Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS + Cellular)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS + Cellular)

  • ModelWatch8,5
  • Boardn238bap
  • Introduced2026
  • SoCT8320
  • ChipApple S11
Signed

watchOS 27.2 (24S118) is signed

Apple's signing server is signing this firmware, so you can restore or update to it now. Checked with Apple .

Signed since release, Oct 26, 2026. Apple lists it until Feb 3, 2027.

Released October 26, 2026

Download IPSW 5.8 GB

From updates.cdn-apple.com (Apple). Signet never hosts files.

Restore images (IPSW) 3

2 older releases are no longer signed. Apple still hosts the files, but a device can't restore to them.

VersionReleasedStatusExpiresSize
watchOS 27.2 24S118Oct 26, 2026Signed Signed by Apple Signed since release, Oct 26, 2026. Apple lists it until Feb 3, 2027. Apple doesn't publish signing end dates; Signet records them by checking on a schedule. Apple's listed expiration Apple's update server (gdmf.apple.com) lists this build until February 3, 2027. Apple can stop signing it sooner, usually a week or two after the next release.5.8 GB
watchOS 27.0.1 24R365Sep 23, 2026Not signed No longer signed Apple stopped signing it between and , observed by Signet's checks. Apple doesn't publish signing end dates; Signet records them by checking on a schedule.Ended Observed by Signet Signed on Nov 2, 2026, unsigned on Nov 3, 2026.5.7 GB
watchOS 27.0 24R364Sep 14, 2026Not signed No longer signed Replaced by watchOS 27.0.1 on Sep 23, 2026. Unsigned since Signet's first check, Oct 19, 2026. Apple doesn't publish signing end dates; Signet records them by checking on a schedule.~ Estimated Apple doesn't publish when it stops signing a build. watchOS 27.0.1 replaced it on Sep 23, 2026, and Apple usually stops signing the older build a week later. Signet's first check, Oct 19, 2026, found it unsigned.5.7 GB

Over-the-air updates 1

The exact packages Apple's update server offers this device. Encrypted (.aea) packages list the key Apple publishes with them.

VersionTypeSizePackage
watchOS 27.2 24S118Full4.1 GBEncrypted .aea
Download
How to decrypt an .aea package

On macOS 13 or later, Apple's own aea tool does it. Each row's Key button copies that package's key. For the newest package, the whole command is:

aea decrypt -i c52836cad3e7210c7578ad4aab1b2032c6f5a30bb2119b614eddb4b512d22fab.aea -o c52836cad3e7210c7578ad4aab1b2032c6f5a30bb2119b614eddb4b512d22fab.aar -key-value 'base64:wjBQsWY7cnkMHdwKIvzSZOmmXeIat9ME+1BtsSP2LJA='

Specifications

Chip
  • S11 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor
  • 4-core Neural Engine
Capacity
  • 64GB
Display
  • Always-On Retina display with wide-angle OLEDs and LTPO3
  • 1Hz refresh
  • Active area (42mm): 374 by 446 pixels, 326 pixels per inch
  • Active area (46mm): 416 by 496 pixels, 326 pixels per inch
  • 2000 nits peak brightness
Battery
  • All-day battery life, up to 24 hours of normal use
  • Up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode
  • Up to 10 hours workout tracking
Wireless
  • Support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks
  • Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
  • Supports RedCap for 5G and LTE
Sensors
  • Compass
  • Always-on altimeter
  • High-g accelerometer
  • High dynamic range gyroscope
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Depth gauge to 6 meters
  • Water temperature sensor
Water resistance
Water resistance 50m (swimproof) under ISO standard 22810:2010
Size & weight
  • 46mm: 46 mm
  • 47 × 40 mm
  • 41 × 9.7 mm
  • 9.85 mm, 38.6–52.9 g

Source: Apple Tech Specs