The Apple Watch Series 12 is a much bigger update than last year’s model, but it is far from an essential replacement for the Apple Watch Series 10. The two watches share the same basic design, and the Series 10 still runs watchOS 27 and Siri AI.
The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, the same price the Series 10 launched at in 2024. Apple has discontinued the Series 10, so remaining units are only available from third-party retailers and the refurbished market. The Series 12 has already been discounted on Amazon in some configurations.
What Stays the Same
Apple Watch Series 12 keeps the thin design that the Series 10 introduced. The two watches match on several basics:
- 42mm and 46mm sizes with a 9.7mm-thick case
- The same display brightness and resolution
- The same storage capacity
- The same core safety features
Some owners have noticed that the bezels and Digital Crown grew slightly on Apple Watch Series 12, so it is worth trying one on before ordering if the look of the display matters to you.
What Changed in Two Years
Last year’s Apple Watch Series 11 brought just four changes. The Apple Watch Series 12 makes up for that with a long list.
- A new S11 chip with twice as much RAM
- Redesigned health sensors that read heart rate every five seconds
- New health features, including high-frequency heart rate sensing, Recovery HRV, daytime vitals, a Readiness score and improved step tracking
- Battery rated up to 24 hours, compared with 18 hours for the Series 10, and 38 hours in Low Power Mode instead of 36
- 5G connectivity on cellular models and faster charging
- Tougher cover glass on aluminum models
- A ceramic case option, the first ceramic Apple Watch since the Series 5 Edition in 2019
- Exclusive features such as Live Rewind, which is due later this year
The new heart sensor has held up well outside Apple’s own claims, since independent testing found it nearly matches a chest strap for accuracy.
Should You Upgrade From the Apple Watch Series 10?
Health and fitness tracking is the easiest reason to upgrade. Apple Watch Series 12 gives training and recovery data that Apple Watch Series 10 cannot, and the longer battery rating helps anyone who tracks sleep overnight. Sound Recognition may also matter to deaf or hard-of-hearing users, and the tougher cover glass helps if you scratch your watch often.
- Upgrade if health tracking, 5G, faster charging or scratch resistance is a priority
- Keep your Series 10 if you mostly use it for notifications, workouts and payments
- Buy the Series 12 if you are new to the Apple Watch and want the latest chip, because it costs the same as the Series 10 did at launch
Early owners of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 saw random restarts, which Apple addressed in watchOS 27.0.1. Buyers who pick one up can also browse the best Apple Watch Series 12 bands, since most Series 10 bands still fit.
Our Take
For most Series 10 owners, the health sensors are the only reason I would recommend and upgrade, and only if you actually use the training and recovery data. If your watch still lasts a full day and you are happy with it, another year on the Series 10 costs you very little.
