With Apple refusing to update the mighty Apple Watch SE, the field seems clear for the Series 12 to slot in as the best Apple Watch, and therefore as the best smartwatch on the market. But life is rarely that simple. I spent two weeks with the Apple Watch Series 12, testing and evaluating its design, features, battery performance, and more, all so we can bring you thorough, expert buying advice. Is this the smartwatch for you? Read on to find out.
(For broader advice, check our guide to the best Apple Watch in 2026.)
Apple Watch Series 12 design
As I’ve pointed out in a separate article, the Apple Watch design didn’t change in any fundamental ways this year. It’s the same shape, the same dimensions, the same buttons. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because Apple’s design is a modern classic: a sleek and slimline chassis which feels unobtrusive on the wrist and is intuitive to use. The fundamentals were built to last.
David Price / Foundry
There’s one non-visible change, which is that the aluminum models get a screen upgrade from Ion-X glass to Ceramic Shield 2 that Apple says is 60 percent tougher. (The more expensive models remain on Sapphire crystal, an even more scratch-resistant material, but one which is more vulnerable to drop impacts–not that drops should be much of an issue for a smartwatch.) That’s not an easy claim to test, and I can’t say I noticed a difference from the previous generation, but it’s a nice bonus in terms of peace of mind.
And then there are the strictly cosmetic differences. But these are absolutely worth mentioning, partly because the Apple Watch is to some degree a fashion accessory, and partly because they’re so great.
The returning ceramic material, for example, looks fantastic in both Pearly White and Night Blue. You’ll have to pay a premium for that option, which starts at $899/£849, so a better bet may be to stick with the cheapest aluminum case material, but pick the new and stunning Dark Bronze finish. Macworld’s review unit is a very smart black unit, but I’ve experienced serious Bronze envy. If you prefer the titanium case, consider the new Radiant Gold finish, which has a gorgeous shine to it. There are lots of opportunities, in other words, to grab a beautiful finish and simultaneously show off that you’ve got the latest model. Maybe the long-awaited design will finally arrive next year (or maybe it’ll be delayed yet again), but in the meantime these surface-level changes are fun and fresh.
