# PCMag Reviews Apple Watch Series 12: Faster S11 Chip, Expanded AI, and $399 Starting Price Canonical page: https://savlume.com/items/mvsvej1v2p49e8rugxbaq76uo Publisher: Savlume Published on Savlume: 2026-09-17T12:00:00.000Z Content updated: 2026-10-13T20:18:34.784Z Source publication time: 2026-09-17T12:00:00.000Z Offer status: Unverified PCMag reviewed the Apple Watch Series 12, highlighting its faster S11 processor, upgraded Siri AI integration, and a reported battery life of up to 54 hours. The baseline 42mm aluminum model starts at $399, while larger 46mm, titanium, and ceramic editions command higher prices, with cellular connectivity adding $100 on aluminum builds. According to the reviewer, the smartwatch suits iPhone users seeking smarter on-wrist assistance, though it requires an iPhone 11 or later and showed minor sync bugs with conversation history during testing. ## Media review PCMag rates the Apple Watch Series 12 4.5/5 and names it an Editors' Choice, citing its more frequent heart-rate tracking, contextual Siri features, and 54.5-hour battery result in testing. Attribution: PCMag Reviews ยท Andrew Gebhart, PCMag AI-assisted summary of source text, not a Savlume hands-on test. - Source-reported strength: In the reviewer's test, the watch lasted 54.5 hours under the stated always-on display and daily GPS-exercise conditions. - Source-reported strength: During a run, heart-rate readings stayed within 2 to 3 bpm of the reviewer's chest strap, including during sprint intervals. - Source-reported strength: The redesigned sensor system records heart rate every five seconds, compared with every five minutes on the Series 11. - Source-reported limitation: The reviewer observed heart-rate readings that were 10 to 20 bpm low or grayed out early in one HIIT session; a shorter issue recurred during a run. - Source-reported limitation: The review describes the design differences from the Series 11 as small and says the display area and pixel count are unchanged. ### How long did the battery last in the reviewer's test? 54.5 hours with the always-on display enabled and one GPS-tracked exercise each day. ### What is the starting price for the base model? The source reports $399 for the 42mm aluminum Bluetooth-only model. ### Did the reviewer observe any heart-rate tracking issues? Yes. Readings were low or grayed out early in a HIIT session and briefly during a run, then improved. ## Evidence and sources Source report only. Merchant price, availability, seller, and conditions have not been independently confirmed. Last attempted check: Not recorded Last successful verification: Not recorded PCMag Reviews: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-watch-series-12 AI-assisted summary of cited source material. Not a hands-on review. Prices and availability can change.