Apple introduced its latest flagship smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 12, during a September 9 event alongside new iPhones and other devices. While executives praised it as the company’s most advanced health and fitness companion, the new model maintains nearly identical external styling to its predecessor, requiring users to look deeper to discover what has changed.
Pricing remains largely stable, with the 42mm aluminum version starting at $399, matching the Series 11. The 46mm aluminum model increased by $20 to $449, establishing a consistent $50 gap between sizes. Titanium options continue at $699 and $749, while a newly reintroduced ceramic finish launches at $899 and $949 for the two sizes. The aluminum variants received a modest durability upgrade with Ceramic Shield 2 glass, described as 60 percent tougher than the previous Ion-X glass.
Internal improvements prove more substantial. The Series 12 features the new S11 chip and reportedly doubles the RAM to 4GB, though Apple did not announce this enhancement during its presentation. Battery charging speed improved significantly, with a 15-minute charge now providing up to 12 hours of usage, compared to eight hours previously. A redesigned Health Sensing System with upgraded optical and electrical sensors enables continuous heart rate measurement and more frequent capture of heart rate variability data. These hardware enhancements power exclusive features including Readiness, which assesses workout preparedness, Audio Intelligence tools, and enhanced step tracking with a dedicated complication.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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