Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ Event: Unveiling the Apple Watch Series 12
Apple’s recent ‘Surprise and Shine’ event introduced the much-anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo, while also shining a light on the latest additions to its wearable lineup: the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Both models promise an impressive array of new features, particularly in health tracking, elevated by an innovative Health Sensing System and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence.
Comparing the Apple Watch Series 12 and Series 11
With every new iteration, Apple aims to improve its flagship devices, leading many users to ponder the value of upgrading. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Apple Watch Series 12 against the Series 11 to help you make an informed decision.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Series 12 |
|---|---|---|
Price | From $399 / £369 / AU$679 | From $399 / £369 / AU$649 |
Dimensions | 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm (42mm), 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm (46mm) | 42mm x 37mm x 9.7mm (42mm), 46mm x 40mm x 9.7mm (46mm) |
Weight | 30.3g (42mm); 37.8g (46mm) | 32.2g (42mm); 39.5g (46mm) |
Case/Bezel | Aluminum with a metal back or Titanium (100% recycled) | Aluminum, Titanium or Ceramic |
Display | Always-on Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 374 by 446 (42mm) 416 by 496 (46mm). Ion-X scratch-resistant | Always-On Retina display with wide-angle OLEDs and LTPO3 at 374 by 446 (42mm) 416 by 496 (46mm) |
GPS | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou | Precision L1 GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou) |
Battery Life | 24 hours, 38 hours in Low Power Mode | 24 hours, 38 hours in Low Power Mode |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and 5G (Optional) | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and 5G (optional) |
Water Resistance | IP6X | IP6X |
While we didn’t anticipate a major design overhaul with the Series 12, the device remains largely similar to its predecessor. The digital crown and side button have been retained, with the only visible difference being a slight increase in width—just 1mm. However, some users might appreciate the new ceramic model, a nod to Apple’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.
The Ceramic version of the Series 12 is available in Pearl White and Night Blue, adding a luxurious touch to the lineup. In contrast, the Aluminum model comes in Space Gray, Black, Light Gold, and a new Dark Bronze option. The Titanium versions are offered in Radiant Gold and Natural, further expanding user choice.
Health Tracking and New Features
The most compelling reasons to consider upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 12 lie in its enhanced health-tracking capabilities. The new S11 chip is at the core of these improvements, promising to deliver a seamless health monitoring experience.
One key advancement is the redesigned Health Sensing System, which boasts a larger electrode surface area for better ECG tracking. The introduction of new optical-sensing photo diodes enhances light capture for heart rate monitoring. This means a significant increase in tracking frequency—up to every five seconds for heart rates and every five minutes for variability. Such enhancements ensure precise and timely insights into your heart health.
Additionally, Apple has rolled out the Readiness Score on the Series 12, a feature that aggregates your activity rings, vital signs, and other health metrics into a single, actionable number. This is a widely anticipated feature that aligns with trends seen in other health wearables.
Moreover, the Health app has undergone a significant redesign, emphasizing personalized guidance powered by Apple Intelligence. The app now offers tailored advice based on individual health profiles, making it easier for users to align their fitness goals with their actual health metrics.
Adding to its suite of innovative features, the Series 12 introduces Audio Intelligence. This comprises four new functionalities, including sound alerts for environmental noises—a useful feature for hearing-impaired users. It also allows users to Shazam songs directly from their wrist. Other features like Live Rewind and Siri Recaps promise an interactive experience, although they have raised questions about privacy in today’s digital age.
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