Apple Watch Series 12 Price, Sizes and Release Date
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 in the US, comes in 42mm and 46mm cases and reached stores on September 18, 2026.
Timeline
- September 9, 2026: Apple announced Series 12 and opened preorders.
- September 14, 2026: watchOS 27 became available for supported watches.
- September 18, 2026: Series 12 became available in stores in the first launch markets.
Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 in the United States. Apple opened orders on September 9, 2026 and said store availability would begin September 18 in the United States and more than 50 other countries and regions. [1][2]
The watch is offered in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. The advertised starting price refers to an entry configuration. A larger case, cellular connectivity, premium case material, Hermès edition, different band, AppleCare or tax can raise the total. [1]
Apple presented aluminum, titanium and ceramic case options with multiple finishes. Material affects price, weight and appearance. Band size and compatibility also matter, and some specialty bands have separate water-resistance or magnetic-interference notes in Apple’s documentation. [1]
Series 12 introduced Apple’s Health Sensing System, a readiness score and higher-frequency heart-rate and heart-rate-variability sensing. These are wellness and fitness features; they should not be treated as a diagnosis or used to dismiss symptoms that need professional medical attention. [1]
watchOS 27 became available September 14 for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, paired with a compatible iPhone running iOS 27. Apple says some features vary by device, region and language. [1]
Apple also described Apple Intelligence and Siri AI functions, with supported-device and language requirements. Some capabilities were announced as beta or required a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. The presence of watchOS 27 does not guarantee every intelligent feature on every supported watch. [1]
The launch release records the original price and schedule, while the current store is the source for inventory, regional pricing and promotions. Buyers comparing configurations should use full purchase prices and read lease or trade-in terms rather than relying only on a quoted monthly payment. Battery life and sensor claims also depend on test conditions, settings, network use and fit, so owners should compare Apple’s footnotes with their intended use. [1][2]