Apple Launches Watch Series 12 with New Health System

Apple on Wednesday unveiled the Watch Series 12, highlighting a new health sensor system and an S11 chip that promise the most accurate heart rate measurement in a wearable. The announcement is accompanied by audio intelligence features that operate locally, reinforcing the company's commitment to privacy.

What the Health Sensing System Brings

The Health Sensing System, powered by the S11 chip, enables heart rate measurements every five seconds and heart rate variability (HRV) up to 24 times more frequently than previous versions. These measurements feed into a new readiness score, which indicates to the user whether they should recover, maintain pace, be ready, or intensify activity.

New Features in the Health App

The Health app on iPhone will receive, later this year, a longevity tab with the Health Age feature, which compares user metrics with their real age. An insights tab will also be included, displaying real-time health information, leveraging Apple's intelligence.

Audio Intelligence and Privacy

Four smart audio tools – Sound Recognition, Conversation Recaps, Live Rewind, and Siri AI – are coming to the Watch Series 12. All function in opt-in mode and process audio locally, without creating or storing recordings. The S11 chip contains a Secure Exclave that isolates processing, ensuring that raw data is not accessible to the operating system, apps, or Apple itself.

Battery Performance and Fast Charging

The Watch Series 12 maintains up to 24 hours of battery life in everyday use and offers 10 hours of autonomy during outdoor workouts, 25% more than the previous model. Fast charging allows for an additional 12 hours of use after just 15 minutes of charging.

Design and Finish Options

Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, the device comes in aluminum, titanium, and ceramic versions, with colors such as dark bronze, black, light gold, radiant gold, pearl, and midnight blue. Aluminum versions include the new Ceramic Shield 2, 60% more resistant than the glass of past generations.

With information from Apple, WIRED, TechCrunch.