Industry sources have revealed that watchOS 12 will include design updates influenced by visionOS, which was first introduced in iOS 19. Unlike the major graphical overhaul planned for the iPhone, the Apple Watch will see more subtle changes aimed at creating a cleaner, more intuitive layout for menus, buttons, and icons.
This update is part of Apple’s broader effort to maintain a consistent look and user experience across all its operating systems, as noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In addition to the updated interface, watchOS 12 is expected to introduce advanced “Apple Intelligence” features. These could include more efficient notification summaries, a refined Siri experience, and even the addition of custom “Genmoji” features, which would allow users to create personalized avatars directly from their watch.
However, integrating these advanced AI functions presents challenges due to the Apple Watch’s hardware limitations. Apple Intelligence typically requires around 8GB of RAM, which exceeds the capacity of current Apple Watch models. As a result, these features may be available only on future models, such as the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which is expected to have a more powerful chip.
While details are still tentative, the upcoming combination of AI-driven features and design updates signals Apple’s ongoing commitment to advancing wearable technology within its ecosystem.
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