Fitness Wearables: Garmin, Whoop, Oura, Apple Watch Health — 2026-09-05
This health signal was created by a user. It may contain unverified medical claims. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Apple is set to unveil the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 on September 9 with rumored always-on heart-rate tracking and a revamped Fitness app. Meanwhile, Garmin launched a new color for the vívoactive 6 in Japan and expanded its September 2026 software updates, while Circular unveiled the Ring 3 series featuring blood pressure monitoring and contactless payments.
Fitness Wearables: Garmin, Whoop, Oura, Apple Watch Health — 2026-09-05
Top developments
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Launch Imminent with Sensor Upgrades
Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 at its September 9 event, with leaked features focusing on improved heart-rate monitoring. Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate the new models will feature always-on heart-rate tracking and a redesigned Fitness app, addressing long-standing sensor limitations. This update aims to compete more directly with rivals like Oura and Whoop in continuous health monitoring.
Circular Ring 3 Series Introduces Blood Pressure Monitoring and Payments
Circular has unveiled the Ring 3 Pro and Ring 3 Slim, introducing features that differentiate them from market leaders Oura and Samsung. The Ring 3 Pro supports ECG and blood pressure monitoring, while both models feature contactless payment capabilities, allowing users to pay for items using just their ring. This launch highlights the growing trend of integrating financial and medical utility into smart rings.
Garmin Expands vívoactive 6 Lineup and Software Features
Garmin released a new colorway, French Gray/Paloma Cream Gold, for its wellness-focused GPS watch, the vívoactive 6, with a Japanese release date set for September 10. Additionally, Garmin’s September 2026 update cycle includes significant software enhancements such as hands-free voice control via "OK, Garmin" and fall detection on the Venu 4, alongside new lower-volume run coach plans. These updates reflect Garmin’s strategy of refining existing hardware through software rather than solely relying on new hardware launches.
Local view
In Japan, local media are highlighting the availability of new smartwatch colors and sales events. Smart Watch Life reported on the top-selling smartwatches on Rakuten as of September 4, noting strong performance from major brands like GARMIN, Apple, and HUAWEI. Real Sound Tech also covered the pre-order start for the new Garmin vívoactive 6 color, emphasizing its sleep and wellness features for the Japanese consumer market.
Context & numbers
Amazon Japan is currently running sales on over 20% off smartwatches, with discounts up to 43% on models from Galaxy, Garmin, HUAWEI, Polar, and SUUNTO as of September 4. Specifically, the Garmin fēnix 8 Dual Power is listed at a 30% discount (¥59,400 off) in official outlet sales. These price reductions coincide with the upcoming Apple event, suggesting a competitive pricing environment in the wearables market.
On the radar
- September 9: Apple’s fall event where the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to be officially announced.
- September 10: Release date for the new color variant of the Garmin vívoactive 6 in Japan.
- Ongoing: Legal proceedings involving Oura, WHOOP, and Garmin continue to move forward, though specific recent updates were not detailed in this week's primary sources.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
