Is the Apple Watch Series 12 worth it over the Series 11?

The jump is mainly in sensing: HRV readings as often as every five minutes, background heart rate every five seconds, hypertension notifications and a readiness score. If you already track stress and recovery closely, those are meaningful additions; if you mainly want notifications and workouts, an older model covers most of it.

How does it compare with a Garmin for running?

The Apple Watch matches Garmin on core running data like heart rate zones and pacing, and beats it on iPhone integration and smart features. Garmin still wins on battery life and multi-day GPS use, so pick based on whether charging daily is acceptable.

Do I need an iPhone to use it?

Yes. The watch pairs with an iPhone, and Workout Buddy and some Apple Intelligence features rely on a nearby iPhone. The cellular model can make calls and messages without the phone, but setup and most features still need one.

What is included in the box?

The watch in the 42mm light gold aluminum case, the sand sport band in size S/M, and a magnetic charging cable. A power adapter is not included.

Does it track blood oxygen and sleep?

Yes. It takes blood oxygen readings and gives a daily sleep score, and the Vitals app shows overnight health metrics. Blood oxygen availability can vary by region.

Is the 42mm case a good size?

The 42mm case sits in the middle of Apple's range: large enough for readable metrics during workouts, small enough for most wrists. Try a band fit if you are between sizes, since the S/M sport band suits smaller wrists.

Apple Watch Series 12 GPS + Cellular 42mm Light Gold Aluminum Case with Sand Sport Band - S/M - MJG24LS/A (2026)

Q: Where is the Apple Watch Series 12 GPS + Cellular 42mm Light Gold Aluminum Case with Sand Sport Band - S/M - MJG24LS/A (2026) cheapest?

At DataVision, for $499.00, as of our latest check.

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About the Apple Watch Series 12 GPS + Cellular 42mm Light Gold Aluminum Case with Sand Sport Band - S/M - MJG24LS/A (2026)

Apple Watch Series 12 is a GPS + Cellular smartwatch with a 42mm light gold aluminum case and a Sand Sport Band in S/M. It tracks heart rate, taking background readings every five seconds. It measures heart rate variability (HRV) as often as every five minutes, for insights on stress and recovery.

Health features include hypertension notifications, cycle tracking, a daily sleep score, blood oxygen readings, and overnight metrics in the Vitals app. A readiness feature looks at recent activity, vitals, and sleep. For workouts, it offers advanced metrics, Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and Workout Buddy, which runs from a nearby iPhone with Apple Intelligence. Hypertension notifications are not intended for people under 22, people previously diagnosed with hypertension, or pregnant people. The Vitals and Blood Oxygen apps are for wellness only, not medical use.

The watch can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and connect you with emergency services. It can also notify your emergency contacts. With cellular, it can make and take calls, stream music and podcasts, and play audio through AirPods without your iPhone nearby. Siri AI is rolling out in English. Audio Intelligence adds Live Rewind and Siri Recap, with some features arriving in beta in late 2026.

Model

Apple Watch Series 12 (2026), MJG24LS/A

Connectivity

GPS + Cellular

Case size

42mm

Case

Light gold aluminum

Display glass

Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum cases

Band

Sand Sport Band, S/M