Apple (video, MacRumors, Hacker News):

With the new Health Sensing System and S11 chip, Apple Watch Series 12 delivers higher-frequency heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, which power an enhanced suite of health and fitness features including a new readiness score.

[…]

Apple Watch Series 12 is designed to be as individual as the person wearing it and is available in an array of beautiful finishes, including dark bronze, black, light gold, and space gray aluminum, and radiant gold and natural titanium. It is also available in a stunning ceramic material, in pearl white and night blue. Aluminum models now feature Ceramic Shield 2, which is tougher than any smartwatch glass and 60 percent tougher than the Ion-X of previous aluminum models.

[…]

Apple Watch Series 12 continues to offer up to 24 hours of everyday battery life and now offers up to 10 hours of battery life during an outdoor workout — 25 percent more than the previous model.

[…]

Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399.

It sounds like the S11 is the biggest update to the SOC in a while, but I haven’t seen much coverage of it yet.

Previously:

• Audio Intelligence
• Health Sensing and Readyness
• Apple Watch Ultra 4
• Apple Watch SE 3
• Apple Watch Series 11

Update (2026-09-11): Joe Rossignol:

While the Apple Watch Series 12 with a 42mm case maintains a starting price of $399, the 46mm model has received a $20 price increase and now starts at $449.

Apple Event Apple Hardware Announcement Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 12 watchOS watchOS 27