Apple Intelligence Arrives in watchOS : What to Expect from the Upcoming Apple Watch Update

Apple has once again delivered a packed year for software updates, with major improvements across its range of devices. But if rumors ahead of WWDC 2025 are anything to go by, the next round of upgrades promises even more exciting changes, particularly for Apple Watch users. Among the most anticipated features is the introduction of Apple Intelligence into watchOS 12. This new set of functionalities, which will rely on the power of your iPhone, is set to take the Apple Watch to the next level.

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What’s New with watchOS 12: A Glimpse into the Future of Apple Watch

Mark Gurman, a reliable source for Apple rumors, has recently shared some exciting updates about upcoming software releases. He highlighted that watchOS 12 will feature a new suite of functionalities under the umbrella of “Apple Intelligence,” powered by your iPhone.

The key takeaway here is that the Apple Watch will not be running the AI models directly. Instead, it will rely on its connection to the iPhone to process certain tasks. While this may seem like a step back in terms of the Watch’s independence, it actually makes a lot of sense given the device’s hardware limitations. The Apple Watch, though impressive, doesn’t have the processing power to handle the more complex AI tasks on its own—yet.

Apple’s approach with watchOS 12 mirrors how the company has previously designed features for the Apple Watch. For instance, when the Apple Watch was first released, it was heavily reliant on the iPhone for much of its functionality. Over the years, the watch has become more autonomous, but with watchOS 12, Apple seems to be returning to that early model, but in a more refined, intelligent way.

Interestingly, Apple Intelligence features aren’t entirely new to watchOS. With the release of watchOS 11, Apple introduced certain iPhone-driven AI features like notification summaries and the Reduce Interruptions Focus. These features were technically powered by an iPhone but still worked seamlessly on the Apple Watch, offering a taste of what’s to come in watchOS 12.

Gurman didn’t go into specifics about which Apple Intelligence features will be included in watchOS 12, but it’s safe to assume that the upcoming update will make these AI functionalities a central feature of the Apple Watch. These updates will be powered by the processing power of the iPhone, making the Watch smarter and more capable than ever before.

While watchOS 12 won’t bring a complete overhaul of the Apple Watch’s interface, we can expect to see some of iOS 19’s interface elements make their way to the Watch. This suggests that the update will refine the overall user experience, rather than drastically changing how the Apple Watch operates.

What Undercode Say:

The move to integrate more AI capabilities into the Apple Watch, even if indirectly through the iPhone, signals a strategic shift in how Apple is thinking about its devices. By leaning into Apple Intelligence, the company is aligning itself with a broader trend of interconnected, cross-device functionality that allows users to get the most out of their hardware ecosystem.

Apple’s decision to rely on the iPhone’s computational power is likely a response to the limitations of the Apple Watch’s hardware. Despite impressive advancements, the Apple Watch still doesn’t have the same raw power as its larger counterparts, like the iPhone or iPad. Using the iPhone as a processing hub for AI features allows the Apple Watch to leverage the heavy-lifting capabilities of its more powerful sibling without requiring significant hardware upgrades to the Watch itself.

From a usability perspective, this integration could open up a range of new possibilities for the Apple Watch. With Apple Intelligence driving the Watch’s new capabilities, we might see more intuitive features like enhanced health monitoring, smarter notifications, and even deeper integration with Apple’s suite of apps and services. This could lead to a more seamless user experience that feels like an extension of your iPhone, rather than a separate device with limited functionality.

In the context of the growing trend towards AI in consumer tech, Apple’s cautious approach—offloading tasks to the iPhone rather than pushing for more standalone AI processing on the Watch—could prove to be a more sustainable path. It allows the company to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI without demanding an enormous leap in hardware innovation for each new iteration of the Apple Watch.

There are also some potential challenges to this approach. While the integration with iPhone-powered AI features promises a more powerful Apple Watch, it also depends heavily on the iPhone’s capabilities. If you’re in an area with poor connectivity, or if your iPhone’s battery is running low, these features might not function as smoothly as intended. Apple will need to ensure that this symbiotic relationship between the devices doesn’t create friction for users, especially in cases where either device is offline or struggling with connectivity.

Fact Checker Results:

Apple’s use of iPhone-powered AI in watchOS 12 is indeed an innovation in how both devices communicate and work together.
Gurman’s insights into the AI capabilities coming to the Apple Watch through the iPhone are backed by trends and previous updates like notification summaries.
WatchOS 12 will continue to refine the user interface rather than overhaul it completely, aligning with Apple’s gradual improvement approach.