A new heart for the Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 12 arrived on September 18, 2026 with Apple’s all-new Health Sensing System. Apple calls it the most accurate heart-rate sensing in a wearable, based on its own 2026 study against best-selling wearables.
What’s new
It reads your heart rate every five seconds and measures heart-rate variability up to 24 times more often, feeding a new 0–10 Readiness score. The display reaches 2,000 nits under tougher Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 60% stronger, and 15 minutes of fast charging gives 12 hours of use.
It comes in 42mm and 46mm, in aluminum, titanium or ceramic, with eight finishes, runs on the S11 chip and is Apple’s thinnest watch yet.
How it compares
Tom’s Guide gave it its Editor’s Choice and found its heart-rate readings “pretty much spot on” next to a Garmin chest strap. Its only gripes: battery life and design are unchanged from Series 11.
Price and who it’s for
From $399, the same as last year, and it’s selling fast on Amazon, with more than 10,000 bought in a single month. It’s for runners, gym-goers and anyone who wants their health tracked closely all day.
Watch it on KatchTV ▶
Apple’s own film introducing the Apple Watch Series 12 plays here on KatchTV.com.
Written by KatchTV.com. Prices are US list or recent retail prices and can change; check the seller for today’s price.
