Future and recent Apple Watch models will get new features in watchOS 12.
Apple has some significant changes in mind for both future versions of the Apple Watch, and the software for existing recent models.
Amid rumors that future Apple Watch models could gain cameras and additional health sensors, a new report suggests that software changes are also on the way.
A new report from Bloomberg suggests that the Apple Watch won’t be gaining Apple Intelligence on its hardware directly. However, watchOS 12 will be able to display results from the technology that is powered on a user’s other devices.
While this alone would make the device even more useful, recent and future versions of the Apple Watch will also gain a new look from changes Apple has planned across its line of hardware. The device will reflect previous reports of interface and design changes coming to the iPhone, Mac, and iPad.
According to previous reports, watchOS 12 could inherit the visionOS-inspired style changes planned for iOS 19 and and macOS 16. This would include semi-transparent and revamped menus, icons, and more.
Previous rumors have said that while the Apple Watch itself will lack the hardware capabilities to run Apple Intelligence, some features — such as notification summaries — will be coming to watchOS 12. Further improvements, such as the long-promised Siri overhaul, could be relayed to the Apple Watch via a user’s iPhone.
It’s seen as unlikely that the Apple Watch will gain major hardware changes in the near term. Even so, previous reports have said that Apple is also looking into new designs for the product.
One report has claimed that Apple could produce an all-glass Apple Watch, while another has suggested a less-expensive Apple Watch SE that would be made of plastic or a similar material.
