Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Watch Series 12 Could Introduce In-band Sensor

The Apple Watch Series 12 could come with a new health sensor integrated directly into one of its bands, according to a sketchy rumor from a known leaker.

The leaker known as “Kosutami” says the sensor will be injection molded into a band of silicone, and only a band of silicone, apparently because Apple hasn’t yet figured out how to integrate similar hardware into bands made from other materials. No details were given on what the sensor is actually supposed to measure.

This isn’t the first time band sensing has been floated for Apple Watch, and the idea has resurfaced several times over the years, mostly following Apple’s patent filings. In 2017, a patent for modular band links that could each accommodate a different function emerged, including blood pressure monitors and sweat sensors, followed later that year by a self-adjusting band patent that Apple said could also improve the accuracy of onboard biometric sensors by ensuring a tighter fit.

In 2019, a batch of smart band patents covered skin texture authentication and other integrated features, and in 2021, a dedicated hydration sensor patent proposed using electrodes against the skin to measure the concentration of electrolytes in sweat. So far, none of this patent activity has resulted in a commercialized product, and Apple routinely files patents for concepts that never reach customers.

Kosutami’s credibility as a source is mixed. While Apple has clearly thoroughly researched adding sensors to Apple Watch bands, the rumor is new, uncorroborated, and should be taken with a large pinch of salt for now.

The Apple Watch Series 12 will likely be a minor upgrade featuring a new chip and little is known about the device. It’s expected to launch this fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, continuing to use the same design introduced with the 10 series.