Apple Watch Series 12 introduces enhanced wellness sensors and S11 chip

Apple has released the Apple Watch Series 12, featuring significant hardware and software updates focused on wellness and longevity. The device introduces a new sensor array powered by the S11 chip, which enables more frequent measurements; for example, heart rate monitoring has increased from every five minutes to every five seconds.

The Series 12 includes a reinforced Ceramic Shield front glass that is reportedly 60% tougher than previous models. It offers two display sizes, 42mm and 46mm, with the larger variant providing a peak brightness of 2000 nits. The device also introduces a Readiness score to help users manage recovery and exertion.

On the software side, the watch integrates with a redesigned Health app. While the app currently features new metrics like Readiness and Health Age, some users have noted a desire for more flexible day-tracking capabilities similar to competitors like WHOOP, which bases its daily cycles on sleep patterns rather than a fixed 24-hour clock.