Apple’s upcoming watchOS 12 update is set to introduce a new buzzword: “Powered by Apple Intelligence.” At least, that’s how the company is marketing it. According to Mark Gurman, the update will bring a collection of features branded with this AI-driven moniker, but the reality is a bit more complicated.
Unlike the iPhone or iPad, the Apple Watch lacks the processing power to run advanced AI models locally. So, while the marketing suggests that generative AI is coming to your wrist, the reality is that these features rely heavily on cloud-based processing. The AI may be involved in the backend, but the Watch itself isn’t doing the heavy lifting. Even so, Apple clearly sees the value in attaching the “Apple Intelligence” label, and it’s using it to market the new features, even if the actual implementation is more cloud-dependent.
This push for AI integration is part of a broader theme Apple will showcase at WWDC 2025, where Apple Intelligence is expected to be a key focus across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. While the Apple Watch won’t be the flagship device for this new AI wave, it’s still getting a small sample of what’s to come in the Apple ecosystem.
Alongside AI enhancements, watchOS 12 will also bring a visual refresh, although not a full redesign. Expect interface tweaks that take inspiration from “Solarium”, Apple’s new design language rolling out across all platforms this year. This means smoother animations, updated widget styles, and a more cohesive visual experience across iPhone, Mac, and the Apple Watch.
However, Apple’s continued reliance on the Apple Intelligence branding is somewhat concerning. After the Siri debacle, many users have become skeptical about the company’s ability to deliver on its promises of intelligent features. If Apple can’t show real, working demonstrations of these features during WWDC, it risks repeating the “coming soon” narrative that leaves consumers doubtful.
Whether these new AI-inspired features will be enough to excite users about a new generation of Apple Watch hardware is still uncertain. However, as always, WWDC will be the stage where Apple sets the tone for the year ahead, and we’ll soon see if the company can deliver on its AI promises for the Apple Watch.