Apple Watch Series 12 announced: What we know about release date, price, and features

Are there finally major upgrades coming to the Apple Watch? By Anna Iovine Anna Iovine Associate Editor, Features Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky. Read Full Bio on September 9, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Flipboard Credit: Screenshot: Apple The talk of the internet during this September Apple event might be the foldable iPhone, but the tech giant released a slew of other products today, including the Apple Watch Series 12.In 2025, rumors circulated that Apple was keeping major upgrades to the Apple Watch under wraps, and that turned out to be right. The Apple Watch Series 11 only saw some minor-seeming improvements, like chip tweaks. But it also boasted a 24-hour battery life, which was significant. No FaceTime calls or Apple Intelligence camera last year, though.What about the Series 12? Apple calls it the "ultimate device for a healthy life." The Apple Watch Series 12 price, release date, new features Credit: Screenshot: Apple Priced at $399, the newest Apple smartwatch will be available for preorder today and released on Sept. 18. ultimate device for a healthy life Mashable Light Speed The Apple Watch Series 12 has the following features:Health Sensing System that provides a more accurate, continuous heart rate data. The new Apple Watch takes background heart rate readings every 5 seconds, which is 60 times more often than before. It also tracks HRV (how the body responds to stress and recovery) every 5 minutes, which is 24 times more than before.New additions include a Readiness score, whether you're prepping for a race or a busy week. Readiness analyzes recent activity, vitals, and sleep to give you a score — whether you should recover, pace yourself, or you're ready. (Notably, the Oura Ring already has a Readiness score.)On the Apple Intelligence front, the Apple Watch Series 12 introduces Audio Intelligence, including a host of tools thanks to the watch's built-in headphones. Sound Recognition can listen for sounds like alarms, door bells, and baby cries. Live Rewind chronicles the last 15 seconds of a conversation, while Siri Recap uses ambient listening to take notes of conversations. (Apple assured that the audio isn't recorded or stores, the audio can't be accessed, and speakers not identified. All live rewind syncs are end-to-end encrypted, apparently.) Audio Intelligence will be available in English beta later this yearThe Apple Watch Series 12 comes in space gray, black, light gold, and dark bronze, and 100 percent recycled aluminum. There are gold and silver metal versions, and pearl white and night blue ceramic versions. As the Series 11, the Series 12 has a 24-hour battery lifeAll the health stats flow into the Health app, which is getting a redesign later this year. New additions to Health app include personalized guidance powered by Apple Intelligence, Health Age, and a new Longevity tab. This is a developing story...Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park. Associate Editor, Features Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky. These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.