Apple Watch Series 12 launches with new health sensors and AI features

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12, a significant upgrade over last year's model that introduces a new health sensing system, a more powerful chip, and exclusive artificial intelligence features, while maintaining the same starting price. The new smartwatch is available for preorder and will launch on September 18. The Series 12 begins at $399 for the 42mm aluminum GPS model, identical to the launch price of the now-discontinued Series 11. This price point applies to the base configuration, though costs increase substantially for premium materials and connectivity options. The titanium case models start at $699, while the new ceramic case options begin at $899. The high-fashion Hermès edition can reach up to $2,249 with specific band selections. The most substantial upgrade is the new Health Sensing System, which Apple claims provides the most accurate heart rate sensing of any wearable. This system features a second-generation electrical heart sensor and a fourth-generation optical heart sensor, enabling heart rate tracking every five seconds throughout the day and heart rate variability sampling up to 24 times more frequently than the previous model.