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Michael Simon’s criticism of the Apple Watch Series 12 is about proportions, not a claim that Apple made the watch thicker or reduced its screen resolution. Macworld lists the Series 12 case as 1 mm wider in one dimension than the Series 10 and 11 while reporting the same display resolution. In Simon’s view, that makes the screen look more hemmed in by its bezel—a small numerical change that feels like an aesthetic step backward.
Why do the Apple Watch Series 12 bezels look bigger?
In his September 10, 2026 analysis, Macworld executive editor Michael Simon argues that the Series 12 looks less modern because the display appears more surrounded by the case. The comparison is visual: Macworld’s listed case dimensions show a 1 mm increase in one dimension for both Series 12 sizes, while its listed pixel resolution remains the same. That does not establish that Apple enlarged the bezel by a particular measured amount; it explains why Simon thinks the screen looks smaller in pictures.
Simon acknowledges that the difference is subtle on paper: “That’s not a huge difference on paper, of course, but it feels like a step backwards.” The last clause is his design judgment, not a measured performance result or evidence of broad customer dissatisfaction. Macworld’s analysis
Is the Series 12 thicker or wider than Series 10 and 11?
According to the dimensions Macworld reports, both Series 12 case sizes are 1 mm wider in one dimension than the corresponding Series 10/11 sizes. The listed depth is unchanged at 9.7 mm. These are Macworld’s figures, not independently verified Apple specifications; the available comparison does not establish a difference in thickness.
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| Size option | Series 10/11 case | Series 12 case | Reported change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller | 42 × 36 × 9.7 mm | 42 × 37 × 9.7 mm | 1 mm wider in the cited dimension; same listed depth |
| Larger | 46 × 39 × 9.7 mm | 46 × 40 × 9.7 mm | 1 mm wider in the cited dimension; same listed depth |
Macworld lists the Series 12 display resolution as 374 × 446 pixels for both sizes. Resolution counts pixels; it does not by itself tell you the display’s physical area or how much of the front surface is bezel. The comparison and measurements are reported by Macworld.
Did Apple make the screen smaller?
The cited comparison does not say that Apple reduced the Series 12 display resolution: Macworld lists the same 374 × 446-pixel resolution for both sizes. Simon’s point is that the screen looks smaller relative to the case, not that the pixel count went down. The cited figures do not independently establish the display’s physical dimensions or the exact bezel width, so it would be too strong to call the bezels definitively larger as a measured specification.
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- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Why does the Series 10 comparison matter?
Macworld’s Series 10 review described that model as thinner and flatter than its predecessors, with a larger display, while calling the redesign noticeable but not radical. The review also characterized recent releases as a run of modest changes. Those are the reviewer’s assessments, not objective proof that Apple’s design had stagnated or that every owner preferred the Series 10. Macworld’s Series 10 review
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Macworld reports that Apple described the Series 10 as “nearly 10 percent thinner than Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9.” That is Apple launch language as quoted by Macworld, not a new measurement of the Series 12. Simon’s contrast is that Series 10 made thinness and display area central to its visual identity, while the Series 12 dimensions he cites make the case appear more dominant.
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- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
What changed besides the case proportions?
The proportions criticism does not mean Apple made no other changes. Macworld’s September 2026 reporting describes refreshed finishes and ceramic chassis options, Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models, and changes involving heart-rate sensing and software. These are features reported by Macworld; the cited material does not provide Apple’s primary specification page for independent verification. They may matter to someone choosing a watch, but they do not directly resolve Simon’s complaint about the relationship between display and case. Macworld’s Series 12 coverage
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade from Series 10 or 11?
The design argument alone is not a reason to upgrade. If the Series 10 or 11 already suits you, compare the Series 12’s reported feature changes with what you actually need, and decide whether the case proportions appeal to you in person. Photos can make a small difference in surrounding case area look more significant; conversely, a feature benefit may matter more than that visual impression. The cited reporting does not establish comfort, sleeve interaction, or a universal preference, so those are best judged against your own use and fit.
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Is Apple redesigning the Apple Watch next year?
Macworld links to reporting that frames a major redesign for the following year as a rumor. It is not a confirmed Apple announcement, and the available account does not establish what any future design would look like. Treat predictions about a redesign as speculation rather than a reason to assume a particular model is coming. Macworld identifies the future redesign as rumor.
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