Beat release day: Amazon drops a surprise preorder discount on the Apple Watch Series 12

SAVE $9.01: As of Sept. 16, preorders for the new Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm in Dark Bronze Aluminum with Olive Sport Band) are down to $389.99 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 $389.99 at Amazon
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Amazon has already dropped the preorder price on Apple's new flagship smartwatch before it hits store shelves. The base 42mm GPS model in Dark Bronze Aluminum technically has a $399 list price, but you can lock in your order at $389.99 right out of the gate.

After last year's minor incremental updates, Apple is officially pitching the Series 12 as the "ultimate device for a healthy life." In her reporting for Mashable, Anna Iovine notes that the centerpiece of this push is a majorly upgraded Health Sensing System. It takes background heart rate readings every five seconds — 60 times more often than before — and tracks HRV every five minutes to deliver precise stress and recovery tracking.

These stats will also feed into a redesigned Health app featuring "personalized guidance powered by Apple Intelligence, Health Age, and a new Longevity tab." To tie all those metrics together on your wrist, Apple introduced a new Readiness score based on your sleep, vitals, and activity, alongside smart Audio Intelligence features like Live Rewind and Siri Recap.

However, as Iovine points out, these additions come with a couple of caveats: "the Oura Ring already has a Readiness score," and those clever Audio Intelligence tools won't actually be ready on day one, rolling out in English beta later this year.

Aluminum models now feature Ceramic Shield 2, paired with up to 24 hours of normal battery life and fast charging that delivers 12 hours of power in just 15 minutes. You also get deep hands-free capabilities powered by Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, including Live Rewind to replay conversations and Workout Buddy for real-time fitness motivation.

Secure your preorder on Amazon to get Apple’s most capable health and fitness tracker delivered straight to your door on launch day.