Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Add Readiness App With 0–10 Score

Apple says the new sensing system was redesigned with more capable optical and electrical sensors and larger, more power-efficient green LEDs, according to the report. Because the Readiness app relies on that hardware, it requires a Series 12 or Ultra 4. It is not included on Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, or SE 3 and earlier, even with watchOS 27.

The app's App Store listing is already live, 9to5Mac reported, to support redownloading the pre-installed app on Series 12 and Ultra 4 watches if it is deleted. Users still need a new Apple Watch to unlock the app. The listing says Readiness gives users a score and a clear classification, including Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. It also explains relevant factors and lets users tap through to associated apps, and it supports complications and Smart Stack widgets for glanceable insights. The app appears in Apple's Series 12 introduction video, and Apple has published a support document explaining how it works.

Readiness is based on a score from 0 to 10. A score of 8 to 10 is classified as Go for it; 5 to 7 as Ready; 2 to 4 as Pace Yourself; and 0 to 1 as Recover, according to the report. Apple says activity data, daytime and overnight vitals, and sleep data all affect the score.

Activity from the current day and recent history can influence readiness. Active calories, workout effort ratings, and Training Load data are used to calculate the score. More activity generally can reduce the score, while steady or reduced activity raises it. A user's score might also fall during the day after a workout or other activity.

Vitals are considered from the Vitals app's daytime and overnight metrics. When vitals indicate a user is Notably or Slightly off, the score is reduced; when metrics are Typical or Favorable, the score is raised. Higher-than-usual heart rate variability can lead to Favorable vitals and a high readiness score.

Sleep also affects readiness. The previous night's sleep score and recent sleep history can change the readiness score. A low sleep score from poor-quality or inconsistent sleep can reduce it, while a high or improved sleep score can raise it. Sleep score is already a built-in feature, and 9to5Mac said readiness score will extend that with the new hardware.

Pre-orders are open for Apple Watch Series 12 starting at $399 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 starting at $799, according to the report. Both models launch on Sept. 18.

Editor's Summary

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 add a Readiness app tied to a new Health Sensing System, giving users a 0–10 score and guidance categories based on activity, vitals, and sleep. The app requires the new hardware and is not available on earlier models, even with watchOS 27. It arrives as Apple opens pre-orders for the watches, with prices starting at $399 and $799 and a launch set for Sept. 18.