While the groundbreaking iPhone Duo and the AI-powered iPhone 18 Pro understandably dominated the headlines at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, 2026, the tech giant did not ignore its wearables. Apple officially refreshed its Apple Watch Series 12 and wireless audio lineups, bringing significant quality-of-life updates to devices that millions use daily.
If you are fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, here is a breakdown of the new wearables announced and what they bring to the table.
1. Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4
Apple introduced the next generation of its smartwatch lineup, powered by the new S12 processor, focusing heavily on refined aesthetics and deeper health integrations.
- Series 12 Design Changes: After taking a break for a few generations, Apple has brought back the premium ceramic case option for the Series 12, offering a highly durable and glossy finish alongside new vibrant color options. It also introduces a completely revamped band attachment system.
- The Ultra 4 Updates: The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 retains its familiar titanium design but receives serious internal boosts. It benefits from the upgraded S12 processor for faster on-device Siri interactions and features enhanced sensor capabilities tailored for extreme sports and outdoor navigation.
2. AirPods 5: A Two-Tier Approach
Apple finally updated its standard wireless earbuds. The new AirPods 5 feature a design similar to the previous generation but introduce several highly requested features.
- Active Noise Cancellation for the Masses: Apple is now offering the AirPods 5 in two distinct versions: one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a more affordable non-ANC version, bringing premium audio isolation out of the “Pro” exclusivity.
- Hardware Upgrades: Both versions are powered by an updated H3 chip designed to significantly improve sound quality and reduce latency. They also introduce touch-based volume controls directly on the stems and, remarkably, integrate a built-in heart-rate sensor for fitness tracking without needing a watch.
3. Expected Pricing & Availability in Pakistan
Like the new iPhones, these wearables are expected to hit international shelves in late October.
(Disclaimer: The following Pakistani pricing estimates are rough projections based on current exchange rates and standard retailer markups. Exact retail prices will not be confirmed until the products officially arrive in the local market).
- Apple Watch Series 12: Assuming a standard $399 international starting price, expect local pricing to land around Rs. 130,000 to Rs. 145,000, depending on the case material (ceramic will cost significantly more).
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: With a premium $799 price tag, the Ultra 4 will likely retail locally between Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 270,000.
- AirPods 5: Depending on whether you opt for the ANC or non-ANC version, expect local grey market and authorized retailer pricing to range from Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 75,000.
Verdict
Apple’s wearable updates for 2026 are solid, iterative improvements. The return of the ceramic case for the Series 12 adds a touch of luxury, while adding ANC and heart-rate tracking to the standard AirPods 5 makes them a massive upgrade for anyone still using older generations.