Apple unveils Watch Series 12 with upgraded chip, health sensors and faster charging
The new Apple Watch Series 12 adds a more powerful S11 processor, doubled RAM, enhanced health-sensing hardware and faster charging, while retaining the same case sizes as the Series 11.
Apple introduced the Watch Series 12, which retains the 42mm and 46mm case sizes of its predecessor but adds a Dark Bronze aluminum finish and new Ceramic options in Pearl White and Night Blue. Aluminum models feature Ceramic Shield 2 glass for increased durability, and the cases are slightly taller, resulting in marginally larger bezels.
The device is powered by a new S11 chip and 4GB of RAM, double the memory of the Series 11. Apple says the processor enables exclusive health and artificial-intelligence features.
A revamped "Health Sensing System" includes a second-generation electrical heart sensor, an always-on optical heart sensor and more frequent heart-rate variability measurements. Apple also adds a new "Recovery HRV" metric and a real-time steps complication.
Software updates tied to the hardware include "Audio Intelligence" features such as Siri Recap, Live Rewind, Shazam integration and Sound Recognition for users with hearing impairments. A new Readiness app analyzes recent activity, training load, vitals and sleep to provide a 0-10 score with recommendations ranging from "Recover" to "Go For It."
Charging speed improves, with a 15-minute charge delivering up to 12 hours of battery life, compared with eight hours on the Series 11. Outdoor workout endurance rises to 10 hours, a 25% increase. The watch also gains "Precision L1 GPS" for finer location accuracy.
Apple began taking pre-orders for the Series 12 at $399, with shipments scheduled to start on September 18.