How to preorder the new Apple Watches, including the Series 12 and Ultra 4

The first light of September found a handful of tech enthusiasts already tapping the “Pre‑Order” button on their phones. In the quiet hum of a suburban kitchen, a woman in her thirties, hands steady, chose a Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42 mm) for $399. Across the street, a man in a hoodie selected the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49 mm) at $799. Both were already set to arrive on Friday, 18 September, the day Apple announced its new lineup at the “Surprise and Shine” event.

Apple’s strategy for the new watches mirrors its broader retail philosophy: make them available wherever consumers already shop. The Series 12 can be ordered through the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and even Walmart. The Ultra 4 is limited to the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The decision to keep the price steady$399 for the Series 12 and $799 for the Ultra 4suggests Apple wants to keep the buzz focused on features rather than price hikes.

The Series 12 arrives in a trio of band styles: rubber, textile, and stainless steel. Apple’s choice to keep the same size options42 mm or 46 mmprovides continuity for users upgrading from the previous generation. The Ultra 4 remains a single, 49 mm model, emphasizing its status as a premium, adventure‑ready device. Both watches are powered by the new S11 chip, a clear nod to performance improvements that will translate into smoother interactions and more sophisticated health metrics.

Apple’s flagship claim for both watches is a revamped Health Sensing System. It promises more accurate, continuous heart‑rate data and introduces a “Readiness” score. This score is designed to advise users on how intensely they should exercise based on recent activities, essentially turning the watch into a personal trainer. The S11 chip also enables “Audio Intelligence” features, such as Sound Recognition alerts and Live Rewind conversation transcriptions. Apple assures users that the watches do not record or store audio, addressing privacy concerns head‑on.

Apple markets the Ultra 4 as “the ultimate sports and adventure watch.” Its standard cellular connectivity means users can leave their iPhone behind, a feature that appeals to hikers, swimmers, and athletes who need real‑time data without tethering. The optional $100 upgrade for certain Series 12 variantsavailable depending on case styleshows Apple’s willingness to offer a middle ground for those who want cellular but not the full Ultra experience.

Both watches will sync with Apple’s newly redesigned Health app, slated for a later release this year. This integration promises a seamless experience for users who rely on health data across devices. The move signals Apple’s broader strategy to position the Watch as the hub of personal health monitoring, rather than just a timepiece.

As a writer who loves to trace the human threads in tech, I see these pre‑orders not merely as transactions but as moments of anticipation. The woman in the kitchen, the man in the hoodieeach is part of a larger narrative about how technology is woven into daily life. Apple’s decision to keep prices flat, to broaden retail access, and to enhance health features speaks to a market that values both affordability and innovation.

Looking ahead, the real test will be how the Readiness score performs in the wild and whether the Ultra 4’s ruggedness lives up to the hype. Apple’s commitment to privacy with its Audio Intelligence features could set a new standard for wearable tech. As the release date approaches, the community will be watching closely to see if these watches truly deliver on the promise of being “the ultimate” companion for health and adventure.