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MacRumors
Apple Watch Series 12 Has Smaller Screens and Bigger Cases
Apple has officially unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12, which features a smaller display area in both the 46mm and 42mm models compared to Series 10 and 11. The screen dimensions decreased by 2% for the 46mm and 1.9% for the 42mm variant, even though pixel counts remain unchanged. Interestingly, the case sizes have increased slightly to accommodate these changes, which leads to larger visible borders around the display. This trend mirrors past iterations, with previous models having undergone similar design adjustments that affect the overall perceived size of the watch. The Series 12 is priced starting at $399 and will be available on September 18.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 10 Sept 2026, 16:45 UTC2 min read
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Brief
NewsBite reading:Apple Watch Series 12 Features Smaller Displays with Larger Cases
TL;DR
- Series 12 features a smaller display area than Series 10 and 11.
- 46mm model's display area dropped by 2% to 1,196 sq mm.
- 42mm model's display area decreased by 1.9% to 970 sq mm.
- Case sizes have increased by approximately 2.6% and 2.8% for 46mm and 42mm models, respectively.
- The launch price for Series 12 starts at $399.
Interesting facts
- The pixel resolution for the new models remains the same as previous generations.
- Design tweaks are aimed at enhancing the appearance of the bezels despite a larger casing.
What changed
The display sizes for the Apple Watch Series 12 are smaller compared to earlier models, while the case sizes are larger.