The Apple Watch Series 12 arrives with subtle refinements rather than revolutionary changes, yet these adjustments significantly improve daily usability. After a week of testing, the primary takeaways are enhanced health tracking capabilities, accelerated charging speeds, and a streamlined interface courtesy of watchOS 27.
At the core of the new health features is an upgraded Health Sensing System paired with the faster S11 chip. This combination allows for more frequent and broader collection of biometric data. A standout addition is the new Readiness score, which helps users gauge their daily physical readiness. The device also introduces Audio Intelligence, a suite of listening tools driven by Apple Intelligence, positioning Siri AI more centrally within the user experience.
Visually, the Series 12 maintains the design language of its predecessors while claiming the title of Apple’s thinnest smartwatch. The aluminum and titanium variants measure 9.7 millimeters in thickness, while the ceramic model is slightly thicker at 9.85 millimeters. Although the form factor remains largely unchanged, the return of ceramic finishes marks a notable departure from the material’s discontinuation in 2020, alongside a new bronze option.
Battery life has been extended to 24 hours, an improvement from the 18-hour duration found in previous models like the Series 10. For owners of older devices such as the Series 8, the upgrade is substantial, offering better displays, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications. However, users of the Series 9 or 10 may find fewer compelling reasons to switch, aside from the battery gains. Current Series 11 owners are unlikely to see enough justification in the new Audio Intelligence features alone to replace their existing watches.
Despite the improvements, the watch is not without drawbacks. Privacy concerns linger regarding Siri Recap and Live Rewind features. Additionally, while the battery life is better, it still averages only 24 hours, requiring daily charging. Overall, the Series 12 earns a rating of 9 out of 10, recommended for those seeking a more polished and responsive smartwatch experience rather than a radical redesign.
Nice and thin again! I love how they managed to shrink the bezel while adding features.
Audio Intelligence sounds cool, but I’m more worried about Siri Recap privacy. Where’s my data going?
Honest review. If you have a Series 10, save your money. The upgrades just aren’t there yet.
24 hours is still daily charging? Come on. I was hoping for at least three days by now.
Finally, ceramic is back! I missed that premium feel. Glad to see Apple didn’t abandon it.