watchOS 12: Expected Features, Release Date, Supported Devices, and More
Apple is set to reveal watchOS 12, the forthcoming significant software update for the Apple Watch. As excitement grows ahead of its anticipated announcement at WWDC 2025, users are keen to discover the latest features, design updates, and advancements Apple has planned. Here’s everything we’ve gathered thus far about watchOS 12.
When Will Apple Reveal watchOS 12?
Apple typically presents its latest operating systems during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and 2025 is anticipated to follow this tradition. WWDC 2025 is planned for June 9 to June 13. The keynote, generally conducted on the opening day, is expected to showcase the first official glimpse of watchOS 12 along with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and others.
Although Apple has moved to pre-recorded presentations in recent years, a select group of developers and media will be invited to view the event live at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
watchOS 12 Release Timeline
After the WWDC announcement, Apple will provide beta versions of watchOS 12 for developers and public testers. The final public version is anticipated to launch in September 2025, coinciding with the rollout of the next-generation Apple Watch models and iOS 19.
Speculated Features of watchOS 12
While Apple has remained mostly tight-lipped about the specifics, multiple leaks and reports indicate that watchOS 12 will introduce significant enhancements in design, intelligence, and user-friendliness.
1. Updated Design Inspired by visionOS
As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other sources, watchOS 12 will unveil a subtle design update inspired by visionOS, the operating system behind Apple Vision Pro. While it won’t be a complete redesign, users can look forward to updated icons, sleek interface elements, and a more unified visual language that corresponds with Apple’s wider ecosystem.
2. Integration of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of generative AI functionalities, is likely to take on a larger role in watchOS 12. Although the Apple Watch may not operate AI models directly, it is expected to utilize iPhone-based intelligence to provide enhanced features, such as:
– Smarter Notifications: Alerts prioritized by context and urgency.
– Summarization: Quick overviews of lengthy messages or notifications.
– Genmoji: AI-generated emojis derived from text input or context.
These capabilities were partially introduced in watchOS 11, but required an iPhone for operation. watchOS 12 may broaden their applicability and functionality.
3. Fresh Emoji
In line with each significant update, Apple is likely to roll out new emoji characters in watchOS 12, syncing with the latest Unicode Consortium standards. These emojis are expected to surface in a mid-cycle update after the initial launch.
watchOS 12 Beta Access
Following the announcement at WWDC, Apple will release the first developer beta of watchOS 12. Public beta versions typically follow a few weeks thereafter. To install the beta:
– Ensure your iPhone is updated to the iOS 19 beta.
– Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
– Go to General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
– Choose either the Developer or Public Beta option.
Note: Once you install a watchOS beta, downgrading to a previous version is not possible. Exercise caution, especially on your main device.
Compatible Apple Watch Models
While Apple has not officially confirmed compatibility, watchOS 11 ended support for various older models. Assuming a similar strategy, the following Apple Watch models are expected to support watchOS 12:
– Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
– Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
– Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
– Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
– Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
– Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
– Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
– Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
To install watchOS 12, your Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or later running iOS 19.
What’s on the Horizon?
As we near WWDC 2025, additional information regarding watchOS 12 is likely to surface through leaks and insights from developers. Apple is anticipated to concentrate on refining the user experience, enhancing AI-driven features, and harmonizing the Apple Watch’s design with the overall ecosystem.
Stay tuned for the official announcement in June 2025, and get ready to delve into the future of Apple Watch with watchOS 12.
