Apple's watchOS 12: AI-Powered Features and Design Overhaul Coming to Apple Watch

watchOS 12: Three new Apple Watch features being announced next month - 9to5Mac

is branding a new set [of] features as "powered by Apple Intelligence" (even though the device isn't actually running the AI models directly). In other words, as far as users can tell, watchOS 12 will be gaining new AI features. In reality, those features will depend on the more powerful hardware of the iPhone. Which features might arrive? Per The Verifier, there are at least three in the works: One major expected focus for Apple's software updates this year is design overhauls. iOS 19, macOS 16, iPadOS 19, and tvOS 19 are all expected to introduce a fresh, cohesive new design -- and watchOS 12 will get design changes too. The Verifier mentions that the honeycomb app picker will be modified, and possibly the list view too. Buttons, menus, and icons throughout watchOS 12 are also expected to be updated to reflect greater consistency across Apple's various platforms. For years, Apple has offered a powerful iPhone feature called Live Listen that's perfect for users who are deaf or hard of hearing -- or maybe international spies. Live Listen lets your iPhone essentially act like a microphone that sends sound to your AirPods, Beats, or hearing aid. For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there's no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. watchOS already offers handy remote functionality for features like the iPhone's Camera and the Apple TV's interface, and this addition will build on those remote control offerings. There are plenty of other upgrades likely coming with watchOS 12. For example, new watch faces tend to be introduced each year, and there are always a variety of big and small feature upgrades related to Apple's core apps. watchOS 12 may not be the biggest focus of Apple's software teams, but it seems like it will pack some solid upgrades. What new features do you hope to see in watchOS 12? Let us know in the comments.

watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year's WWDC

While we'll have to wait for September for new models to add to our best Apple Watches list - Apple almost never debuts this sort of hardware at WWDC - we're likely to see a host of new software features. While watchOS is hardly ever Apple's main focus for its developer-focused events, it still gets a chunk of time dedicated to it every year. Below are three features I expect to see announced for the future Apple Watch platform. It's worth noting while most people are expecting this year's release to be called watchOS 12, there's every chance Apple mixes things up somewhat. In recent weeks, Bloomberg has suggested our devices will be running iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and so forth, with future releases adhering to this new naming convention. Will we be using watchOS 26 from September, when it's released to the public? We'll soon find out. Response to last year's Apple Intelligence big reveal was somewhat tepid, and some reports have painted a picture of a company struggling to gain a foothold in the AI age. That makes June 9's showing very important to show that Apple can run with the seriously AI-focused tech giants such as Google and OpenAI. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested it's possible -at least in branding - for Apple Intelligence to arrive on watchOS in a limited capacity. The Bloomberg report linked above suggested Apple "is branding a new set [of] features as 'powered by Apple Intelligence' (even though the device isn't actually running the AI models directly)." That latter point is key because it could mean your current Apple Watch is able to run some of these "Apple Intelligence" features without needing to splurge on a future model. There is reportedly a trifecta of features planned; Genmoji creation on a user's wrist, notification summaries planned for widgets on your Apple Watch, while Siri could see an Apple Intelligence-style refresh. However, this reworking of Siri won't be to the extent Apple promised for the iPhone last year. It wasn't all that long ago that Apple shook up watchOS with its watchOS 10 update, offering widget stacks reminiscent of the best Garmin watches' UI. Now, rumor has it we could get a broader visual overhaul that encompasses just about every platform, including watchOS, iOS and even MacOS. Multiple reports have suggested that Apple will use a new design language that's internally referred to as 'Solarium', with a much brighter design, possibly with increased window transparency. It's been tipped for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. We're curious to see how the latter works, though, especially since watchOS has always been set against a black backdrop. Color us intrigued. Apple loves to showcase one exercise in the upcoming OS where it can, releasing a bunch of new features to excite fans. We've seen a big focus on running in watchOS 9 and cycling for watchOS 10 in the past, but where could Apple go next? We'd love to see a way to track strength workouts within Apple's own ecosystem: gymgoers are crying out for more ways to make the most of their Apple Watches. However, our money is on something set outdoors. Rumors have suggested an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is incoming this year, so we'd be very surprised if Apple doesn't push the rugged durability, GPS capabilities and longer-lasting battery of the Apple Watch Ultra series in some regard. A marathon? A triathlon? What about rucking - the trendy exercise consisting of walking with a weighted backpack? We'll find out on June 9.

watchOS 12: The AI Upgrade That Will Make Your Apple Watch WAY Smarter

Apple is set to elevate the smartwatch experience with the release of WatchOS 12. Announced at WWDC on June 9th, this update is designed to enhance usability, intelligence, and health-focused features, making the Apple Watch an even more indispensable tool. A public release is anticipated in September or October, with compatibility expected for the Apple Watch Series 7, SE (2nd Gen), and Ultra models. Here's an in-depth look at what this update brings to the table in a new video from 9to5Mac. WatchOS 12 introduces a thoughtfully redesigned user interface that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The new design incorporates dynamic, layered visuals with translucent elements, creating a subtle 3D-like effect. Fonts are now bolder and more legible, making sure that information is easy to read at a glance, even during physical activity or while on the go. These updates are aimed at making navigation more intuitive and visually engaging, offering a seamless experience for users across all supported devices. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in WatchOS 12, with Siri receiving significant upgrades to improve its responsiveness and contextual awareness. The assistant is now capable of delivering faster, more conversational responses tailored to your daily needs. For example, Siri can proactively suggest actions based on your habits, such as starting a workout or setting reminders. While some advanced processing will rely on your iPhone due to hardware constraints in current Apple Watch models, this integration underscores Apple's commitment to building a cohesive, AI-driven ecosystem. These enhancements make Siri a more practical and reliable tool for managing tasks and staying organized. Health and fitness remain at the core of the Apple Watch experience, and WatchOS 12 introduces several key upgrades to solidify its position as a leader in wearable health technology: These advancements aim to make the Apple Watch an essential companion for health-conscious individuals, offering tools that go beyond basic activity tracking to provide actionable insights. Accessibility takes center stage in WatchOS 12 with the introduction of live captions. This feature allows users to view subtitles for conversations, media, and even real-time translations directly on their Apple Watch. By catering to users with hearing impairments and those navigating multilingual environments, Apple is expanding the device's appeal and usability. This focus on inclusivity ensures that the Apple Watch remains a versatile tool for a diverse range of users. The official debut of WatchOS 12 at WWDC on June 9th sets the stage for a public rollout in September or October. The update is expected to support Apple Watch Series 7 and newer models, aligning with Apple's tradition of pairing new software releases with updated hardware. This strategic timing ensures that users can take full advantage of the latest features on the most advanced devices, further solidifying Apple's position in the competitive wearable market. In a market where competitors like Whoop rely on subscription-based models, Apple's approach of offering robust features without additional fees sets it apart. This strategy appeals to users seeking a cost-effective yet feature-rich wearable, reinforcing the Apple Watch's reputation as a market leader. By focusing on delivering value through innovation and usability, Apple continues to attract a broad audience, from fitness enthusiasts to tech-savvy professionals. WatchOS 12 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Apple Watch. With improvements in user interface design, smarter AI integration, and enhanced health and fitness tracking, this update caters to a wide range of user needs. The addition of accessibility tools like live captions and the potential introduction of new health features such as blood pressure monitoring highlight Apple's dedication to creating a more inclusive and versatile wearable experience. Whether you're focused on fitness, productivity, or accessibility, WatchOS 12 promises to deliver meaningful enhancements that make the Apple Watch an even more indispensable part of daily life. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on WatchOS 12 that you might find useful.