Apple Watch Series 12 Introduces Readiness Score Feature
WHO:
TechRadar - Apple is the company behind the Apple Watch Series 12.
Wired - The review was conducted by an unnamed individual who wore the watch for a week.
WHAT:
The Verge - The Apple Watch Series 12 features a new S11 chip that includes a secure exclave for microphone data processing, a faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.
The Verge - The redesigned health sensor array allows for continuous heart rate monitoring every five seconds, compared to the previous five-minute interval.
The Verge - The readiness score takes seven days to populate and is based on metrics including activity, sleep score, overnight vitals, and recovery heart rate variability (HRV).
The Verge - The readiness score ranges from 0 to 10, with a score of 0 to 1 indicating the need to recover, 2 to 4 suggesting to "pace yourself," 5 to 7 being "ready," and 8 and above signaling to "go for it."
The Verge - The redesigned Health app will include AI-powered insights, a longevity tab with a Health Age score, VO2 max assessment tests using a phone's camera, and the ability to order a blood panel through Quest Diagnostics for $119.
TechRadar - The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces a new health-tracking capability called the Readiness Score.
Wired - The Apple Watch Series 12 features better health tracking, faster charging, and a simpler interface.
Engadget - The new wearable includes several upgrades but has controversial audio features that are not yet available.
WHERE:
TechRadar - The Apple Watch Series 12 is available for purchase, though specific locations are not mentioned.
WHEN:
Wired - The Apple Watch Series 12 was reviewed in 2026.
TechRadar - The Readiness Score feature was launched at what Apple describes as the ‘right time.’
WHY:
TechRadar - Apple explains that the introduction of the Readiness Score is part of their ongoing commitment to health and fitness technology.
HOW:
The Verge - The new health sensor array enables more frequent and accurate health metric measurements, including a new recovery HRV metric that uses a different formula for daily strain assessment.
TechRadar - The Readiness Score feature is designed to provide users with insights into their health and readiness for physical activity.
(UPDATED September 17, 2026 15:59 UTC)
The Apple Watch Series 12 has been unveiled, featuring a new S11 chip that enhances performance with a secure enclave for microphone data processing, along with a faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. This latest model boasts a redesigned health sensor array that allows for continuous heart rate monitoring every five seconds, significantly improving upon the previous five-minute interval. Additionally, the revamped Health app will offer AI-powered insights, a longevity tab with a Health Age score, and the ability to order a blood panel through Quest Diagnostics for $119.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:06 UTC)
Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Series 12, which introduces a new health-tracking capability called the Readiness Score, aimed at providing users with insights into their health and readiness for physical activity. The watch boasts improved health tracking, faster charging, and a simpler interface, although some controversial audio features are not yet available. A review of the watch was conducted by an unnamed individual who wore it for a week, highlighting its upgrades and Apple’s ongoing commitment to health and fitness technology.