The next Apple Watch Series 12 might not look any different. However, it could quietly reintroduce a familiar feature.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, during a live Q&A, Apple is sticking with the same overall design for its 2026 smartwatch – meaning no radical redesign, no circular display, and no major visual shake-up. Instead, the focus looks to be on what’s happening under the hood.
One potential headline feature is the addition of Touch ID-style biometric authentication.
Reports suggest Apple has been testing a fingerprint-based system internally, possibly built into the side button or Digital Crown. It’s not confirmed yet. Yet, if it lands, it would mark the first time Apple has brought this kind of authentication to its watch lineup. And it would be a notable throwback to older iPhone tech.
Beyond that, upgrades appear more incremental. Expect a new chip (likely an S-series update), alongside efficiency improvements that could slightly boost battery life. There’s also talk of a more advanced display panel, potentially a refined LTPO screen. This could improve brightness and power efficiency without changing the watch’s size or shape.
Health tracking remains a key focus, too. Apple is reportedly still working on blood pressure monitoring, though accuracy challenges mean it may initially focus on trend tracking rather than precise readings. Longer-term features like glucose monitoring are still further out. These are unlikely to appear this year.
In terms of release timing, Apple is expected to stick to its usual schedule, with a launch likely in September 2026 alongside the next iPhone lineup. Pricing should remain close to current models. These start at around $400.
If the rumours hold, the Series 12 won’t be the big visual overhaul some were hoping for. But with potential upgrades like Touch ID and smarter internals, it could still be a meaningful step forward. Yet, it is just one that’s easier to miss at first glance.
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