The Series 12 starts at ₹56,900, while the Ultra 4 starts at ₹1,09,900. Both are scheduled to reach stores and begin shipping on September 18, 2026.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 price in India
The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at ₹56,900 for the 42mm aluminium GPS model. The larger 46mm GPS version starts at ₹62,900. Buyers can also move up to cellular, titanium and ceramic configurations, depending on the size and case material they want. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at ₹1,09,900 and uses a 49mm titanium case with cellular connectivity.
When do the new Apple Watches go on sale?
Pre-orders are open now in India. Apple says availability begins Friday, September 18. That makes the watches part of the same September hardware cycle as the new iPhone lineup. If you are also considering Apple's latest phone, Headline Thread has a separate breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro India price, pre-order timing and sale date.
What is new on Apple Watch Series 12?
The biggest changes are focused on health sensing rather than a dramatic redesign. Series 12 uses Apple's new S11 chip and a redesigned Health Sensing System. The watch can measure heart rate every five seconds during the day and collect heart-rate variability data much more frequently than before.
Apple has also introduced a Readiness score, which uses health and activity information to give users a daily indication of how prepared their body may be for activity. It moves Apple closer to the recovery and readiness features that have become common across premium fitness wearables.
Series 12 sizes, display and materials
Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Aluminium remains the entry point, while Apple also offers titanium and a returning ceramic case option. The always-on display reaches up to 2,000 nits, and Apple says the Ceramic Shield 2 glass used on aluminium models is more durable. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres and the watch carries IP6X dust resistance.
Audio Intelligence brings more AI to the wrist
The new watches also introduce Audio Intelligence features. These include Sound Recognition for important environmental sounds, Live Rewind for recalling a short portion of a conversation and Siri Recap for generating summaries. These features broaden the role of the watch beyond fitness and notifications, although availability and language support can vary by feature and region.
What does Apple Watch Ultra 4 add?
Ultra 4 is aimed at buyers who need longer battery life and a more rugged watch. It uses a 49mm titanium case, a display that reaches up to 3,000 nits and is designed for demanding outdoor and water activities. Apple rates it for recreational scuba diving to 40 metres and high-speed water sports.
Battery life is another major distinction. Ultra 4 is rated for up to 50 hours of normal use and up to 84 hours in low-power mode. Apple also offers extended workout modes for long outdoor sessions. Series 12, by comparison, is rated for up to 24 hours of everyday use.
Series 12 or Ultra 4: which makes more sense?
For most iPhone owners who want Apple's latest health and smartwatch features, Series 12 is the more sensible option. It gets the S11 chip, new health sensing and the key software upgrades while starting ₹53,000 below the Ultra 4.
Ultra 4 makes more sense for endurance athletes, hikers, divers and buyers who specifically value its rugged titanium construction, brighter display and substantially longer battery life. The extra capability comes with a much higher ₹1,09,900 starting price.
Apple's September lineup is unusually large
The watches arrived during Apple's September 2026 launch event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro family, AirPods 5 and Apple's first foldable iPhone. That gives buyers several new Apple devices to evaluate at once, with September 18 becoming the key retail date for the new generation.
Bottom line
Apple Watch Series 12 is the model with broader appeal because its ₹56,900 starting price buys most of the new health and intelligence features. Ultra 4 is the specialist choice, with longer battery life and a tougher design for buyers who will actually use those advantages. Pre-orders are open now, with both watches going on sale in India on September 18.
