Apple Watch Series 12 launches with new chip and health sensors

Apple has launched the Apple Watch Series 12, introducing a new S11 chip and a redesigned health sensor array that enables continuous heart rate monitoring every five seconds. The device, which retains the familiar design of previous models, is now available for purchase, with retailers like Best Buy offering trade-in deals that can reduce the price to as low as $199. The core upgrade lies in the watch's internal hardware. The new S11 chip, built around a 64-bit dual-core processor and a four-core Neural Engine, powers faster performance and more efficient processing of sensor data. This chip also supports upcoming AI-driven features, though the most controversial ones are not yet available. A major focus of the Series 12 is its enhanced health tracking capabilities. The redesigned Health Sensing System on the back of the watch allows for significantly more frequent and accurate readings. Apple states the optical heart sensor now measures heart rate every five seconds, a substantial increase from the previous five-minute interval when not exercising. This continuous monitoring provides more detailed data for fitness and wellness features.