Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 12
The main Apple Watch, updated in September 2026, from $399.
It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.
At a glance
Our take
Two months old, and the next model isn't expected until September 2027. Good timing. Apple's refurbished store sold the previous Series 11 from $299 when we checked, if you want to save $100.
Research-based: we haven't tested this model ourselves. It's built from Apple's specs, published tests and owner reports.
Pros & cons
What's good
- New health-sensing system
- Bright 2,000-nit screen
- Aluminum, titanium or ceramic
What's not
- 24 h battery claim (charge daily)
- $399 to start
Most iPhone owners who want health and fitness tracking
You want multi-day battery; look at the Ultra
Prices
| Model (Apple, US) | Price |
|---|---|
| 42mm GPS aluminum | $399 |
| 46mm GPS aluminum | $449 |
| 42mm GPS + Cellular | $499 |
| 46mm GPS + Cellular | $549 |
| Titanium, from | $699 |
Prices checked Nov 12, 2026. They can change at any time. How we get prices.
Ways to pay less
No cheaper options confirmed yet. We check prices regularly.
Key specs
How it compares
| This pageApple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $399 | $249 | $799 |
| Verdict | Buy now | Buy now | Buy now |
| Chip | S11 | S10 | S11 |
| Display | Always-On OLED, up to 2000 nits | Always-On OLED, 1000 nits | Up to 3000 nits, flat sapphire |
| Battery | Up to 24 h (38 h Low Power) | Up to 18 h (32 h Low Power) | Up to 50 h (84 h Low Power) |
| Weight | From 31.5 g | From 26.3 g | 63 g |
More comparisons
What's next?
Apple Watch Series 13 and Ultra 5
Expected September 2027 · high confidence
New Apple Watch models are expected in September 2027 as usual. Leakers disagree on whether a redesign comes in 2027 or 2028.
Every claim, with sources →How we worked out "Buy now"
Latest news
Services
Redesigned Health app coming in more languages with iOS 27.3
Apple said its redesigned Health app, with new Insights, For You and Longevity tabs, will support languages including French, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese. It is in the iOS 27.3 beta now and reaches users in a free update later in 2026; it needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad, and Health Age needs an Apple Watch.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
LaunchiPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 hit storesThe September lineup went on sale worldwide nine days after the event. iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and 18 Pro Max at $1,299; there was no standard iPhone 18 this year.Launch
iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 hit stores
The September lineup went on sale worldwide nine days after the event. iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and 18 Pro Max at $1,299; there was no standard iPhone 18 this year.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
SoftwareiOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate and watchOS 27 released with Siri AI betaApple's major OS updates arrived with a rebuilt, more conversational Siri AI (English beta), new Photos editing tools, Safari tab grouping and stronger parental controls. Apple says some Siri AI features have daily limits and may later cost extra. macOS Golden Gate drops all Intel Macs, and watchOS 27 needs Series 9 or newer.Software
iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate and watchOS 27 released with Siri AI beta
Apple's major OS updates arrived with a rebuilt, more conversational Siri AI (English beta), new Photos editing tools, Safari tab grouping and stronger parental controls. Apple says some Siri AI features have daily limits and may later cost extra. macOS Golden Gate drops all Intel Macs, and watchOS 27 needs Series 9 or newer.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
LaunchApple Watch Series 12 debuts with new health sensing systemSeries 12 introduces what Apple calls an all-new Health Sensing System and starts at $399 for aluminium, with titanium and new ceramic cases higher up. Series 11 is no longer sold new.Launch
Apple Watch Series 12 debuts with new health sensing system
Series 12 introduces what Apple calls an all-new Health Sensing System and starts at $399 for aluminium, with titanium and new ceramic cases higher up. Series 11 is no longer sold new.
Products
Source: Apple Newsroom
Questions people ask
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 12 now?
Buy now. It's brand new, so it won't be replaced any time soon.
How much does the Apple Watch Series 12 cost?
Apple sells it from $399 in the US (42mm GPS aluminum: $399, 46mm GPS aluminum: $449, 42mm GPS + Cellular: $499, 46mm GPS + Cellular: $549).
When will the Apple Watch Series 12 be replaced?
The Apple Watch Series 13 and Ultra 5 is expected September 2027, according to reports we rate high confidence. Apple hasn't announced it.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 12 best for?
Most iPhone owners who want health and fitness tracking. Skip it if you want multi-day battery; look at the Ultra.
Sources
- Apple tech specs (checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Apple Newsroom announcement (checked Nov 12, 2026)
Page updated Nov 12, 2026 · Spotted an error? Tell us.