Apple Watch Series 12: Everything to Expect Next Month

The Apple Watch Series 12 is almost certain to be introduced at Apple's annual iPhone event next month, and the rumors point to another quieter upgrade year for the device.

Apple has not altered the Apple Watch's design since the Series 10 arrived in 2024, and it is not expected to change this year either, making 2026 the third year of the current case. This isn't unusual since every Apple Watch casing design has lasted through three successive generations before being refreshed.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes the Series 12 will continue a run of "modest upgrades," with virtually everything of significance happening internally. Here are all of the features and changes rumored for the device so far:

Leaked code related to the Apple Watch Series 12 included references to "AppleMesa," Apple's codename for Touch ID, prompting rumors that a sensor could sit under the display or in the side button. The same leaker who flagged the battery focus denied the claim, arguing that it would add cost and consume internal space better given over to the battery. Gurman said he does not expect any significant design changes to the Series 12 or Ultra 4, which a fingerprint sensor would almost certainly require, so the rumor seems unlikely to pan out.

A rumor about a new sensor embedded in the band looks similarly improbable. Kosutami claimed in July that the Series 12 could ship with at least one health sensor in a band, which would be a first for the product. Every existing model houses its sensors in the case itself, and no other source has corroborated the claim.

The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be announced alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4, iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable "iPhone Ultra." There is not expected to be a new Apple Watch SE this year.