Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Apple Watch Series 11: Is it Worth Upgrading? - CNET

CNET compares the newly released Apple Watch Series 12 to the previous Series 11 model to determine if the upgrade is worthwhile. The review highlights that while the new model maintains a similar price point, the hardware improvements are incremental.
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Consumer technology reviews help users make informed purchasing decisions in a market characterized by rapid product iteration.
This year's new Apple Watch is impressive, but does it improve enough on last year's?
Read full bio September 11, 2026, 5:22 pm ET
The Apple Watch Series 12 (left) succeeds the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11. Zain Awais/CNET Apple unveiled a new lineup of devices at its Surprise and Shine event on Wednesday, including the new Apple Watch Series 12 . But does it upgrade enough from last year’s Apple Watch Series 11 ?
The standard Apple Watch models offer robust functionality in a signature rectangular display with rounded corners, a futuristic yet style-agnostic design with leading hardware, software and health-tracking features. They don’t have the three-day battery life, extreme ruggedness or satellite connectivity that the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 has, but they also aren’t $799.
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