Apple Watch Series 12 Features, Price, and Availability

Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 and adds the S11 chip, new on-device intelligence features, expanded health tracking, and a ceramic case option. The smartwatch keeps a familiar overall design while updating its internal hardware, recovery metrics, and finish selection.

S11 Chip and Audio Intelligence

The S11 processor powers Audio Intelligence, which uses the Apple Watch Series 12 built-in microphones and on-device AI models. These features work without creating or storing audio recordings.

Live Rewind and Siri Recap

Live Rewind shows a transcript of speech from the previous 15 seconds. Siri Recap can automatically create conversation titles, summaries, and key points for review in the Siri app.

The S11 chip also supports advanced Sound Recognition directly on the device.

Health Sensing System and Heart Rate Tracking

Apple Watch Series 12 includes a redesigned Health Sensing System with larger, power-efficient green LEDs and photodiode sensors. Apple says the system delivers its most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable.

The watch can take background heart rate readings every five seconds during the day and capture HRV up to 24 times more often.

Recovery HRV and Daytime Vitals

Series 12 divides HRV data into two categories:

• Recovery HRV for daily stress and recovery tracking
• Overall HRV for broader cardiovascular health trends

A new daytime vitals view allows users to switch between daytime and overnight metrics. This gives users another way to review biometric changes before those shifts appear in overnight data.

Apple Watch Readiness Score and Guidance

The new Readiness feature reviews recent activity, sleep scores, and vitals to generate a daily score from 0 to 10.

It also provides guidance based on that score:

• Recover
• Pace Yourself
• Ready
• Go For It

Health App Updates and Longevity Insights

A redesigned Health app is scheduled to arrive later this year. It will include an Insights tab powered by Apple Intelligence.

The updated app will also add a Longevity tab, bringing together information from sleep, movement, and heart health. New Health Age metrics will be included as part of these longevity insights.

Cycle Tracking is also being updated with support for perimenopause and menopause.

Apple Watch Series 12 Cases and Finishes

Apple is bringing back a premium ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 case. It will be available in pearl white and night blue.

Standard case options include the following finishes:

Aluminum models use Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 60% tougher than the Ion-X glass used on earlier aluminum generations.

Battery Life and Charging

Apple Watch Series 12 supports up to 24 hours of battery life. It also includes faster charging capabilities.

Apple Watch Series 12 Price and Release Date

Apple Watch Series 12 pricing begins at $399. Pre-orders are open now, and retail availability begins Friday, September 18.