Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12, which received a new Health Monitoring System and the Apple S11 chip. The most important change is more frequent heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, allowing the watch to provide more accurate information about the body's condition. Apple also introduced the Readiness feature, which uses sleep, activity, workout, and vital signs data to assess the body's capacity for the day. The new generation also has a more accurate step counter, Sound Recognition, and Shazam running directly on the watch. The Apple Watch Series 12 will go on sale on September 18, and its base model will cost 1899 zł in Poland.
A new health monitoring system measures heart rate and HRV much more frequently.
The Apple Watch Series 12 features a redesigned health monitoring system utilizing new optical and electrical heart rate sensors. The use of larger, more energy-efficient green LEDs allows the watch to measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day. According to Apple, this represents the most accurate heart rate measurement available on the company's wearable devices. More frequent measurements are also designed to improve the accuracy of activity rings related to movement and exercise. Additionally, users can check their current heart rate directly on the watch face via a new complication. Another major change is the significantly more frequent monitoring of HRV (heart rate variability); the Apple Watch Series 12 takes these measurements up to 24 times more often than previous models.
HRV data can now be found in a new section of the Heart Rate app. Apple distinguishes between recovery-related HRV and general HRV, making the data easier to interpret. The former focuses on daily stress and rest, while the latter serves as a broader indicator of health, including cardiovascular status. A new Vitals view allows users to toggle between data collected at night and during the day, enabling them to track physiological changes and quickly spot unusual deviations. This entire system is a key feature of the new-generation Apple Watch and serves as a foundation for future health and fitness capabilities.
"Readiness" assesses your body's condition before the day begins
The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces a "Readiness" feature designed to help users decide how intense their day should be. The system takes into account recent activity, training load, vital signs, and sleep quality and scores. Based on this information, it generates a score on a scale of 0 to 10. The score is accompanied by one of four recommendations: Recover, Conserve Energy, Ready, or Push. The score is dynamic, as it can change throughout the day as new data becomes available; consequently, an intense workout or a change in vital signs can affect the score later on. Users can also view the factors that most influenced their score within the app. The algorithm was developed using data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study and in collaboration with sports physiologists and Apple physicians. Additionally, the watch features a new step-counting system based on machine learning algorithms. It is designed to more accurately measure distance while walking and running, including on a treadmill. A new "Steps" complication allows users to display their current step count directly on the watch face. Apple has also improved battery life during workouts, offering up to 10 hours of outdoor activity—a 25 percent increase over the previous generation. The watch still delivers up to 24 hours of battery life with typical use, and a 15-minute charge provides up to 12 additional hours of operation.
Sound recognition, Shazam, and new watchOS 27 capabilities
The Apple S11 chip also powers new features related to sound recognition and watch operation. The Apple Watch Series 12 can detect sounds such as sirens, alarms, doorbells, and a baby crying. The Sound Recognition feature was designed primarily for the deaf and hard of hearing. Importantly, it can function without an iPhone nearby. Apple states that the system does not create or store audio recordings. Raw audio data is processed by the hardware-isolated Secure Enclave coprocessor within the S11 chip and then discarded. Shazam is also included on the watch, allowing users to quickly identify a playing song and view its title and artist.
The Apple Watch Series 12 runs watchOS 27, which also introduces changes to the interface and how the watch is controlled. A new one-handed gesture allows users to open widgets and navigate the Smart Stack using finger taps. The system can also suggest relevant widgets based on the situation—such as information about a parked car in the Maps app. Furthermore, watchOS 27 expands cycle tracking features to include information related to perimenopause and menopause. Workout Buddy can now run on the watch without an iPhone, and the feature now supports Spanish. The Apple Watch Series 12 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with aluminum, titanium, and ceramic casing options. Aluminum models feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is 60 percent more durable than the Ion-X glass used in previous aluminum models.
Apple Watch Series 12 Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available for pre-order now and will hit stores on September 18, 2026. The base price of the device in Poland is 1,899 PLN. Aluminum cases are available in dark brown, black, light gold, and space gray. Titanium variants are offered in vivid gold and natural finishes. Apple has also introduced ceramic cases in pearl white and midnight blue. The new generation also features additional strap options, including new colors and patterns. Available options include a plaid sport band and new versions of the Milanese Loop. Apple has also prepared the next-generation Apple Watch Hermès Series 12 with a vivid gold titanium case. It is accompanied by the new Clou de Selle band and the Rocabar Club variant, among others. The watch incorporates recycled materials, with Apple stating that 40 percent of the materials used in the device are recycled. The company utilized, for instance, 100 percent recycled aluminum for the aluminum case and 100 percent recycled titanium for the 3D-printed case. All electricity used in the Apple Watch Series 12 supply chain is set to come from renewable sources. watchOS 27 will be available starting September 14 for Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. The update requires an iPhone 11 or later, or an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later, running iOS 27. Thus, the Apple Watch Series 12 primarily combines more precise health monitoring with features designed to facilitate the assessment of daily fitness and the planning of activities.
Apple Watch Series 12 introduces a new Health Monitoring System, more frequent heart rate and HRV measurements, and the Readiness feature. The watch measures heart rate every five seconds and HRV up to 24 times more often, using the new S11 chip. It also adds more accurate step counting, Sound Recognition, Shazam and new features in watchOS 27. In Poland the Apple Watch Series 12 costs from 1899 zł and goes on sale on 18 September.
source: Apple
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