Apple Watch Series 12 launches with new health sensors and Audio Intelligence

Apple ↘ 0.52% on Tuesday unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5 alongside its new iPhone lineup, while confirming that iOS 27 will roll out to all compatible devices on Monday, September 14.

Apple Watch Series 12: Health Sensing Overhaul

The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces what Apple calls the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, powered by a new Health Sensing System and S11 chip. The watch now measures heart rate every five seconds throughout the day — a substantial increase in frequency — and delivers up to 24 times more frequent heart rate variability measurements.stocktitan

A new readiness score analyzes recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep to provide a daily 0-to-10 rating with recommendations ranging from "Recover" to "Go For It." Apple said the scoring algorithm was developed using data from its Heart and Movement Study in collaboration with exercise scientists and physicians.stocktitan

The Series 12 also brings Audio Intelligence features, including Live Rewind, which displays the previous 15 seconds of a conversation as text with a double press of the Digital Crown, and Siri Recap, which generates high-level conversation summaries. Apple emphasized that these features process audio in a hardware-isolated compartment and do not create or store recordings.stocktitan

"Apple Watch Series 12 is the most advanced health and fitness companion we've ever created," said Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing.stocktitan

The watch starts at $399 and is available in aluminum, titanium, and a new ceramic material. Pre-orders opened today, with in-store availability beginning Friday, September 18.stocktitan

AirPods 5: Open-Ear Noise Cancellation at $129

AirPods 5 deliver what Apple describes as best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design, removing up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC. A new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ provide improved sound quality.apple

The base model is priced at $129, while a version with a wireless charging case, on-stem volume control, and longer battery life — up to five hours of playback with ANC — is available for $149. Both models support Siri AI, Live Translation, and head gesture controls. Pre-orders are open now, with availability on September 18.apple

iOS 27 Arrives September 14

Apple confirmed that iOS 27 will be released on Monday, September 14, for all users with a compatible iPhone. The update supports the same device range as iOS 26, covering the iPhone 11 series and newer. iOS 27 will also bring Apple Intelligence and a beta of Siri AI, initially available in English, with additional language support expected in October.macrumors+1