Apple Watch Series 12’s New Features Justify Upgrade
When Apple introduces a new smartwatch, consumers often hesitate to upgrade. The Series 11 offered only minor changes over the Series 10, leading to suggestions that users should skip it if their current device works well. The Series 12, however, presents a more compelling case for an upgrade regardless of the previous model owned. Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 at Amazon Learn More Learn More $389.99 at Amazon One of the biggest reasons to upgrade is that the Series 12’s new processor (called, confusingly, the S11 chip) can support some features older Apple Watches can’t.
That’s why only the new models are getting step counts, for example; Apple chose to implement those in a way that only the new hardware can calculate. Whenever there’s a break in software compatibility, it makes sense to get the newer model. I’d expect more features are coming in future years that will be back-compatible with the 12 but not earlier models.
Hardware and Software Improvements
The Series 12 introduces a new processor, confusingly named the S11 chip. This hardware upgrade enables features that are incompatible with older models, such as displaying step counts directly on the watch face. The writer notes that whenever software compatibility is broken, acquiring the newer model becomes logical, anticipating future features will also rely on this new processor.
Beyond the processor, the optical heart rate sensor has been upgraded. This component, shared with the Ultra 4, offers substantially better accuracy than sensors found in the Series 10 and 11. The writer tested the sensor’s precision and found it comparable to top-tier wrist-based systems from Garmin, though chest straps remain superior.
Advanced Health Tracking
One of the most significant additions is the support for RMSSD heart rate variability. Previous models used SDNN for this metric, which provided information on cardiac health. The Series 12 and Ultra 4 can now calculate both, offering users data that previously required a separate device like the Oura ring or Whoop. The readiness score integrates this data into a single daily metric, helping users gauge their readiness for the day.
Features Not Worth the Upgrade
Two other features, Live Rewind and Siri Recaps, allow the watch to transcribe the last 15 seconds of audio and summarize meetings. While these tools are functional, they require the device to be continuously listening. The writer expresses hesitation about this constant monitoring capability, despite Apple‘s assurances regarding privacy. The feature’s always-on microphone raises concerns about unintended recording in public spaces, where bystanders might inadvertently be captured and processed without consent. Even with Apple’s encryption and on-device processing claims, the mere existence of such capabilities could deter privacy-conscious users, particularly in professional or social settings where discretion is vital.
