Apple Watch Series 12 review

Apple Watch Series 12 ranks first because it combines the widest set of documented health features with a $399 starting price. Apple's store lists hypertension notifications, an ECG app, irregular rhythm and high and low heart rate notifications, a Blood Oxygen app, sleep apnea notifications, a sleep score and a Vitals app that tracks heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration and HRV. The S11 chip adds wrist flick and double tap gestures, and a cellular model is 5G capable. Battery is the weak point: Apple lists up to 24 hours, or 38 hours in Low Power Mode, though a 15 minute charge adds up to 12 hours and 0 to 80% takes about 30 minutes. The bigger limit is the phone: Apple states that Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone, and Series 12 needs an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

iPhone owners who want the most complete everyday health watch

Price

From $399 one-time.

New Apple Watch Series 12 From $399
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Hypertension notifications, ECG app and irregular rhythm notifications
• Sleep apnea notifications, sleep score and a Vitals app with HRV and wrist temperature
• Up to 24 hours of battery, or up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode
• Fast charging from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes
• 46mm or 42mm case in aluminum, titanium or ceramic with a display up to 2000 nits

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Apple lists hypertension notifications and an ECG app on Series 12
• Strength: 0 to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, and 15 minutes gives up to 12 hours
• Strength: 5G capable cellular option and Precision Finding for iPhone
• Weakness: Works only with iPhone 11 or later on iOS 27 or later
• Weakness: Up to 24 hours of battery means charging most days
• Weakness: No Emergency SOS via satellite, which Ultra 4 has

Key facts

• Price: From $399
• Phone: iPhone 11 or later, iOS 27 or later
• Battery: Up to 24 hours, 38 in Low Power Mode
• Water resistance: 50m
• Chip: S11

Where it ranks

Apple Watch Series 12 is No. 1 in our Best Smartwatches verdict.