Apple just announced its latest slate of devices, and the Apple Watch Series 12 brings major updates to the wearable. The new device will be released on September 18, 2026, and it's available to preorder now.
The biggest updates for Apple watches have less to do with cosmetic redesign and instead focus on Apple Intelligence and Health + Fitness features (although there's a new ceramic option and a flashy assortment of fresh bands). The Apple Watch Series 12 includes a new Health Sensing System and an S11 chip, making it the most reliable and health-conscious edition of the Apple Watch Series to date. The enhancements will be bolstered by the forthcoming Audio Intelligence features and a redesigned Health app. The Series 12 is an upgrade on last year's Series 11, which ranks among the best fitness trackers we've tested and earned the top honor as the best Apple Watch overall.
We've highlighted everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 12, including pricing, colors, new features, and trade-in value for other devices. You can also find details on relevant preorder information, so you can make sure you have your new device when it releases next week.
How to preorder the Apple Watch Series 12
Apple Watch Series 12 preorders were first made available exclusively through Apple. After this brief period of exclusivity, preorders were made available through Amazon as well. Preorders are also typically available through cellular retailers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Preorders through cellular providers occasionally offer special deals. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 and is available in 42mm or 46mm case sizes.
The Apple Watch Series 12 offers advancements in Health + Fitness and Apple Intelligence features. The device includes enhanced heart rate tracking, step counting, and a new Readiness score.
The Apple Watch Series 12 includes enhanced Health + Fitness and Apple Intelligence features. The watch has improved heart rate tracking, better step counting, and a flashy new readiness score. The larger display on this model is much better for reading at a glance, especially some of the smaller data widgets.
What's the trade-in value for my current device?
Apple allows people to trade in eligible devices, including prior generations of Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even certain Android devices. You can explore a full list of eligible devices and models on Apple's website, but we've highlighted the maximum estimated trade-in values for select items below:
What's new in the Apple Watch Series 12?
The biggest improvements in the Apple Watch Series 12 are mainly internal, and some of the major features won't come until later in the year. Our team has yet to personally test out the Apple Watch Series 12, and these key features and figures were reported by Apple. Some of these features might also be made available in other versions of the Apple Watch, including previous generations and the Ultra 4.
- Longer outdoor workout battery life: While the 24-hour overall battery life remains the same as the previous generation, the outdoor workout battery life has been upgraded to up to 10 hours.
- Faster charging: The watch now charges faster, and it's easier to top off the battery. The battery can get up to 12 hours of extra life after just 15 minutes (up from 8 hours in 15 minutes). Like the Series 11, it can get from 0-80% in about 30 minutes.
- Enhanced heart rate sensing: The new Health Sensing System and S11 chip offer improved accuracy in heart rate sensing. The larger, green LEDs on the optical heart sensor will measure heart rate every five seconds, providing valuable high-frequency background heart rate tracking and better readings during workouts. HRV (Heart Rate Variability) is now measured up to 24 times more often, and users can monitor both daytime and overnight metrics.
- Better step counting: The redesigned pedometer model and S11 chip will allow for better step counting, making indoor walk and run tracking more accurate (an often tricky feat for fitness trackers on a treadmill).
- Readiness: The watch will deliver a Readiness score on a scale of 0 to 10, based on recent activity, training load, sleep, and vitals. The Readiness feature will offer a recommendation: Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready, or Go For It. It can also update throughout the day and incorporate new information.
- Redesigned Health app (forthcoming): The Apple Watch will work in tandem with Apple's redesigned Health app to help users get a clearer picture of their health, including a new Health Age feature in the Longevity tab.
- Audio Intelligence (forthcoming): Audio Intelligence offers Sound Recognition and Shazam options, and special features like Live Rewind and Siri Recap will launch in beta later this year.
- See also: The best iPhone in 2026 | MacBook Neo Review
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