It’s smartwatch season, baby

PLUS: The latest wrist candy.

View in browser | Your preferences

’Tis the season for new smartwatches. Earlier this month, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Ultra 4. The Series 12 is the Apple Watch I’d recommend to most people, with upgrades like a new Health Sensing System and Audio Intelligence, a suite of ambient-listening features. (Most of those are rolling out until later this year, though.) And yes, after six years, the premium ceramic finish is back. The Ultra is still the watch to get if you’re an outdoor adventurer or endurance athlete, thanks to its multiday battery life and satellite messaging. But unless you’re regularly diving or disappearing into the wilderness, the Series 12 can do pretty everything the Ultra 4 can for significantly less. Apple didn’t update the SE this time around, but the SE 3 remains the best budget-friendly Apple Watch. If you’re considering the SE 3, I wouldn’t be surprised if the price drops even further on Amazon Prime Day. If you’re not an Apple person, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch9 arrived in August and is a solid choice for Samsung users. Personally, though, I’d go with the Google Pixel Watch 5 for its domed design, Google Health Premium, and overall smoother user experience. I’ll be refreshing many of our wearables guides over the next month, so check back soon for my takes on the latest releases.

Boutayna Chokrane Product Writer and Reviewer

Why this ad?

THIS WEEK'S GUIDE

I’ve Tested Smartwatches for a Decade. These 7 Stand the Test of Time   By Boutayna Chokrane   These WIRED-tested wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected.

READ MORE

QUICK BUYS

Apple Watch Series 12 $399 SHOP NOW Apple Watch SE 3 $249 SHOP NOW

All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Why this ad?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 Wants to Tell You Everything About Your Body   By Boutayna Chokrane   Samsung adds more health and fitness metrics to an already feature-packed smartwatch, but more data doesn’t make it a better upgrade.

READ MORE

Before You Buy an Apple Watch, Read This   By Boutayna Chokrane   Before you spend hundreds of dollars, let me help you choose wisely.

READ MORE

The Best Budget Smartwatch Is Proof You Don’t Need to Overspend   By Boutayna Chokrane   You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch. These are the best options under $250.

READ MORE

I Put My Health in the Hands of these Fitness Trackers   By Boutayna Chokrane   Find the right wearable for your lifestyle, workouts, and goals.

READ MORE

The Best of WIRED in Your Inbox Was this forwarded to you? Sign up. Plus, find all of our newsletters.

This email was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add wired@newsletters.wired.com to your address book. View our Privacy policy | Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2026. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.