TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple’s latest wearables, the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, launch without the hand‑washing timer that has been part of watchOS 27 and Apple Health since the pandemic‑era rollout in 2020. The feature still functions on the previous generation—Series 11 and Ultra 3—and is listed in the watchOS 27 guide, but Apple’s supported‑hardware list omits the new models. No official comment explains whether the omission is accidental or reflects a hardware change tied to the watches’ new processor and audio‑intelligence capabilities such as Siri Recap and Live Rewind. The absence suggests Apple may be phasing out the hand‑washing detection on its 2026 lineup, though the company could later reinstate it. Both devices are already on sale.