watchOS 27 removes the double-click Digital Crown shortcut for app switching on older Apple Watch models to make room for Live Rewind, a new 15-second audio transcript feature exclusive to Series 12 and Ultra 4. Older watches now open a dynamic app grid with the same gesture, disappointing users who relied on the quick multitasking feature.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a new Readiness app that scores user fitness readiness on a 0-10 scale based on activity, vital signs, and sleep data. The app requires upgraded hardware with new optical and electrical sensors and is exclusive to these latest models.
Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 12 during its September 9 event, featuring the new S11 chip and double the memory (4GB vs. 2GB) of the Series 11, though Apple didn't publicly mention the RAM upgrade. The Series 12 maintains the same external design and pricing as its predecessor, with modest upgrades including more durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass and new color options.
Apple Watch Series 12 features smaller display areas (down 2% at 46mm, 1.9% at 42mm) while the case grows slightly wider, resulting in larger bezels despite unchanged pixel resolution. The design follows a similar trend from Series 10, which also paired smaller screens with larger cases, though the Series 12 change is less extreme.