From Audio Intelligence to Free Health Apps – Apple Watch Series 12 Unveiled

September 11, Kathmandu – Apple has unveiled the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 12 at its annual September launch event. Alongside the iPhone 18 series, the first foldable iPhone Duo, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, the company introduced the new Series 12 model to the market. While the external design remains similar to previous models, Apple has made significant upgrades to its internal hardware, processor, and health-related sensors.

New S11 Chip and Faster Siri AI: Apple has moved on from the S10 chip used in the past two generations to introduce the new S11 processor. This chip features a faster CPU, GPU, and neural engine. With watchOS 27 and Siri AI improvements, the new chip allows the smartwatch to respond more smoothly and rapidly. It can easily answer complex, context-based user queries and extract instant information from Apple’s native apps.

Battery and Sensors: The heart rate monitoring technology is now more accurate and capable of capturing measurements more frequently, though Apple maintains its claim of a 24-hour battery life. The AI-driven ‘Audio Intelligence’ feature is one of the most compelling additions in Series 12. This feature can listen to surrounding conversations, record them, and summarize key points. According to Apple, these conversations are stored only on the device and when processed in the cloud, neither the company nor any team has access.

New Readiness App for Health and Fitness: Apple has enhanced health and recovery tracking for users. The Readiness app analyzes sleep, stress, and recovery data to inform users whether they are ready for intense workouts or need rest. The redesigned Health app uses AI and biometrics to offer daily health recommendations. It includes features to measure VO2 max using the camera and even order blood tests through the app.

Design, Colors, and Variants: Although the traditional rectangular design is maintained, Apple has introduced new finishes and bands. Available colors include Black, Silver, Gold, and a new Bronze aluminum finish. For the first time since the Series 5 of 2019, Apple has reintroduced the ceramic case option with this edition.

Pricing and Availability: While Apple increased prices for the iPhone 18 Pro series, the Series 12 maintains its price point. Pre-orders for these smartwatches are already open. The Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm aluminum Wi-Fi) starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is priced from $799.