Apple Watch Series 12: Everything we know so far

After years of small updates, Apple Watch Series 12 looks ready to kick things up a notch. Rumors point to a faster chip, a returning ceramic option and new AI-powered features.

The launch of the new smartwatch is mere weeks away.  Here’s everything reported so far.

Apple Watch Series 12 rumors: Small steps, not a redesign

Apple hasn’t given the Apple Watch a real redesign overhaul since Series 10 slimmed down in 2024. And while Series 12 will bring meaningful upgrades, they won’t be to the design. Numerous reports agree that the Apple Watch Series 12 won’t look much different from Series 11.

Instead, Apple appears to be focused on what’s inside the case. A faster processor, refreshed materials, and software improvements make up most of what’s expected. None of this is confirmed yet, so treat every detail as a rumor.

A faster chip may finally be coming

Apple Watch Series 9, 10 and 11 all shipped with basically the same processor, despite the chips getting new names each year. That streak may finally end with the Series 12. Series 12 and Ultra 4 will finally get a long-overdue chip upgrade, likely called the S11, according to a leak from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. If true, it would bring the first real performance jump for the lineup in years.

A faster chip should mean quicker app launches. It could also help power features tied to Siri AI, which is coming with watchOS 27 this fall. Battery life could see a small bump too, something Apple Watch owners always welcome.

Ceramic Apple Watch may make a comeback

One of the more exciting rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Series 12 is its case. Several reports now say Apple plans to bring back ceramic as an option. Ceramic last appeared on the Apple Watch Series 5’s “Edition” model. The lightweight and scratch-resistant white finish quickly earned it a small but devoted following.

Gurman first floated the material’s return, saying it could either land this year or in 2027. Leaker Kosutami backed him, posting on X that ceramic will specifically arrive with Series 12. Just be aware, given the material’s history, a ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 could cost more than the standard aluminum and titanium versions.

Touch ID probably not coming this year

Way back in 2020, an Apple patent showed a fingerprint sensor potentially built into the Digital Crown of an Apple Watch, setting off anticipation for this feature. Series 12 briefly reignited that speculation.

But the latest reporting says it’s unlikely to show up this fall. Leaker Instant Digital wrote on Weibo that Apple has decided against bringing the fingerprint sensor to Apple Watch Series 12.

Instead, the company will lean on the iPhone’s automatic unlock feature, freeing up internal space for a bigger battery. Gurman also says he isn’t expecting major design changes to Apple Watch this year.

Touch ID now increasingly looks like a feature for a future generation, if it arrives at all.

Apple Watch’s Modular face may get a colorful refresh

Software changes may be more visible than hardware this year. Of course, there are the many AI-related features coming in watchOS 27, but that’s not all.

Beta code for iOS 27 recently revealed nine unreleased color names tied to the Modular watch face. This is one of the most widely used watch faces on the Apple Watch, so the news caught the eye of many Apple Watch wearers.

Just note that Apple often changes beta code before a public release, so this is worth watching rather thancounting on.

A modest health and fitness upgrade

Rumor has it Apple Watch Series 12 will bring unspecified improvements to health and fitness features. That continues a pattern Apple has followed for years.

Hypertension alerts debuted in watchOS 26, and regulators are reportedly reviewing an updated version. Apple hasn’t detailed what’s changing, so we will have to wait until the September announcement to know for sure.

Apple Watch Series 12 price and release date

Apple Watch Series 11 currently starts at $399. Most expectations point to Apple holding that price steady for the Series 12. But rising component costs could change that math real quick, though nothing concrete has emerged either way.

Apple usually unveils new Apple Watch models alongside its fall iPhone lineup, and this year should follow the same script. Apple Watch Series 12 should arrive in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Ultra.

Even without a fresh look, Apple Watch Series 12 has real upgrades working in its favor. A faster chip, a possible ceramic option and a few software touches could make it an easier upgrade to justify than the last few generations.

A bigger Apple Watch redesign is coming, just not yet

Apple Watch Series 12 comes at an interesting moment for the product line. Gurman reports Apple’s industrial design team is exploring a redesign with a round display. The team is also said to consider screen-free fitness trackers, aimed at rivals like the Oura Ring.

None of that applies to this year’s model, though. Bigger changes reportedly remain a year or two away. So anyone hoping for a dramatically different Apple Watch may need to wait for a future series instead.