The upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to launch in September with significant hardware upgrades. According to recent rumors, the new wearable will feature a brand-new processor, a larger battery, and enhanced health capabilities, while dropping plans for Touch ID. Here are four key innovations likely to arrive with this year's model.
New T8320 processor for improved AI performance
After three generations (Series 9, 10, and 11) powered by the same "Watch7" family chip, the Series 12 marks a true generational leap. Models identified as "Watch8" (codes N237, N238, and N240) will be driven by the new T8320 CPU. The last time Apple introduced a genuinely new processor for the Apple Watch was in 2023 with the Series 9, boosting CPU and GPU performance. With Siri AI coming to watchOS 27, computing power is essential for handling advanced artificial intelligence features on the wrist. As Meta VP warned, rebuilding infrastructure for AI agents is a pressing challenge.
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Larger battery for extended autonomy
Battery life remains a pain point for many Apple Watch users. With the Series 12, Apple aims to increase the physical battery size and improve overall efficiency. The expansion of sleep tracking capabilities makes longer battery life critical, ensuring the device can last through the night without frequent charging.
Advanced hypertension notifications pending FDA review
According to a Digitimes report, Apple has submitted a new high blood pressure notification feature to the FDA for review. watchOS 26 already introduced hypertension alerts, but the new feature might offer more precise data. Currently, the Apple Watch does not provide direct blood pressure readings; it uses heart rate data to detect hypertension patterns over 30-day periods. How this new version differs remains unclear, but it represents a step forward in cardiovascular health monitoring.
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New modular watch face inspired by the Ultra
Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on a new watch face, a simplified version of the popular Modular Ultra design. This face will feature a large clock occupying the top two-thirds of the display, with a row of three smaller complications below. It removes the bulky center complication and bezel info, offering a clean look likely available on other Apple Watch models as well. Although there were rumors of Touch ID support, recent reports suggest Apple scrapped the idea in favor of health and battery improvements. The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be announced in September alongside the Ultra 4. For more background on smartwatch evolution, check the Wikipedia page on the Apple Watch.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/15/apple-watch-series-12-four-rumored-new-features-coming-soon
