Apple 'Surprise and Shine' Final Preview: Every Wearable Expected at the September 9 Event

Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event is four days away, scheduled for September 9 at 10:00 AM Pacific. The company is expected to unveil up to nine products, including significant wearable upgrades. Here's what buyers should know heading into the final weekend before the announcement.

Apple Watch Series 12

• Blood pressure detection: Uses the optical heart sensor to detect patterns of hypertension over 30-day evaluation periods — trend notifications, not actual BP readings. The FDA filing was submitted in August.
• Touch ID: Expected to be built into the side button for secure authentication
• New S12 chip: Significant performance improvement over S11
• Possible microLED display: Reports conflict on whether this arrives in Series 12 or later
• Expected price: Starting around $399–$429

Apple Watch Ultra 4

• First real redesign since the original Ultra in 2022
• Slimmer build: Slightly thinner case with a larger display
• Touch ID: Same side-button integration as Series 12
• New chip and sensors: Expected to match or exceed Series 12 health capabilities
• Expected price: $799–$849

AirPods 5

• IR sensors: Rumored infrared sensors for improved gesture control and potentially health monitoring
• Familiar design: Similar form factor with internal improvements
• Expected price: $179–$199

What Buyers Should Know

If you're considering buying an Apple wearable this weekend, wait four days. The September 9 event will either confirm these upgrades — making current models drop in price — or disappoint, in which case the existing Apple Watch Series 11 ($300), Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($640), and AirPods Pro 3 ($199) are excellent buys at current discounts. Either way, buying before the event costs you leverage. Browse all current deals in our smartwatch guide and earbuds guide.