DC Rainmaker: Apple Watch Series 12 is worth it for Series 9 or older
The in-depth review praises the new heart sensor and Readiness score. It also finds gaps in workout heart-rate data and single-band GPS.
A detailed review says the new Apple Watch Series 12 is a good upgrade if you have a Series 9 or older. It has a better heart sensor and a new readiness score. If your Watch is newer, you can wait a year.
Hype check
The noise matches the real change.
Our editorial opinion, based on the sources below. How we score
Your call: hype or real?
Real = it will matter in daily use. Hype = louder than it is. One vote, and it can’t be changed.
Our view and readers’ views are opinions, not statements of fact about a product.
Why it matters
This is the first big sensor change in years, but reviewers say upgrade value depends on which Watch you own.
Worth a look if your Watch is Series 9 or older.
The details
- Series 12 starts at $399 and went on sale Sept 18; preorders opened Sept 9.
- New Health Sensing System: heart rate measured every 5 seconds and a Readiness score from 0 to 10.
- The review calls the optical sensor world-class, but sees gaps of 5 to 20+ seconds in workout data.
- GPS is single-band, so the Series 12 trails the Ultra 4 in tough terrain.
- Reviewer advice: Series 9 or older owners should upgrade; Series 10 and 11 owners can wait a year.
Receipts
Two or more trusted outlets confirm it. Open the sources and check us.
Written with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources above. How we work
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