Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Apple Watch Series 12 Brings Major Wellness and Sensor Upgrades
The Apple Watch Series 12 looks much like the model before it, but its sensors and chip have changed.
It can check some body signals more often without, according to Apple, using more battery.
A new Readiness score uses activity, sleep and other body information to estimate how prepared you may be for the day.
The reviewer found sleep tracking useful but said nap detection was not always reliable.
The watch can also use Apple Pay in India with supported Axis Bank credit cards.
Some planned listening and AI features are not available yet.
The reviewer says the watch offers many wellness tools, but people may have questions about privacy.
It costs ₹56,900 and up.
The Series 12 keeps last year’s appearance but adds a redesigned sensor array and a new S11 chip.
Heart-rate readings now arrive every five seconds, while HRV measurements are more frequent.
A new Readiness score combines recent activity, training load, vital signs and sleep data.
The reviewer reports up to about 36 hours of battery life in some everyday use, despite Apple’s claim of up to 24 hours.
The watch starts at ₹56,900; some Audio Intelligence features are not yet available, and the reviewer notes privacy concerns.
- Who
- Apple and the reviewer of the Apple Watch Series 12.
- What
- A review of Apple’s smartwatch, highlighting its redesigned sensors, S11 chip and new wellness features.
- When
- Published October 7, 2026.
- Where
- The review discusses Apple Pay availability in India.
- Why
- The Series 12 is presented as a major wellness-focused upgrade, with more frequent health measurements and a new Readiness score.
Reasons to welcome the changes
Cautions and limitations
Wellness features
Reasons to welcome the changes
The reviewer says the more frequent sensor readings and Readiness score make the Series 12 a more comprehensive wellness device.
Cautions and limitations
The article notes that readiness scores have been available from competitors such as Garmin and Oura, making some changes a catch-up.
Audio Intelligence and privacy
Reasons to welcome the changes
Apple presents Audio Intelligence as part of the watch’s AI-focused direction and emphasizes its privacy approach.
Cautions and limitations
The reviewer says Audio Rewind and Siri Recap are not yet available and notes concern that these features can listen in on conversations.
Durability
Reasons to welcome the changes
The new Ceramic Shield front glass is described as improving scratch and drop resistance.
Cautions and limitations
The reviewer recommends the Ultra model if durability is the main concern.
- Starting price
- ₹56,900
- Chip
- S11
- Operating system
- watchOS 27
- Case sizes
- 42 mm and 46 mm
- Apple-claimed battery life
- Up to 24 hours; up to 10 hours during an outdoor workout
- Reviewer’s battery observation
- About 36 hours on some weekends with Always-On display enabled and no gym workouts
- Apple Pay in India
- Available for Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards; watch payments require a GPS + Cellular model