The Apple Watch Series 12 presents a substantial internal upgrade, reviewers confirm, despite maintaining an exterior design closely mirroring previous generations. The model is positioned as a major step forward for the wearable, driven primarily by technological improvements rather than radical visual overhauls.
Central to the upgrade is the new S11 chip, representing the first silicon enhancement for an Apple Watch in some time. This faster processor provides a snappier overall experience and enables richer, new AI capabilities running on watchOS 27.
Significant architectural changes are visible on the underside of the device. Apple incorporated a new Health Sensing System, which features a larger surface area for electrodes and larger LEDs. These updates allow the watch to monitor metrics, such as heart rate, with increased frequency and greater accuracy.
Tracking capabilities are headlined by a rejigged sensor array. This system powers a new Readiness score, which evaluates user status based on measurements of sleep, HRV, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature. Generating an initial seven-day reading period, the score adjusts throughout the day, factoring in recovery and strenuous activity.
The new heart rate sensor demonstrates higher accuracy compared to the Series 11, reportedly matching the performance of a chest strap. The device also introduced tracking for HRV, feeding data into the Vitals app. Reviewers also highlighted the improved step counting as a standout tracking feature.
In terms of usability, the Apple Watch Series 12 retains the fundamental blueprint of Apple’s decade-long design while offering advanced features like Siri Intelligence, which delivers faster and more accurate responses. Users can also utilize a new Shazam function to identify music automatically without needing to open a dedicated app.
Powering this advanced suite of features is also a noticeable improvement in charging speed. A full charge now takes around one hour, and 50% capacity can be reached in under 20 minutes, assuming the use of the included magnetic puck. Battery life, however, remains at 24 hours, matching the previous Series 11 claim.
Pricing begins at £419 for the 42mm GPS model. The Series 12 is available in both 42mm and 46mm sizes and comes in multiple materials, including a returning ceramic finish. Water resistance remains at 50m across all models.
Despite the substantial internal improvements, reviewers point out several cosmetic trade-offs. The bezels surrounding the OLED display on the 46mm model are noticeably thicker than in previous years, which some view as a visual downgrade. Furthermore, several highly anticipated AI features, such as the AI-infused Health app and Siri Recap, are not available at the device’s launch.
For users prioritizing maximum endurance, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains the recommended option, offering significantly longer battery life than the Series 12. However, for existing owners of Series 9 or older models, the Series 12 is presented as a compelling upgrade due to the advanced sensor array and the improved performance.
