The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are missing the handwashing timer feature, according to 9to5Mac. Despite handwashing detection remaining in watchOS 27, Apple Health, and the iOS 27.2 update, the newest hardware is not listed as supported. The feature works on Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.

It is unclear whether the absence is an oversight or a deliberate hardware limitation. There appears to be no reason for Apple to omit supported hardware if the feature were still planned for the new models. Handwashing detection was introduced in 2020 with watchOS 7.

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 launched with a new processor and Audio Intelligence features such as Siri Recap and Live Rewind. The handwashing detection exclusion may simply reflect the focus of the updated hardware. Both watches are available now.