The Apple Watch Series 12 has made its debut, showcasing Apple’s commitment to innovation while retaining the iconic design that users have come to love. Unveiled alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4, new iPhone 18 models, and the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Duo, the Series 12 introduces a host of new features that set it apart from its predecessors.
Apple has kept the familiar rectangular, all-screen display, but the real magic lies under the hood. The Series 12 is powered by a new S11 processor and reengineered health sensors offering higher heart rate accuracy, deeper recovery insights, and a new AI-powered Audio Intelligence feature that can transcribe and save important conversations.
The Power of the S11 Processor
The S11 chip marks a significant leap forward, addressing the need for more processing power after two generations with the S10 chip. This new processor boasts a faster GPU, CPU, and neural engine, enhancing the
One of the most notable improvements is the integration of WatchOS 27 which brings the new Siri AI to the Apple Watch. Having tested Siri AI in beta on the Ultra 3, it’s clear that this version is miles ahead of traditional Siri. It can answer more complex and contextual questions, reference information in Apple’s native apps, and avoid the frustrating “here’s what I found on the web” response that made traditional Siri feel limited on the wrist.
However, some lag has been noticed, which could be due to the software still being in beta. It will be interesting to see if the new S11 chip speeds up these interactions on the Series 12. The new processor could also help with battery life, as Apple rates the Series 12 for the same 24 hours as the previous generation, but with more frequent heart rate samples for increased accuracy.
Audio Intelligence: A New Era of Conversation Tracking
One of the most intriguing new features is Audio Intelligence which allows your watch to listen in on conversations. This feature can transcribe the last 15 seconds of a missed conversation with live Rewind or provide high-level summaries of longer conversations and meetings with Siri Recap.
You can set up this feature manually or enable it to turn on at a specific time. Apple assures users that none of the conversations are stored, and even what is processed in the cloud to surface on your other Apple devices cannot be accessed by the company or anyone else.
Health Innovations: A Focus on Recovery
The back of the Series 12 looks almost flower-like, with 32 electrodes arranged like the petals of a daisy. This design gives the electrodes more surface area to capture better ECG readings. Apple has also rearranged the green and infrared LEDs from the optical sensor into a smaller, circular cluster in the middle of the petals and reduced the size of the dots.
The new sensors enable more frequent heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) readings to power a new Readiness score that tells you how your body is recovering. This score combines biometric signals associated with sleep, activity, and other vitals to help you decide whether your body is ready for a hard workout or could be better off taking it easy.
This feature is similar to the existing Vitals app, which shows when overnight health metrics fall outside your typical range, and an addition to Training Load, which tracks how much strain you’re putting on your body. Apple’s recovery metrics are unique in that they react in real time and can change throughout the day depending on whether you’re draining or fueling your body. Moreover, this feature is not locked behind a paywall and doesn’t require an additional subscription to unlock.
Revamped Health App and Other Features
Apple has also announced a redesigned Health app that combines AI insights and biometrics to give you daily summaries and personalized health recommendations. This app is similar to what other wearables such as Fitbit Air, Whoop, and Oura offer, but without the paywall.
The app includes a more comprehensive health test related to VO2 max and mobility using the cameras on the phone. It feeds all this data, along with optional blood panels, into a longevity tab that assesses different health categories.
WatchOS 27 will also bring more health features that aren’t exclusive to the Series 12, including workout updates and new perimenopause insights for women. Workout Buddy, Apple’s hype person in your ear during workouts, will also work in Spanish and without an iPhone nearby.
A Familiar Design with a New Paint Job
If you were hoping for a dramatically different Apple Watch, this isn’t the year. The Series 12 keeps the familiar rectangular, all-screen display like its predecessor, but Apple is giving it a refresh with new colors, case finishes, and bands.
The Series 12 comes in black, silver, light gold, and a new bronze aluminum finish. Apple is also bringing back a ceramic case option for the Series 12, a material we haven’t seen on its flagship watch since the Series 5 in 2019, as well as a new gold titanium Hermes edition.
