Apple Watch Ultra 4 & Series 12: BETTER HR, Steps & ECG! (All You Need To Know)

TL;DR

• Series 12 ($399, frame_0013) and Ultra 4 ($799) share a redesigned optical + electrical heart-rate sensor on the new S11 chip: repositioned photodiodes, larger power-efficient green LEDs, improved ECG electrodes (frame_0005, frame_0009, frame_0011).
• The headline change is sampling frequency, not just accuracy: background heart rate goes from ~every 5 minutes (low-power IR, only when still) to every 5 seconds all day — "60x more frequent" (frame_0017) — and HRV from daily to as often as every 5 minutes (24x more), split into overnight recovery HRV vs overall HRV.
• New ML step counting: Apple claims "the most accurate step counting of any smartwatch," based on a 1,000-step video-validated comparison; Rob will test for false positives (driving, cycling).
• Software stack on top: a 0-10 readiness score with four recommendations (Recover / Pace yourself / Ready / Go for it) that updates through the day; redesigned Health app with insights + longevity tabs; "Health Age" biological-age metric (VO2max, RHR, sleep, HRV, optional labs); $119 Quest 50-biomarker panel bookable in-app; camera-based at-home movement/VO2max evaluations (on-device, works with AirPods Pro 3).
• Battery: Series 12 24h / 10h workout (+25%); Ultra 4 50h normal, 84h low-power, 18h workout (25h extended, 45h max-extended keeping 1s GPS). Rob ordered both and will validate against ECG chest straps, EEG, and manual step counters; a follow-up video dissects Apple's own HR-accuracy study.

Key moments

• [00:01] Cold open — "The biggest update in the new Apple Watches is also the biggest upgrade to any Apple Watch in a long time when it comes to health tracking" — sets the health-sensor lens; unopened Series 12 + Ultra 4 boxes flank the desk (frame_0001).
• [00:39] Sensor redesign — repositioned photodiodes + larger green LEDs (optical) and redesigned electrodes (ECG), all on the S11 chip; Apple exploded-view B-roll (frame_0005–frame_0011). Series 12 $399 (frame_0013), Ultra 4 $799.
• [01:56] How it used to work — exercise HR: green PPG + accelerometer every ~5s; background: low-power IR every ~5min only when still. Apple "historically prioritized accuracy over availability."
• [02:21] The big shift — the 5-second exercise-grade sampling is extended to passive all-day background monitoring ("60x more frequent," frame_0017); fixes the missed-workout-detection complaint.
• [03:49] ML step counting — new algorithm; "most accurate step counting of any smartwatch" per Apple's 1,000-step video-validated test; Rob flags the false-positive question.
• [04:24] HRV every 5 minutes — 24x more frequent, dedicated heart-app section, split into recovery HRV (vs personal baseline, stress/recovery) and overall HRV (cardiovascular context) (frame_0029).
• [05:16] The SDNN vs RMSSD question — Apple traditionally reports SDNN while most of the industry uses RMSSD; Rob couldn't find which one the new HRV uses and asked Apple directly.
• [05:34] Readiness score — activity + training load + vitals + sleep score → 0-10 plus one of four recommendations; unlike Oura/Whoop's morning-only score it updates through the day (frame_0041).
• [07:17] Health Age — longevity tab's biological-age metric from VO2max/RHR/sleep/HRV, enrichable with labs (A1C, LDL); formula undisclosed — Rob asked Apple (frame_0045).
• [08:15] Camera evaluations + $119 Quest panel — on-device iPhone-camera movement tests incl. a VO2max estimate (watch, AirPods Pro 3, or 3rd-party HR sensor) (frame_0049, frame_0051); 50+ biomarker lab panel bookable in the Health app, ~2,000 Quest locations, US-first.
• [09:26] Battery — Series 12: 24h / 10h workout (+25%), fast-charge +12h in 15min; Ultra 4: 50h normal / 84h low-power, workouts 18h / 25h extended / 45h max-extended with 1s GPS retained.
• [10:36] Audio intelligence — sound recognition, Life Rewind (last 15s as text via double crown press), Siri recap, auto-Shazam; secure-enclave processing, audio deleted; later-2026 beta, English-first, not initially in the EU.
• [12:03] The scientist's caveat — "the most important claims still require objective testing, and that's what I'm here for"; both ordered, reference gear ready; Apple HR-study breakdown video next.

Hook microscope (0-10s)

• Frames: 20 at 2 fps
• Word-level transcript (36 words):

  [  0.00s] The
  [  0.30s] biggest
  [  0.76s] update
  [  1.20s] in
  [  1.46s] the
  [  1.56s] new
  [  1.90s] apple
  [  2.06s] watches
  [  2.46s] is
  [  2.64s] also
  [  2.96s] the
  [  3.18s] biggest
  [  3.62s] upgrade
  [  4.02s] to
  [  4.24s] any
  [  4.58s] apple
  [  4.88s] watch
  [  5.14s] in
  [  5.24s] a
  [  5.40s] long
  [  5.68s] time
  [  5.98s] when
  [  6.10s] it
  [  6.24s] comes
  [  6.44s] to
  [  6.72s] health
  [  6.84s] tracking
  [  7.60s] So
  [  7.72s] the
  [  7.80s] new
  [  8.18s] apple
  [  8.32s] watch
  [  8.60s] series
  [  8.86s] 12
  [  9.30s] and
  [  9.66s] apple

Static single shot for the full 10s: Rob at his desk, mic in frame, the two unopened watch boxes and an iPad with the announcement visible (frame_0001) — no cuts, no B-roll until after the claim lands. The hook is a superlative contrarian-free claim: "the biggest update… is also the biggest upgrade to any Apple Watch in a long time when it comes to health tracking" (0.0-7.6s), immediately scoped to the two products by name (7.6-10s). No question, no tease — authority-first: the credibility comes from who's saying it (a scientist who tests these claims), not from visual spectacle. Gestures carry the emphasis (hands spread on "biggest").

Editorial profile

• Shots: 69
• Cuts/min: 5.3
• Mean shot length: 11.33s
• Median shot length: 6.77s
• Talking-head ratio: n/a (opencv not installed)

Slow, explanation-paced two-source edit (5.3 cuts/min, 11.3s mean shot): long static talking-head takes at the neon-lit desk alternating with Apple's own announcement footage — every borrowed shot dutifully tagged "SOURCE: APPLE" — plus occasional Rob-made gag graphics ($399!!!); zero testing footage because this is a pre-review analysis of claims.

Quotable moments

• [00:01] "The biggest update in the new Apple Watches is also the biggest upgrade to any Apple Watch in a long time when it comes to health tracking."
• [02:44] "Historically Apple prioritized accuracy over availability." — the one-line explanation of why background HR was every 5 minutes.
• [04:05] "The company claims this is now the most accurate step counting of any smartwatch. Now, that's of course a very strong claim, so it'll be interesting to see how it performs in my testing."
• [05:49] "That's really sort of a readiness score as you also know it from Oura or Whoop."
• [11:30] "So, again, the US gets a lot more." — on audio intelligence and the Quest panel being US-first, EU excluded at launch.
• [12:05] "The most important claims still require objective testing, and that's what I'm here for."

Entities mentioned

• People: rob-ter-horst
• Companies: apple, quest-diagnostics, oura, whoop
• Tools / products: apple-watch (Series 12, Ultra 4), S11 chip, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Health app, Siri, Shazam
• Places: United States (feature-launch region), European Union (excluded at launch)

Concepts surfaced

• sampling-frequency-over-accuracy: the generational upgrade is measurement availability (HR 5min→5s, HRV daily→5min), reversing Apple's "accuracy over availability" stance — more data enables readiness/HRV features regardless of per-reading accuracy gains.
• readiness-score: Apple joins Oura/Whoop/Garmin in the recovery-score convergence, differentiating with intraday updates instead of a fixed morning score.
• health-age: biological-age metric (cf. Whoop age) from wearable metrics + optional labs; undisclosed formula — the transparency gap Rob is chasing.
• sdnn-vs-rmssd: which HRV statistic a vendor reports determines cross-device comparability; Apple's historical SDNN vs industry RMSSD, unanswered for the new features.
• claims-vs-testing: keynote numbers are vendor claims until validated against reference devices (ECG chest straps, EEG, manual counts) — the channel's entire epistemology.
• us-first-health-features: regulatory/rollout asymmetry — Quest labs and audio intelligence are US-first, EU excluded at launch.

Transcript

Source: captions.

[00:02] The biggest update in the new Apple Watches is also the biggest upgrade to
[00:04] Watches is also the biggest upgrade to any Apple Watch in a long time when it
[00:06] any Apple Watch in a long time when it comes to health tracking. So, the new
[00:08] comes to health tracking. So, the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch
[00:10] Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have a new health sensing
[00:12] Ultra 4 have a new health sensing system. Now, both watches contain a
[00:15] system. Now, both watches contain a redesigned optical and electrical heart
[00:18] redesigned optical and electrical heart rate sensor powered by the new S11 chip.
[00:21] rate sensor powered by the new S11 chip. All these upgrades should lead to a
[00:22] All these upgrades should lead to a better heart rate tracking during
[00:24] better heart rate tracking during exercise, also better heart rate
[00:26] exercise, also better heart rate tracking during the day at a much higher
[00:28] tracking during the day at a much higher frequency, and also better step counting
[00:30] frequency, and also better step counting and better heart rate variability. By
[00:32] and better heart rate variability. By the way, for those of you who are new to
[00:33] the way, for those of you who are new to the channel, my name is Rob and I'm a
[00:35] the channel, my name is Rob and I'm a post-doctoral scientist specializing in
[00:37] post-doctoral scientist specializing in biological data analysis, which is why
[00:39] biological data analysis, which is why this release is so cool. Now, according
[00:41] this release is so cool. Now, according to Apple, the optical heart rate sensor,
[00:43] to Apple, the optical heart rate sensor, so the thing that measures your heart
[00:44] so the thing that measures your heart rate, uses repositioned photodiodes, so
[00:47] rate, uses repositioned photodiodes, so the things that measure the incoming
[00:49] the things that measure the incoming signal, and larger, more power-efficient
[00:51] signal, and larger, more power-efficient green LEDs. So, basically brighter green
[00:54] green LEDs. So, basically brighter green lights and better sensors to detect the
[00:56] lights and better sensors to detect the reflections of that light, which should
[00:59] reflections of that light, which should improve heart rate even more. Now, the
[01:01] improve heart rate even more. Now, the electrical sensor also has been
[01:02] electrical sensor also has been redesigned to improve ECG measurements,
[01:05] redesigned to improve ECG measurements, and the Series 12 starts at $309 in the
[01:08] and the Series 12 starts at $309 in the United States, while the Ultra 4 starts
[01:11] United States, while the Ultra 4 starts at $799.
[01:12] at $799. Now, heart rate on the Apple Watch was
[01:14] Now, heart rate on the Apple Watch was always one of the strong points, one of
[01:17] always one of the strong points, one of the best, if not the best, on the wrist
[01:19] the best, if not the best, on the wrist heart rate measurements. And now they
[01:21] heart rate measurements. And now they say they are the best, also based on the
[01:23] say they are the best, also based on the new study that they did with the new
[01:25] new study that they did with the new sensor, and I'll actually make a
[01:26] sensor, and I'll actually make a separate video about that. However, what
[01:29] separate video about that. However, what I think is potentially even more
[01:31] I think is potentially even more important is that Apple has changed the
[01:33] important is that Apple has changed the hardware and firmware in such a way that
[01:35] hardware and firmware in such a way that they can now collect heart rate and
[01:37] they can now collect heart rate and heart rate variability data at a much
[01:39] heart rate variability data at a much higher frequency. Now, to understand why
[01:42] higher frequency. Now, to understand why that might be an even bigger
[01:43] that might be an even bigger improvement, we first need to look at
[01:45] improvement, we first need to look at how previous Apple Watches measured
[01:47] how previous Apple Watches measured heart rate. Now, during a user-initiated
[01:50] heart rate. Now, during a user-initiated measurement, as they call it, basically
[01:51] measurement, as they call it, basically opening the heart rate app or starting a
[01:53] opening the heart rate app or starting a workout, the foreground algorithm uses
[01:56] workout, the foreground algorithm uses the green PPG signals together with the
[01:59] the green PPG signals together with the accelerometer data and then measured one
[02:01] accelerometer data and then measured one heart rate value roughly once every 5
[02:04] heart rate value roughly once every 5 seconds. And background measurements, so
[02:06] seconds. And background measurements, so during the day, during normal daily
[02:08] during the day, during normal daily wear, were much less frequent with
[02:11] wear, were much less frequent with low-powered infrared light, and they
[02:13] low-powered infrared light, and they looked for measurements when the user
[02:14] looked for measurements when the user was relatively still and attempted to
[02:16] was relatively still and attempted to provide roughly one heart rate value
[02:19] provide roughly one heart rate value every 5 minutes. So, that now is reduced
[02:21] every 5 minutes. So, that now is reduced to every 5 seconds with the new Apple
[02:23] to every 5 seconds with the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. So, it does
[02:26] Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. So, it does seem that the approximate 5-second
[02:28] seem that the approximate 5-second frequency that was previously associated
[02:30] frequency that was previously associated with the foreground exercise
[02:31] with the foreground exercise measurements is now being extended to
[02:33] measurements is now being extended to also passive background monitoring. And
[02:36] also passive background monitoring. And this was a complaint of some people that
[02:37] this was a complaint of some people that I know, cuz this is especially important
[02:39] I know, cuz this is especially important when you're active but you for instance
[02:41] when you're active but you for instance forgot to start your exercise. Now, you
[02:43] forgot to start your exercise. Now, you should also get better data for that.
[02:45] should also get better data for that. Now, historically Apple prioritized
[02:47] Now, historically Apple prioritized accuracy over availability. That
[02:49] accuracy over availability. That basically means that the watch may
[02:51] basically means that the watch may withhold a value or remove a value when
[02:54] withhold a value or remove a value when the signal is too noisy rather than give
[02:56] the signal is too noisy rather than give you a potentially incorrect number. Now,
[02:59] you a potentially incorrect number. Now, in my testing, Apple Watches have
[03:01] in my testing, Apple Watches have generally been among the better
[03:02] generally been among the better smartwatches for heart rate tracking,
[03:04] smartwatches for heart rate tracking, but they were obviously not perfect.
[03:06] but they were obviously not perfect. Difficult exercises, so rapid changes in
[03:08] Difficult exercises, so rapid changes in intensity or wrist tension, could impact
[03:12] intensity or wrist tension, could impact the heart rate sensing. And especially
[03:14] the heart rate sensing. And especially during weight lifting, for instance, it
[03:16] during weight lifting, for instance, it missed some of the peaks in my heart
[03:18] missed some of the peaks in my heart rate. So, it didn't detect a wrong heart
[03:20] rate. So, it didn't detect a wrong heart rate, but it just stopped detecting for
[03:22] rate, but it just stopped detecting for a while because of that increased
[03:23] a while because of that increased tension on the wrist. Now, I do prefer
[03:25] tension on the wrist. Now, I do prefer this over wrong measurements, but I
[03:27] this over wrong measurements, but I would be really curious to see if the
[03:28] would be really curious to see if the Series 12 and Ultra 4 agree even better
[03:31] Series 12 and Ultra 4 agree even better with an ECG reference. And also if it
[03:33] with an ECG reference. And also if it keeps reporting the measurements even
[03:35] keeps reporting the measurements even during the most difficult sections of a
[03:37] during the most difficult sections of a workout. And again, especially during
[03:39] workout. And again, especially during weight lifting, that would be super
[03:40] weight lifting, that would be super interesting.
[03:42] interesting. But in addition to better heart rate
[03:43] But in addition to better heart rate tracking, there's now also a new step
[03:45] tracking, there's now also a new step counting system on the Apple Watch
[03:47] counting system on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Apple says the
[03:50] Series 12 and Ultra 4. Apple says the new machine learning algorithm improves
[03:52] new machine learning algorithm improves all-day step counting as well as
[03:54] all-day step counting as well as distance estimates during indoor walking
[03:56] distance estimates during indoor walking and running workouts. Based on Apple's
[03:59] and running workouts. Based on Apple's comparison with other leading
[04:00] comparison with other leading smartwatches using a 1,000 step test
[04:03] smartwatches using a 1,000 step test validated by video counting, the company
[04:06] validated by video counting, the company claims this is now the most accurate
[04:08] claims this is now the most accurate step counting of any smartwatch. Now,
[04:10] step counting of any smartwatch. Now, that's of course a very strong claim, so
[04:12] that's of course a very strong claim, so it'll be interesting to see how it
[04:13] it'll be interesting to see how it performs in my testing, also to see if
[04:15] performs in my testing, also to see if there's no false positive steps. So, if
[04:17] there's no false positive steps. So, if you get steps for instance when you're
[04:18] you get steps for instance when you're driving or when you're riding a bike.
[04:21] driving or when you're riding a bike. Now, in addition to steps and heart
[04:23] Now, in addition to steps and heart rate, there's also a heart rate
[04:24] rate, there's also a heart rate variability or HRV update. Apple says
[04:27] variability or HRV update. Apple says that the Ultra 4 and Series 12 can
[04:30] that the Ultra 4 and Series 12 can measure HRV as often as every 5 minutes
[04:33] measure HRV as often as every 5 minutes and up to 24 times more frequently than
[04:35] and up to 24 times more frequently than before. HRV is also becoming much more
[04:38] before. HRV is also becoming much more visible in Apple's software, so it's
[04:40] visible in Apple's software, so it's getting a dedicated section in the heart
[04:42] getting a dedicated section in the heart rate app. It's included in your
[04:44] rate app. It's included in your overnight vitals as well, and there's a
[04:46] overnight vitals as well, and there's a new daytimes vitals view. Apple is
[04:49] new daytimes vitals view. Apple is additionally separating HRV into two
[04:52] additionally separating HRV into two parts. Recovery HRV is intended to help
[04:54] parts. Recovery HRV is intended to help identify daily signals, for instance
[04:57] identify daily signals, for instance associated with stress and recovery,
[04:59] associated with stress and recovery, while on the other hand overall HRV is
[05:01] while on the other hand overall HRV is intended to provide a broader context
[05:04] intended to provide a broader context around general and cardiovascular
[05:06] around general and cardiovascular health. Apple says that overnight
[05:08] health. Apple says that overnight recovery HRV will be compared with the
[05:10] recovery HRV will be compared with the user's personal baseline, while daytime
[05:13] user's personal baseline, while daytime view may identify changes before they
[05:15] view may identify changes before they become apparent overnight. Apple has
[05:17] become apparent overnight. Apple has traditionally reported HRV primarily as
[05:20] traditionally reported HRV primarily as an SDNN value, whereas most people use
[05:23] an SDNN value, whereas most people use another metric called RMSSD. I couldn't
[05:25] another metric called RMSSD. I couldn't find anywhere which one of these two
[05:27] find anywhere which one of these two Apple uses or if they use something else
[05:29] Apple uses or if they use something else completely. Now, the additional heart
[05:31] completely. Now, the additional heart rate and HRV data feed directly into
[05:34] rate and HRV data feed directly into Apple's new readiness feature. Now,
[05:37] Apple's new readiness feature. Now, readiness combines recent activity,
[05:39] readiness combines recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep score
[05:41] training load, vitals, and sleep score to produce a score from 0 to 10, and
[05:44] to produce a score from 0 to 10, and then assigns one of four
[05:46] then assigns one of four recommendations: Recover, pace yourself,
[05:49] recommendations: Recover, pace yourself, ready, or go for it. So, that's really
[05:51] ready, or go for it. So, that's really sort of a readiness score as you also
[05:53] sort of a readiness score as you also know it from Aura or Whoop. A lot of
[05:55] know it from Aura or Whoop. A lot of these companies have these kind of
[05:56] these companies have these kind of scores.
[05:57] scores. Now, Apple's score can update throughout
[05:59] Now, Apple's score can update throughout the day, so it's not just in the
[06:01] the day, so it's not just in the morning. And a more demanding workout or
[06:03] morning. And a more demanding workout or change in daytime vitals may therefore
[06:06] change in daytime vitals may therefore alter the results after the initial
[06:07] alter the results after the initial morning calculation. So, it's not just a
[06:09] morning calculation. So, it's not just a single score, but sort of a dynamic
[06:11] single score, but sort of a dynamic score that changes over time. Also,
[06:13] score that changes over time. Also, according to Apple, users can inspect
[06:16] according to Apple, users can inspect the factors that drive the score rather
[06:18] the factors that drive the score rather than receiving only a single unexplained
[06:20] than receiving only a single unexplained number. So, I would be really curious to
[06:22] number. So, I would be really curious to see what actually makes up this score
[06:24] see what actually makes up this score and how sort of linear that contribution
[06:26] and how sort of linear that contribution is. So, maybe you can even influence it
[06:27] is. So, maybe you can even influence it directly. Now again, conceptually, this
[06:29] directly. Now again, conceptually, this is similar to the readiness or recovery
[06:31] is similar to the readiness or recovery scores offered by companies such as
[06:33] scores offered by companies such as Aura, Garmin, Whoop, and Fitbit. Now, I
[06:38] Aura, Garmin, Whoop, and Fitbit. Now, I Now, I reached my activity goal
[06:40] Now, I reached my activity goal during my recording. I guess I'm moving
[06:42] during my recording. I guess I'm moving a lot. Apple is actually also
[06:44] a lot. Apple is actually also redesigning the health app, I think,
[06:46] redesigning the health app, I think, later this year, and the new insights
[06:48] later this year, and the new insights tab will create summaries that update
[06:50] tab will create summaries that update throughout the day using heart, sleep,
[06:52] throughout the day using heart, sleep, readiness, fitness, vitals, and cycle
[06:55] readiness, fitness, vitals, and cycle tracking information. And then a for you
[06:58] tracking information. And then a for you section can present personalized
[06:59] section can present personalized recommendations and educational
[07:01] recommendations and educational material. For instance, it might suggest
[07:03] material. For instance, it might suggest a wind-down routine after several late
[07:06] a wind-down routine after several late nights. And finally, there's also a new
[07:07] nights. And finally, there's also a new longevity tab that takes a longer-term
[07:11] longevity tab that takes a longer-term view across heart health, sleep, mental
[07:14] view across heart health, sleep, mental well-being, movement, metabolic health,
[07:16] well-being, movement, metabolic health, hearing, and nutrition.
[07:18] hearing, and nutrition. Its most prominent new metric is called
[07:21] Its most prominent new metric is called health age, so something like a
[07:22] health age, so something like a biological age, which in the end
[07:24] biological age, which in the end compares parts of your measured health
[07:27] compares parts of your measured health with your chronological age. So, is your
[07:29] with your chronological age. So, is your body in a way younger or older than your
[07:32] body in a way younger or older than your actual age? Now, a lot of companies have
[07:34] actual age? Now, a lot of companies have this now. For instance, there's Whoop
[07:36] this now. For instance, there's Whoop age, and Apple says that the calculation
[07:38] age, and Apple says that the calculation can include VO2 max, resting heart rate,
[07:40] can include VO2 max, resting heart rate, sleep, and HRV. And users can enrich
[07:44] sleep, and HRV. And users can enrich this analysis with laboratory values
[07:46] this analysis with laboratory values such as A1C and LDL cholesterol. What
[07:49] such as A1C and LDL cholesterol. What Apple has not yet publicly explained, at
[07:52] Apple has not yet publicly explained, at least not in detail, is the exact
[07:54] least not in detail, is the exact formula and the weighing of each of the
[07:56] formula and the weighing of each of the variables. So, how this in the end is
[07:58] variables. So, how this in the end is actually calculated and if it matters if
[08:00] actually calculated and if it matters if you give it also lab measurements or
[08:02] you give it also lab measurements or not. Now, I actually asked the question
[08:04] not. Now, I actually asked the question to Apple, so once I know more, I will of
[08:06] to Apple, so once I know more, I will of course let you know. But, it's good that
[08:07] course let you know. But, it's good that they make something like this as well,
[08:09] they make something like this as well, because I actually use For instance, my
[08:10] because I actually use For instance, my Whoop biological age actively to sort of
[08:14] Whoop biological age actively to sort of keep myself fit. Now, interestingly, the
[08:16] keep myself fit. Now, interestingly, the redesigned health app will also include
[08:18] redesigned health app will also include at-home movement evaluations. You can
[08:20] at-home movement evaluations. You can see some examples here in the
[08:21] see some examples here in the screenshots that I took. So, using the
[08:24] screenshots that I took. So, using the iPhone camera together with heart rate
[08:26] iPhone camera together with heart rate information from the Apple Watch, these
[08:28] information from the Apple Watch, these assessments can, for instance, examine
[08:30] assessments can, for instance, examine flexibility, strength, balance, movement
[08:33] flexibility, strength, balance, movement mechanics, and cardio fitness. Apple
[08:35] mechanics, and cardio fitness. Apple actually says that the camera-based
[08:37] actually says that the camera-based analysis runs entirely on the device,
[08:39] analysis runs entirely on the device, and that the videos not recorded,
[08:41] and that the videos not recorded, stored, or shared. And there's also a
[08:43] stored, or shared. And there's also a dedicated test right here for a VO2 max
[08:46] dedicated test right here for a VO2 max estimate, which is really cool. Let's
[08:48] estimate, which is really cool. Let's actually see how accurate it is. Apple
[08:50] actually see how accurate it is. Apple says that this assessment can be done
[08:51] says that this assessment can be done with an Apple Watch, but also with
[08:53] with an Apple Watch, but also with AirPods Pro 3 or a compatible
[08:56] AirPods Pro 3 or a compatible third-party heart rate sensor. Finally,
[08:57] third-party heart rate sensor. Finally, they also announced that at least in the
[08:59] they also announced that at least in the United States, a lot of these things are
[09:01] United States, a lot of these things are still first rolling out in the US, users
[09:03] still first rolling out in the US, users will be able to purchase a laboratory
[09:06] will be able to purchase a laboratory panel directly through the Health app.
[09:08] panel directly through the Health app. And this will cost $119
[09:10] And this will cost $119 and go through this Quest service. This
[09:13] and go through this Quest service. This includes more than 50 biomarkers, and it
[09:15] includes more than 50 biomarkers, and it should be available, I think, at close
[09:16] should be available, I think, at close to 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations.
[09:20] to 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations. But, of course, you can also import
[09:21] But, of course, you can also import existing lab measurements or do your
[09:23] existing lab measurements or do your own. Now, we're almost done, but there's
[09:25] own. Now, we're almost done, but there's a few important things left, and one is
[09:27] a few important things left, and one is battery life, which is particularly
[09:28] battery life, which is particularly relevant because the watches are
[09:30] relevant because the watches are collecting heart rate data much more
[09:32] collecting heart rate data much more frequently. Now, Apple Watch Series 12
[09:35] frequently. Now, Apple Watch Series 12 retains a claimed 24 hours of normal use
[09:37] retains a claimed 24 hours of normal use battery life, but outdoor workout
[09:40] battery life, but outdoor workout battery life increases to 10 hours,
[09:42] battery life increases to 10 hours, which Apple says is 25% more than
[09:45] which Apple says is 25% more than previous models. Now, 15 minutes of
[09:47] previous models. Now, 15 minutes of charging can add up to 12 hours of use,
[09:50] charging can add up to 12 hours of use, that's really good. And the Apple Watch
[09:51] that's really good. And the Apple Watch Ultra 4 receives an even larger
[09:54] Ultra 4 receives an even larger improvement with up to 50 hours in
[09:56] improvement with up to 50 hours in normal use and up to 84 hours in low
[09:59] normal use and up to 84 hours in low power mode. But, what you might want to
[10:01] power mode. But, what you might want to know about is endurance sports. Now, the
[10:03] know about is endurance sports. Now, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 can track an outdoor
[10:05] Apple Watch Ultra 4 can track an outdoor workout for up to 18 hours in a normal
[10:07] workout for up to 18 hours in a normal workout mode. Extended workout mode
[10:10] workout mode. Extended workout mode increases this to 25 hours. So, I think
[10:13] increases this to 25 hours. So, I think that removes some things like your
[10:15] that removes some things like your running form and stuff like that, but
[10:16] running form and stuff like that, but there's still heart rate and GPS. While
[10:18] there's still heart rate and GPS. While max extended mode can track outdoor
[10:20] max extended mode can track outdoor runs, walks, and hikes for up to 45
[10:23] runs, walks, and hikes for up to 45 hours. Now, all these longer modes do
[10:25] hours. Now, all these longer modes do preserve heart rate and GPS, including
[10:28] preserve heart rate and GPS, including GPS readings every second in max
[10:30] GPS readings every second in max extended workout, but they do reduce or
[10:33] extended workout, but they do reduce or disable other features and metrics to
[10:35] disable other features and metrics to extend the battery life. Both watches
[10:37] extend the battery life. Both watches also gain audio intelligence, although
[10:39] also gain audio intelligence, although some of these features are scheduled to
[10:40] some of these features are scheduled to arrive later in beta in 2026. Sound
[10:43] arrive later in beta in 2026. Sound recognition can, for instance, identify
[10:45] recognition can, for instance, identify selected sounds such as alarms, sirens,
[10:47] selected sounds such as alarms, sirens, and doorbells. Life rewind can actually
[10:50] and doorbells. Life rewind can actually show you a text representation of the
[10:52] show you a text representation of the previous 15 seconds after you press the
[10:55] previous 15 seconds after you press the digital crown two times. Siri recap can
[10:58] digital crown two times. Siri recap can then create a high-level title and key
[11:00] then create a high-level title and key points from a conversation, and Shazam
[11:02] points from a conversation, and Shazam can automatically surface detected music
[11:05] can automatically surface detected music in the smart stack. Now, Apple says none
[11:07] in the smart stack. Now, Apple says none of these features store your audio
[11:08] of these features store your audio recordings, and raw audio is processed
[11:11] recordings, and raw audio is processed inside a hardware-isolated secure
[11:14] inside a hardware-isolated secure enclave, and then deleted. But, of
[11:16] enclave, and then deleted. But, of course, the life rewind text and Siri
[11:18] course, the life rewind text and Siri recap summaries are saved, but they
[11:21] recap summaries are saved, but they should be end-to-end encrypted. Now,
[11:22] should be end-to-end encrypted. Now, some of these features do require an
[11:24] some of these features do require an Apple intelligence-compatible iPhone and
[11:27] Apple intelligence-compatible iPhone and will be initially limited to English and
[11:29] will be initially limited to English and not initially available in the European
[11:31] not initially available in the European Union. So, again, the US gets a lot
[11:33] Union. So, again, the US gets a lot more. Okay, to summarize, Apple has
[11:35] more. Okay, to summarize, Apple has actually substantially improved or at
[11:37] actually substantially improved or at least changed its existing optical and
[11:40] least changed its existing optical and electrical heart sensing platform,
[11:42] electrical heart sensing platform, hopefully improving, but at least
[11:44] hopefully improving, but at least dramatically increasing sampling
[11:46] dramatically increasing sampling frequency and building even more
[11:48] frequency and building even more interpretation on top of these
[11:50] interpretation on top of these measurements. So, that means heart rate
[11:52] measurements. So, that means heart rate every 5 seconds throughout the day, HRV
[11:54] every 5 seconds throughout the day, HRV as often as every 5 minutes, daytime
[11:57] as often as every 5 minutes, daytime vitals, and a continuously updating
[11:59] vitals, and a continuously updating readiness score. And all of this could
[12:01] readiness score. And all of this could make watches much more informative than
[12:03] make watches much more informative than previous generations. However, the most
[12:06] previous generations. However, the most important claims still require objective
[12:08] important claims still require objective testing, and that's what I'm here for. I
[12:10] testing, and that's what I'm here for. I want to know whether the new sensor is
[12:12] want to know whether the new sensor is more accurate during difficult workouts,
[12:14] more accurate during difficult workouts, whether its increased sampling during
[12:16] whether its increased sampling during the day also gives reliable
[12:17] the day also gives reliable measurements, and whether the new HRV
[12:20] measurements, and whether the new HRV outputs are really good as well, and
[12:22] outputs are really good as well, and what they're actually based on. Finally,
[12:24] what they're actually based on. Finally, I am really keen to see how the
[12:25] I am really keen to see how the readiness and health age work, and if
[12:27] readiness and health age work, and if they change quickly or if they're very
[12:29] they change quickly or if they're very stable. These are questions I will try
[12:32] stable. These are questions I will try to answer once I can actually test the
[12:34] to answer once I can actually test the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch
[12:35] Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. I already ordered them, and of
[12:37] Ultra 4. I already ordered them, and of course, I'll use all my appropriate
[12:39] course, I'll use all my appropriate reference devices, including ECG chest
[12:41] reference devices, including ECG chest straps, EEG devices, and manual step
[12:44] straps, EEG devices, and manual step counters. Now, don't forget to like and
[12:46] counters. Now, don't forget to like and subscribe, of course, and after I finish
[12:48] subscribe, of course, and after I finish this video, I'll immediately make the
[12:50] this video, I'll immediately make the one where we're going to go over Apple
[12:52] one where we're going to go over Apple study, where they compared their heart
[12:54] study, where they compared their heart rate tracking performance to other
[12:55] rate tracking performance to other brands. And once that's up, you can find
[12:57] brands. And once that's up, you can find that video right here, and also check
[12:59] that video right here, and also check out this video right here.

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