Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What is known so far
While there hasn’t been much information yet about the next Apple Watch models, there are some rumors about possible design changes and features of watchOS 27. The Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be released in September. We’ve summarized the most important rumored hardware and software changes below.
A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as this model was only updated last year and usually only receives an update every two to three years.
Apple will unveil watchOS 27 on Monday, June 8, during its WWDC 2026 keynote. A developer beta is expected to be available immediately afterward. A public beta typically follows in July, and the update is generally released in September alongside the Apple Watch Series 12.
Apple Watch Series 12 with Touch ID
According to internal Apple software code that leaked online last year, Touch ID could soon be available on the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Touch ID would likely be integrated into the Apple Watch’s side button, allowing users to unlock the device with their fingerprint instead of a passcode.
Although new references to Touch ID have been discovered in the code, there is no guarantee that Apple will implement this plan this year, or at all. Even credible sources like Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have not yet mentioned that Touch ID will be available on the Apple Watch this year.
New chips after a one-year hiatus
While the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all still use the S10 chip like last year’s models, leaked Apple code suggests that the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will receive a new chip. Whether this chip will be called the S11 or S12 is still unclear, but performance improvements are expected in any case.
New modular dial
Reports indicate that the Apple Watch Series 12 with watchOS 27 will include new watch faces, including a variant of the “Modular Ultra” watch face, which is currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra.
New Apple Intelligence features
Under watchOS 26, the following Apple Intelligence features are available on an Apple Watch when paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later:
- Training partner
- Live translation in news
- Summaries of the notifications
When Apple announced the dates for WWDC 2026, the company promised to showcase “AI advancements” on its platforms, and it is reasonable to assume that watchOS 27, and therefore the Apple Watch Series 12, will include some additional Apple Intelligence features supported by the iPhone.
New satellite features
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a built-in satellite connection that enables emergency SOS calls, “Find My” functionality, and messaging via satellite, without requiring an iPhone. The next logical step would be for the Apple Watch Series 12 to also receive this feature.
iOS 27 is reportedly set to include up to five new satellite features, and the following two are expected to extend to watchOS 27 as well:
- Apple Maps via satellite
- Photos support the transmission of messages via satellite.
Last month, Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that enables Apple’s satellite capabilities on the iPhone 14 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3. In return, Amazon announced it had signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features.
