Apple Watch Series 12 Review: Innovations for Health and AI Integration
You wouldn’t know that the Apple Watch Series 12 is a big deal just by looking at it. It maintains the same design, buttons, sizes, and sensor types as its predecessors. However, under the hood, the Series 12 incorporates significant changes that set the stage for the future of health and wearable technology.
This year’s updates can be divided into two core themes: catching up with the AI health boom and leading advancements in AI wearables that provide insights based on daily usage. In the realm of AI health, Apple has been working to match the capabilities of competitors in the wearable space. However, it is also pioneering AI features that have the potential to redefine the market.
$399
The Good
- Faster charging
- Redesigned sensor array
- Ceramic is back
- Thoughtful privacy structure for Audio Intelligence
- More useful Siri capabilities
The Bad
- Privacy structures may not change user perceptions
- Many new features won’t be available at launch
After a week of using the Series 12, it’s clear that several notable health and AI features are set to roll out later this year. Even in its current state, the revamped internals are indicative of meaningful upgrades. This review highlights the health features available at launch while also providing a glimpse into the innovative AI functionalities anticipated for the future.
Two primary hardware updates distinguish the Series 12 from earlier models: the new S11 chip and an overhaul of the health sensor array. The S11 chip includes a secure enclave for microphone data processing, providing both a faster CPU and a more powerful Neural Engine. The redesigned sensor array enhances the watch’s ability to capture health metrics more frequently and accurately, thanks to larger electrodes for the EKG feature and more efficient photodiodes.
This significant hardware redesign enables a more refined health tracking experience, including more frequent heart rate readings and the introduction of Audio Intelligence features aimed at enhancing user interaction with the device.
Notably, the Series 12 can now continuously monitor heart rates, measuring them every five seconds whether at rest or during activities— a feature long available in competitor devices. Preliminary results from comparisons with the Polar H10 chest strap have indicated that the Series 12 performs within five beats per minute, a promising outcome for user health monitoring.
The S11 chip also enhances the responsiveness of Siri queries, making interactions smoother and more efficient than before. While battery life is consistent at approximately 24 hours, the faster charging option remains a strong convenience feature.
With the upcoming redesign of the Health app, users can expect features like AI-powered insights and a readiness score that measures recovery and overall health, which, like other metrics, pulls from sleep and activity data. This readiness score will help users gauge their physical preparedness for workouts.
Apple evaluates the readiness score through a combination of physiological metrics, allowing users to adjust their activities based on recovery and stress levels.
Introducing Audio Intelligence
The S11 chip also facilitates new features through Audio Intelligence, transforming the Apple Watch into a more dynamic assistant. Among these features are Live Rewind and Siri Recap, designed to leverage voice recognition capabilities. Although some features won’t be available until later this year, the current functionality of Shazam and sound recognition is already impressively responsive.
Testing revealed that the sound recognition feature performs admirably, identifying a range of potential sounds and alerting users accordingly— a function critical for accessibility.
Overall, while the Series 12 marks a solid upgrade primarily for Series 6 users or those with older models, existing Series 7 and 8 users may want to consider if the AI-enhanced health benefits justify an upgrade. With expanding features poised to be released, Apple’s strategic direction for the Apple Watch appears promising.
If you’re curious to explore the Apple Watch Series 12 further, you can check it out Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
