Apple Watch Series 12 is still great, but Google's watch has caught up

Android Authority has reviewed the Apple Watch Series 12 and still calls it a superb smartwatch. The twist is in the reviewer's main point: Google's rival watch has caught up with Apple. For anyone shopping for a smartwatch, Apple is no longer the only obvious strong pick.

What the review says

The review asks a simple question: has Apple done enough this year to make the Series 12 a great watch that is worth buying? The headline answer is that the watch is still excellent. The caution is that the competition has improved enough to make the choice harder than it used to be.

What we do not know yet

The full review text was not available, so key details are missing. That includes the price, the release date, the new features and how the watch compares with Google's model in specific areas.

• The Series 12 price and ship date
• What Apple changed this year
• Which Google watch is the rival
• Where the Google watch is better or worse

Who it affects

Anyone thinking about buying a smartwatch is affected, whether for fitness, notifications or keeping a phone in the pocket more often. The review matters most to people who have assumed Apple is the default and never looked at Google's option.

What to do

Before buying, compare Apple and Google watches side by side. Check which one works with the phone you already own, since that often decides what is practical. Then read the full Android Authority review for the details this summary leaves out.