GoKawiilApple Watch Series 12 keeps $399 price despite new S11 chip and health sensors
Apple introduced the Watch Series 12 alongside the Ultra 4, iPhone 18 lineup and a foldable iPhone Duo, keeping the smartwatch's exterior design unchanged while overhauling its internals. The update centers on a new S11 processor and redesigned health sensors that improve heart rate accuracy, add deeper recovery tracking, and enable an AI-powered Audio Intelligence feature for transcribing conversations. Despite the upgrades, pricing stays flat at $399 for the Series 12 and $799 for the Ultra 4, even as iPhone 18 Pro prices rose.
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Holding the line on watch pricing while raising iPhone costs suggests Apple is treating the Watch line as a steadier, less premium-driven product even as it adds AI capabilities. The S11 chip's extra power is also key to running the more advanced Siri AI on-wrist, addressing long-standing complaints about the assistant's limitations on Apple Watch. How well that AI performs, given some lag still seen in beta testing, could shape how competitive Apple's wearables remain against AI-focused rivals.
- Watch Series 12 debuts with new S11 chip and upgraded health sensors but unchanged exterior design.
- Pricing remains flat at $399 (Series 12) and $799 (Ultra 4) despite iPhone 18 Pro price increases.
- New Siri AI comes to Apple Watch via WatchOS 27, though early testing shows some response lag.
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) — If the Series 12 hands-on has you itching for a wrist upgrade, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the model you can actually buy today, with the same familiar design language, a big edge-to-edge display and Apple's health and fitness tracking suite. It pairs seamlessly with iPhone for notifications, workouts and sleep tracking, and it's a natural stepping stone before the next generation lands.
See Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Vanessa Hand Orellana, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Apple Watch Series 12 Hands-On: Familiar Design, Different Everywhere Else”
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