Apple is reportedly preparing a significant update for the Apple Watch, with watchOS 12 expected to bring major software changes later this year. While the hardware itself has seen incremental updates in recent years, this year’s software update might be the most substantial yet.
The latest rumors, fueled by a new Bloomberg report, suggest that Apple is revamping the Apple Watch’s software with more advanced features and a new user interface. While the Apple Watch itself will not undergo a major design overhaul, it will feature updated interface elements that align with Apple’s broader changes across its ecosystem.
The upcoming watchOS 12 will introduce features branded as “powered by Apple Intelligence,” though the watch itself will not run these AI models directly. This marks a shift towards greater integration of Apple’s AI technology, which has so far been reserved for the iPhone. The focus on Apple Intelligence could signal future enhancements, but for now, the Apple Watch will remain secondary in the AI-driven evolution.
In addition to AI features, the update will also bring a fresh design concept known as “Solarium,” which is expected to debut across Apple’s ecosystem, including iOS 19. Solarium will bring a glass-like appearance to interface elements, such as buttons, giving the overall design a sleek, modern feel. While the exact details of Solarium are still unclear, it is expected to significantly impact the look and feel of Apple’s software.
Another intriguing development is Apple’s reported plan to introduce an “AI Doctor,” a feature that could leverage the health data collected by the Apple Watch. The concept is to use data from the device to identify health trends, such as declining sleep patterns or changes in physical activity, and provide users with relevant content, including videos from health professionals. This feature, tentatively called “Health+,” could turn the Apple Watch into an even more integral part of users’ health routines.
Despite these exciting prospects, much of the information is still speculative. There are no official announcements or confirmed details yet, and the updates remain a mystery until Apple reveals more during its WWDC event in June. For now, users can only wait for a glimpse of the future with fan-made renders and rumors.