Apple Watch Series 12 vs. 11: Every upgrade, including one Apple didnt mention

Apple unveiled its latest flagship smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 12, during its Sept. 9 Surprise and Shine iPhone event. Alongside the new Series 12, the company also introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and the inaugural foldable iPhone Duo. Apple's Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance, described the Series 12 as the most advanced health and fitness companion they've ever created.

However, the Series 12 might not stand out visually, as it maintains the same appearance as last year's Series 11. To discern the upgrades in the Series 12, one must examine its internal components. The Series 12 shares the same $399 base price with the Series 11, but there are notable differences between the two models. The 46mm Series 12 starts at $449, $20 more than the previous generation, while the 42mm and 46mm titanium versions begin at $699 and $749, respectively.

Additionally, a $50 price gap now exists between the two sizes, regardless of the case material. Apple also introduced a new ceramic variant, priced at $899 for the 42mm and $949 for the 46mm models, though the Series 11 did not offer a ceramic case.