This fall, Apple is expected to unveil the Watch Series 12. Rumors agree on one thing: the internals will be reworked, but the exterior will remain familiar. The main intrigue is a new processor, while Touch ID and major medical features are most likely off the table. Below is what this means for those considering an upgrade.
The new Apple Watch will turn out to be not so new after all
Apple Watch Series 12 Release Date
Apple traditionally introduces the new generation of Apple Watch in September, and Series 12 will be no exception. That means we expect the announcement alongside the new iPhones — this is the company’s standard rhythm, and nothing currently points to a schedule shift.
If you’re currently shopping for a watch and aren’t tied to a specific date, it makes sense to wait for the September presentation: even if the Series 12 doesn’t interest you personally, previous generations usually drop in price at that time.
New Apple Watch Series 12 Processor: What Will Change
The most notable rumored change is an updated processor. Apple releases a truly new chip for Apple Watch roughly once every three years: the S6 in 2020 was based on the A13 Bionic, and the S9 in 2023 was based on the A16 Bionic. There were intermediate chips in between, but in terms of genuinely new processor cores, the S9 was the last major upgrade.
The watch will feature a new processor, and this will be its main improvement
The Series 12 is expected to feature updated cores, presumably on a 3-nanometer process similar to the A19 chip, but there’s no exact confirmation yet. It’s important to understand that this is still a forecast, not a confirmed specification.
What this means in practice: apps open faster, the interface runs smoother, and the watch stays relevant longer after several years of ownership. If you’re buying one pair of Apple Watch and plan to wear them for a long time, the Series 12 could be worth considering for the new chip alone. However, for those who already have Series 9, 10, or 11, the difference in everyday tasks will be nearly imperceptible.
Will There Be Touch ID in Apple Watch Series 12
In the summer of 2025, a rumor surfaced that the watch would get a fingerprint scanner. Macworld first discovered the feature in a code leak, but now it appears it won’t make it to release.
Touch ID definitely won’t be included, which is a shame
The reason is pragmatic: Apple fears that Touch ID would take up space from the battery or new medical sensors. For a watch where every millimeter of the case counts, this is a perfectly expected choice — battery life and health are more important than yet another way to unlock, especially since the watch already unlocks when you put it on your wrist. Short conclusion: don’t expect Touch ID in Series 12. If you’ve been putting off your purchase specifically for this feature — there’s no reason to wait anymore.
New Health Features in Apple Watch Series 12
This is where specifics are fewest. Rumors briefly mention a full-fledged blood pressure monitor, expanded hypertension tracking, and blood glucose measurement, but there’s nothing concrete about new health features this year. These leaks should be taken calmly:
- Full blood pressure measurement has been promised by Apple for several years now, and each time the feature gets postponed
- Non-invasive blood sugar measurement is a challenge every manufacturer is tackling, and no one has reached a production device yet
- Expanded hypertension monitoring is a more realistic scenario, but it still needs confirmation
If you primarily need a watch for health purposes, rely on what already works in Series 10 and 11 rather than on predictions.
Apple Watch Series 12 Design and Screen Sizes
Externally, these will be the same smartwatch as Series 11 and even Series 10
According to current rumors, Series 12 will retain the same design, screen sizes, and overall aesthetic as Series 11. Apple may add new colors and possibly exclusive software features, but visually the watch will be recognizable.
Apple Watch Series 12 will largely be a continuation of Series 11 or even 10, not a reimagining. This is a typical Apple “in-between” year when the main work goes into the hardware rather than the design.
Apple Watch Series 12 or Series 11: What to Choose
Not every model is worth upgrading from to Series 12
A quick guide by scenario:
- You have Series 9, 10, or 11 — based on current rumors, there’s no reason to upgrade; you can safely skip this release
- You have Series 6 or older — Series 12 will be a noticeable upgrade, especially in terms of performance; it’s worth waiting
- You’re choosing your first Apple Watch — wait until September: you’ll either get the new model or buy Series 11 at a discount
- You need maximum health features and battery life — look toward the Ultra lineup rather than the base Series
Based on available rumors, Series 12 is a careful update: new chip, same design, no major medical breakthroughs, and no Touch ID. Given the current leaks, don’t expect anything particularly spectacular.
For a year between major redesigns, this is normal. If you have a recent model, you can relax and not follow the announcement too closely. But for those still wearing older watches or just considering their first pair, it’s better to hold out until the September presentation and see what happens with prices as well.
