{
  "id": 6875857,
  "title": "Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: Here are the 6 biggest differences",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/apple-watch-series-12-vs-11-here-are-the-6-biggest-differences",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-12T06:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/apple-watch-series-12-vs-11-here-are-the-6-biggest-differences"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Apple Watch Series 12 has arrived, leading consumers to ponder whether to purchase the Series 11 on sale or await the new device. Both watches operate on watchOS 27, boast identical battery life, and share a similar appearance. However, several significant distinctions set them apart. Allow this article to guide your decision-making process before adding either smartwatch to your cart.\n\nApple Watch Series 12 introduces a redesigned heart rate monitor and a Daily Readiness score. Featuring larger, power-efficient green LEDs that measure heart rate every five seconds, this sensor claims to be the most accurate in a wearable. Continuous heart rate monitoring enables the watch to provide more precise heart rate variability (HRV) data, allowing users to monitor Recovery HRV scores and overall HRV. Furthermore, the new heart rate monitor enables Apple's Readiness score, which updates throughout the day based on overnight vitals, sleep scores, recent physical activity, and training load.\n\nAnother notable distinction is the Audio Intelligence features unique to the Apple Watch Series 12. This technology utilizes Apple Intelligence to identify background songs, detect important sounds, generate transcripts of recent conversations using Live Rewind, and compile conversation notes with Siri Recap. These features are slated for release later in the year.\n\nIn terms of processor, the Apple Watch Series 12 houses the S11 chip. This chip incorporates redesigned algorithms to enhance the accuracy of indoor walk or run workouts, improves the pedometer's precision, and displays daily step counts directly on the home screen.\n\nDespite their identical exteriors, Apple Watch Series 12 models with aluminum cases boast a more robust screen. Additionally, Series 12 owners can choose from new finishes, including a radiant gold titanium casing and two ceramic casings in pearl white and night blue.\n\nUltimately, should you pre-order the Apple Watch Series 12 or wait to buy the Series 11 upon sale? While the Series 12 promises significant health and fitness tracking advancements, a comprehensive review will be published later this month to provide a definitive answer.",
  "summary": "Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 12 or Series 11? Read this before making your pick.",
  "key_points": [
    "Apple Watch Series 12 features redesigned heart rate monitor and Daily Readiness score",
    "Apple Watch Series 12 uses S11 chip for improved workout accuracy and daily step count display"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Apple Watch Series 12's upgraded heart rate monitor, Audio Intelligence features, and enhanced processor give it an edge over the Series 11, particularly for users prioritizing health and fitness tracking.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "It's about time Apple got a Readiness score to compete with Fitbit and Garmin — but I'm disappointed it's not coming to the Series 11",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/its-about-time-apple-got-a-readiness-score-to-compete-with-fitbit-and",
        "published": "2026-09-12T01:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}