Modern smart devices are constantly evolving, thanks to regular software updates. The Apple Watch is no exception. With the upcoming watchOS 12 update, users can anticipate even more features and improvements. While Apple hasn’t officially revealed all the details, we’ve gathered the latest rumors and expectations for watchOS 12.
The Apple Watch Series 10 laying on a yellow chair.
watchOS 12 Release Date
Apple typically unveils its new operating systems at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year’s keynote is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET). We expect watchOS 12 to be announced alongside iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and other software updates. The first developer beta will likely be available the same day, followed by a public beta in July, with the final release expected in September alongside new Apple Watch models.
watchOS 12 Features: What to Expect
A person wearing the Apple Watch SE 2.
Rumors surrounding watchOS 12 have focused on potential features for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. One prominent rumor suggests high blood pressure monitoring, acting as a hypertension detector rather than providing precise readings. This would alert users to abnormally high blood pressure.
Person wearing Apple Watch showing Sleep Tracking information.
Unlike sleep apnea detection in watchOS 11, blood pressure monitoring likely requires new hardware. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also rumored to get 5G and satellite connectivity, likely exclusive to that model due to hardware requirements.
AI-Powered Health and Fitness
Heart Rate monitoring on Apple Watch Series 10
Speculation points to Apple integrating more advanced AI capabilities into watchOS 12, potentially leveraging the iPhone to analyze health data. Apple lags behind competitors like Samsung and Google in providing AI-driven health insights such as Readiness Scores and Energy Scores. Apple’s rumored health coaching service, codenamed “Quartz,” could address this, offering personalized insights and programs based on Apple Watch data.
Apple
This service might be included with watchOS 12 and iOS 19, potentially as a standalone subscription, part of Apple Fitness+, or bundled with Apple One.
Siri and watchOS 12
Siri voice command on an Apple Watch.
Significant Siri improvements are unlikely in watchOS 12. Apple’s plans for a more personalized Siri on the iPhone have been delayed. However, if AI-driven health features materialize, Siri might be used to access and contextualize health data, building upon the on-device processing introduced in watchOS 10.
Design and Watch Faces
Three Apple Watches showing Snoopy watch faces.
Major design changes are unlikely for watchOS 12, given the redesign in watchOS 10. However, new watch faces are expected, as with every watchOS update.
User Wishlist and Long-Standing Requests
A person wearing the titanium Apple Watch Series 10.
Long-requested features like customizable or third-party watch faces and a native Apple Notes app are unlikely to appear in watchOS 12. Users also desire enhanced health and fitness metrics, particularly better presentation and analysis of data.
The Vitals app running on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
While Apple provides ample data, it lacks concise summaries and actionable insights. The Vitals app in watchOS 11 was a step forward, and users hope for further improvements in watchOS 12.
watchOS 12 Compatibility
Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Series 3
While official compatibility will be announced in June, it’s likely that watchOS 12 will support the same models as watchOS 11, from Apple Watch Series 6 onwards. This is based on the shared processor architecture among these models. Older models like the Series 4 and 5 were dropped with watchOS 11.
