Ive worn the Apple Watch Series 12 for a week the biggest changes are underneath

Date:
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:02:37 +0000

Description:
The Apple Watch Series 12 isnt a radical redesign, but new health-tracking capabilities, faster processing, and AI features make this more than a spec bump.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Now, I typically wear an Apple Watch daily, and have since the wearable launched in spring 2015, but for the past week, Ive swapped my Ultra 3 or Series 11 for the Apple Watch Series 12.

Unveiled at Apples September 9, 2026, Surprise and shine event , the next-generation mid-range Apple Watch err, flagship for everyone in between the SE third-gen and Ultra 4 doesnt change much in terms of looks over the Series 11, but does usher in a redesigned rear as part of a new
health-sensing system, a new SoC under the hood to power some new features, and a good bit of AI on top of what we knew was coming with watchOS 27 . And while I do have a full review coming, Im waiting to gather more data and get my first taste of a Readiness Score Apples fresh take on contextualizing all your data in an upgraded Vitals experience that Im pretty stoked to try. In most cases, it will take just seven nights of wear to calculate. Latest
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While there are new case types Ceramic arrives alongside Titanium and Aluminum the Series 12 design is very similar to the Series 11. You can pick between a 44mm or a 46mm display, and its still an Always-On OLED that goes pretty close to the edges and even curves down a bit. Ive specifically been testing the black aluminum, which looks fine and a bit plain more importantly, it retains the slim profile. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) Thankfully, all your previous bands will still work, but on the back youll
see the new health-sensing system. The layout is different; it looks almost like a sundial with new placements for electrodes and diodes. Apple also swapped in a green LED, which is more efficient at getting readings. Despite the changes, the watch still sits on the wrist just as well. Of course, it still protrudes a bit from the back; see the photo below. You may like Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Series 11: Key differences explained 5 new Apple Watch features that are more than just health-tracking tools Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: What's changed?

This, in conjunction with the new S11 chip, which is actually a derivative of the A20 Pro in terms of design and components, makes use of a Secure Enclave and an always-on processor section to improve sampling rates. This is the big aha achievement, as it lets the Apple Watch track HRV and real-time heart
rate whether you open the app or use the complication, and it also speeds up pedometer performance for faster step tracking. @techradar

original sound - TechRadar Heart rate variability is a really sweet metric to have, and its arrival on the Apple Watch brings it closer to some competitors. This will also inform the Readiness Score. My Apple Watch still needs one more night of sleep tracking and one more overall HRV rating its helpful that the watch can keep you informed about whats needed, and fair to expect it to take about a week of wear before you get that reading. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) Still, I am bullish on how Readiness will perform and will circle back with full thoughts on that front in due time. For now, the
ability to pull up real-time heart rate is great for workouts, whether it be something more endurance-focused or just a walk and/or run. I really like the steps complication, as it auto-updates, and a quick glance at your wrist can show you how youre pacing for the day.

As of yet, Id note that actively having these complications running either steps or heart rate doesnt seem to tank the battery life. Its very much a full day of use, after a day or two of indexing, like the Series 11 established last year. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) And then theres the AI side of things, which Im only getting a taste of for now. Sound
Recognition and faster Shazam are already here, and both are nice little quality-of-life additions, but the more intriguing stuff is still to come. What to read next The Apple Watch Series 12 has 'the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable' here's where to preorder and save It's about time Apple got a Readiness score to compete with Fitbit and Garmin I test smartwatches for a job, and the Google Pixel Watch 5 beats Apple and Samsung in 5 key ways

Live Rewind and Siri Recap are slated to arrive later this year, initially in beta and in the U.S., and Im especially curious to see how useful they are in the real world. The former can capture and transcribe a recent snippet of a conversation thanks to a rolling 15-second buffer, while the latter can recap what youve been talking about throughout the day down to the facts.

Ill need more time with both once they launch before I can say how much they actually change the Apple Watch experience, but theyre another piece of the Series 12 story that could become more interesting as the year goes on. It also pushes the Apple Watch mainly Series 12 and Ultra 4 as more of an AI wearable, beyond activity or health tracking, notifications, and on-wrist apps.

For now, the Apple Watch Series 12 delivers more of the same in a familiar package, with better processing thatll speed up classic features and enable new ones in two key areas. Its a refresh of sorts for activity. The updates
to Vitals, HRV, more frequent heart rate tracking, and Readiness bring it in line with other wearables like the Oura Ring , Whoop , or Fitbit Air . Simultaneously, its getting smarter with new audio recognition features and even taking on more of a role with AI functionality a real first step for Apple.

Well be back soon with our full review, but if you have an older watch or
have been waiting for Apples take on further contextualizing health data or just really need HRV this might be an excellent year to upgrade.

If youre sold, the Apple Watch Series 12 is up for preorder now and begins shipping tomorrow, September 18, 2026, at the same starting price as the Series 11: $399 / 369 / AU$649. 23.20 at Amazon 369 at Amazon (Black) 369 at Amazon (Gold) 419 at Amazon (Black) Follow TechRadar on Google News and add
us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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