Every little thing it’s essential to know in regards to the watchOS 26 replace—compatibility, new options, and extra.
Apple has pulled again the curtain on watchOS 26, the most recent main replace to its smartwatch platform, at its Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) 2025.
The most recent improve for the Apple Watch introduces a clear new design language known as ‘Liquid Glass,’ an AI-powered ‘Exercise Buddy’, and a number of latest options designed to make the watch a extra private companion.
What occurred to watchOS 12?
In a transfer to standardize its software program branding, Apple has jumped the numbering for its watch software program from final yr’s watchOS 11 to watchOS 26, aligning it with the upcoming calendar yr and different OS updates throughout the ecosystem.
watchOS 26: Launch date and compatibility
The developer beta of watchOS 26 is on the market ranging from at present (9 June), with a public beta slated for launch subsequent month.
The ultimate model shall be accessible to all customers this fall as a free software program replace for the Apple Watch Collection 6 and later, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and all Apple Watch Extremely fashions.
It would additionally require an iPhone 11 or later operating iOS 26, whereas the brand new Apple Intelligence options (extra on these beneath) would require an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone (iPhone 15 sequence and newer).
8 thrilling options coming in watchOS 26
Listed here are a few of the key options and enhancements you possibly can anticipate to see in your wrist later this yr. As ever, it’s additionally doubtless that additional software program talents will arrive by way of the following technology of {hardware}—anticipated to be the Collection 11, SE 3, and Extremely 3—however beneath are the options each appropriate Apple smartwatch will have the ability to entry.
1. A refreshed ‘Liquid Glass’ design
Essentially the most quick change is the ‘Liquid Glass’ design language. This new clear aesthetic is utilized throughout your entire OS, together with widgets, notifications, and the Management Heart, making a vibrant, layered look. The Pictures watch face additionally will get an replace, that includes clear numerals that float over your footage with out obscuring them.
2. An AI-powered exercise cheerleader
Health lovers achieve an AI-driven companion known as the ‘Exercise Buddy’. This characteristic acts as a private cheerleader in your wrist, providing personalised pep talks and real-time encouragement tailor-made to your exercise historical past. It would remind you of your weekly mileage, have a good time milestones in real-time, and supply a complete recap of your efficiency.
At first look, these readouts look like in the identical model because the Exercise notifications you typically obtain to begin the day or post-workout. We’re intrigued to see how Apple Intelligence can create one thing insightful out of person exercise information as watchOS 26 rolls out.
3. A brand new wrist flick Gesture
Managing notifications is ready to change into less complicated with a brand new wrist flick gesture. Obtainable on Apple Watch Collection 9 and later, a fast flick of the wrist will now dismiss notifications and incoming calls, silence alarms, and return you to the watch face. The watch may even now have the ability to monitor ambient noise and routinely alter notification quantity.
4. Good Stack will get smarter (once more)
After final yr’s modest improve, Good Stack is getting one other increase—this time from Apple Intelligence. It would now proactively show hints for apps you would possibly want. As an illustration, it’d counsel opening the Backtrack feature for those who’re climbing in an space with no sign or immediate you to begin a Pilates exercise while you arrive at your normal studio time.
5. Smarter messaging with Reside Translation
The Messages app receives a big improve, that includes on-wrist Reside Translation for each incoming and outgoing texts on Collection 9 and later fashions, paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Good Replies are additionally changing into extra context-aware, and the app will intelligently counsel actions like beginning a Test In.
6. Notes app will lastly debut on the wrist
For the primary time, the complete Notes app is coming to the Apple Watch. This may let you entry, pin, and unlock present notes, in addition to create new ones and tick off guidelines gadgets straight out of your wrist utilizing Siri or dictation.
7. The Exercise app is getting a makeover
It’s not simply Exercise Buddy—the Exercise app itself shall be refreshed in watchOS 26. It includes a new structure with 4 nook buttons for faster entry to music controls and exercise customization. Apple Music may even counsel playlists tailor-made to your exercise and music style.
8. Enhanced accessibility options
watchOS 26 expands on accessibility with a number of new options. Reside Hear will now show reside captions on the look ahead to audio being picked up by a paired iPhone. Moreover, Maintain Help can notify you when a reside agent joins a name you’re on maintain for, and Name Screening will present details about unknown callers earlier than you reply.
