This year has been incredibly rich in features for Apple software, and while 2024 has been impressive, rumors indicate that 2025 is set to be a remarkable year as well, particularly with watchOS 12 introducing Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Intelligence in watchOS 12 Will Depend on iPhone-Driven Models
Mark Gurman has recently shared several updates regarding Apple’s forthcoming software releases. Among these insights is the exciting news that iPadOS 19 will enhance the iPad’s functionality to resemble that of a Mac.
Gurman also shed light on watchOS 12, revealing the initial significant details we have about the upcoming Apple Watch update.
He stated:
the company is marketing a new suite [of] features as “powered by Apple Intelligence” (even though the device isn’t actually executing the AI models directly).
It appears that Apple intends to implement Apple Intelligence features similarly to how it has previously managed certain Watch functions: by transferring some processing responsibilities to the iPhone.
Upon its debut, the Apple Watch was heavily reliant on the iPhone for much of its capabilities, including the fundamental function of running third-party applications.
While its dependence has decreased over time, watchOS 12 seems poised to slightly reverse this trend.
This strategy is logical given the limitations of the Apple Watch.
In fact, one could argue that Apple is already employing this method in watchOS 11.
Two of the current Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone are also available on the Apple Watch.
Notification summaries and Reduce Interruptions Focus are technically facilitated by an AI-capable iPhone. However, if you are using your Apple Watch, there is no clear indication that watchOS 11 isn’t managing the AI processing itself.
Gurman hasn’t specified which particular features are on the horizon, but either way, watchOS 12 is expected to officially incorporate Apple Intelligence as a feature on the Apple Watch.
Regarding additional features in watchOS 12, the report only mentions that some new interface elements from iOS 19 will also make an appearance on the Watch, but no major redesign is anticipated.
What AI capabilities would you like to see included in watchOS 12? Share your thoughts in the comments.
