The Apple Watch Series 12 was released today and we picked one up to get a glimpse of the new feature set. There are no major external changes, but Apple has updated the device’s internals and health sensors.
The Apple Watch Series 12 has the same design as the Series 11, but it comes in different colors. The aluminum models come in a light gold shade distinct from the rose gold Apple used last year, as well as dark bronze, black, and space gray. There are also pearl white and midnight blue ceramic models, as well as polished titanium, bright gold and natural models. On aluminum models, Apple now uses Ceramic Shield 2 instead of Ion-X Glass, and the new material is 60% stronger.
You might not be able to tell an 11 Series from a 12 Series by looking at the front, but the rear has been updated. Apple says the improved sensors make the Apple Watch Series 12 the most accurate wearable for heart rate detection.
The 12 series has a health detection system that combines the new sensors with a faster S11 chip than the S10 in the previous generation model. It now measures heart rate every five seconds and measures heart rate variability every five minutes.
It’s early, but so far we haven’t seen the higher sample rates cause excessive battery drain. The Apple Watch Series 12 is still rated for all-day battery life, and charging is faster this year. You can get up to 12 hours of normal use from a 15-minute charge, but you must use the Apple Watch charger that comes with the Series 12. Older chargers won’t give you a faster charge rate.
The health detection system powers a readiness score that lets you know whether you should go all-out on an activity or take a day off. It’s based on metrics like recent activity, vital signs and sleep, and will adjust as the day goes on. It takes about a week of Round 12 data collection before you start getting a readiness score.
The S11 chip will power Live Rewind and Siri Recap features, but these won’t be available until later this year.
Even though the Apple Watch hasn’t seen a design refresh, the health features make it a decent update. You may not want to upgrade if you have the Series 10 or Series 11, but anything older is worth an upgrade.
The Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes with pricing starting at $399.
