Exploring the Apple Watch Series 12: A Week of Insights
As an avid Apple Watch user since its debut in spring 2015, I decided to take a break from my usual Ultra 3 or Series 11 and instead test out the newly launched Apple Watch Series 12 for an entire week. Unveiled at Apple’s eagerly anticipated ‘Surprise and Shine’ event on September 9, 2026, the Series 12 is positioned as a mid-range flagship model, filling the gap between the SE third-generation and Ultra 4.
Design and Display
The design of the Series 12 is strikingly similar to its predecessor, the Series 11, although it introduces a redesigned rear housing a new health-sensing system. This version comes with new case options including ceramic, titanium, and aluminum, allowing users to choose between a 44mm or 46mm Always-On OLED display. I tested the black aluminum variant, which, while somewhat plain-looking, maintains a slender profile, appealing to many users.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
Innovative Health Features
One of the most exciting features of the Series 12 is the new health-sensing system, which appears almost like a sundial on the back of the watch. It boasts enhanced electrode and diode placements, along with a more efficient green LED for readings. This, coupled with the new S11 chip—a derivative of the A20 Pro—allows for improved important metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and real-time heart monitoring, which are essential for fitness tracking.
Heart rate variability is a valuable tool to assess health and fitness, and its integration into the Apple Watch signifies its alignment with competitors like the Oura Ring and Fitbit. The watch promises to calculate a ‘Readiness Score’ after a week of use, enhancing daily health assessments.
Battery Life and Performance
Interestingly, the addition of more complex features and metrics, like the HRV tracking, does not negatively impact battery life. The Apple Watch Series 12 maintains a robust daily performance even when using multiple active complications such as step counts and heart rate monitoring.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
AI Integration and Future Features
Apple is also starting to emphasize artificial intelligence in the Series 12, with features like Sound Recognition and a faster version of Shazam already in place. Looking ahead, upcoming functionalities like Live Rewind and Siri Recap, which are expected to roll out later in the year, promise to expand the watch’s usability and smarter engagement in daily tasks.
In the broader picture, the Apple Watch Series 12 serves as an enticing upgrade for those using older models or seeking enhanced health-tracking capabilities. The integration of advanced health metrics and AI functionalities positions the Series 12 as a versatile smartwatch, extending beyond simple notifications and fitness tracking.
With preorders now available and a price point starting at $399 / £369 / AU$649, the Apple Watch Series 12 is set to begin shipping tomorrow, September 18, 2026. If you’re considering an upgrade, this could very well be the perfect time.
If you’re interested in in-depth insights and upcoming updates about this new model, you can read more Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
