Cupertino (California) [US], September 10 (ANI): Apple has expanded its wearable lineup with the launch of AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, bringing new audio features, health tracking tools, AI-powered capabilities and longer battery life across its latest devices.
According to the press release shared by Apple, the new products put Apple Intelligence at the centre of the company’s latest hardware updates, with features ranging from Live Translation and an upgraded Siri to a new Readiness score and more frequent health measurements on Apple Watch.
AirPods 5 bring ANC to open-ear design
The new AirPods 5 are aimed at users who prefer an open-ear design but still want active noise cancellation. Apple said the earbuds can remove up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
The improvement comes from a new multiport acoustic architecture and updated computational audio algorithms. AirPods 5 also get an improved Transparency mode, while Adaptive Audio automatically balances ANC and Transparency mode depending on the surroundings.
Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when the wearer starts speaking, making it easier to talk to someone without removing the earbuds.
Apple has also reworked the sound system with next-generation Adaptive EQ. The company said the changes deliver richer and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes, while Personalized Spatial Audio is designed to offer a more immersive listening experience.
The AirPods also get new hands-free features when paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. The updated Siri AI can use personal context from messages, emails and photos, as well as broader world knowledge, to help users complete tasks.
Users can also interact with Siri through head gestures, including nodding for yes or shaking their head for no.
Another major addition is Live Translation, which allows users to hear conversations in their preferred language. The feature uses Apple Intelligence and is available across the AirPods lineup on compatible devices and software.
For users opting for the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, Apple has added a force sensor with volume swipe controls on the stem. Battery life with ANC reaches up to five hours on a single charge, while the charging case extends total listening time to up to 22 hours with ANC.
AirPods 5 start at $129, while the version with the Wireless Charging Case starts at $149 in the US. Pre-orders have opened, with store availability beginning September 18.
Apple Watch Series 12 gets new health sensors
The Apple Watch Series 12 comes with Apple’s new Health Sensing System and S11 chip, with the company claiming its most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable.
The watch measures heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. HRV measurements can also be taken up to 24 times more frequently, with separate readings for recovery and overall HRV.
A new Readiness feature uses recent activity, training load, vitals and sleep data to give users a score from 0 to 10. Depending on the result, the watch recommends whether users should recover, pace themselves, train or “Go For It”.
Readiness can update during the day as new health and activity data comes in.
The Series 12 also gets improved step tracking through a redesigned pedometer model and machine learning. Apple said the watch can provide more accurate step counts and distance measurements, while a new Steps complication allows users to view their steps directly on the watch face.
The smartwatch continues to offer up to 24 hours of everyday battery life, but outdoor workout battery life has increased to up to 10 hours. Charging has also been improved, with 15 minutes of charging providing up to 12 hours of additional battery life.
The Series 12 will be available in aluminium, titanium and a new ceramic finish in pearl white and night blue. Aluminium models also feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 60 per cent tougher than the Ion-X glass used on previous aluminium models.
Audio Intelligence comes to Apple Watch
Apple is also bringing its new Audio Intelligence features to Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
The features include Sound Recognition, which can alert users to sounds such as sirens, alarms, doorbells and a baby crying.
Live Rewind allows users to double-press the Digital Crown to see a text snippet of the previous 15 seconds of a conversation. Siri Recap can instead generate a brief summary with key points from a conversation.
Shazam will also be available through the Music Recognition widget, allowing the watch to identify music playing nearby and display the song and artist.
Apple said privacy has been built into the audio features. According to the company, audio recordings are not created or stored, while raw audio is processed inside the Secure Exclave of the S11 chip and immediately deleted.
Live Rewind also produces an audible chime and displays a microphone indicator when activated.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 targets fitness and outdoor users
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 gets the same new Health Sensing System and S11 chip, along with improved health and fitness tracking.
Like the Series 12, it measures heart rate every five seconds and offers more frequent HRV measurements. It also introduces the Readiness score to help users assess their capacity for the day based on activity, training, sleep and other health data.
Battery life is one of the biggest changes. Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of everyday use and up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode.
For outdoor workouts, Extended Workout mode offers up to 25 hours of battery life, while Max Extended Workout mode can track outdoor runs, walks and hikes for up to 45 hours with GPS readings every second.
Apple has also redesigned the pedometer model on the Ultra 4 and claims it offers the most accurate step tracking of any smartwatch.
The Ultra 4 comes in natural and black titanium, while its new band options include Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and translucent silicone Ocean Bands.
Siri AI and redesigned Health app
Both Apple Watch models will support Siri AI through watchOS 27. The updated Siri can understand personal context and tap into broader world knowledge, while a new Siri Modular watch face offers quicker access to the assistant.
watchOS 27 also introduces a dynamic app grid with Siri-suggested apps, new Smart Stack suggestions and a single-handed tap gesture that lets users select widgets using their thumb and index finger.
The update adds support for perimenopause and menopause tracking and allows Workout Buddy to work on Apple Watch without an iPhone nearby.
Apple is also redesigning the Health app on iPhone with new Insights and Longevity tabs. The Longevity section includes Health Age, which compares certain health metrics with a user’s actual age.
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, while Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 in the US. Both are available to pre-order, with stores getting the new models from September 18. (ANI)
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