Apple Intelligence on watchOS 26: Hardware Requirements Explained
Apple is expanding its Apple Intelligence features to the Apple Watch with watchOS 26. However, not all features are created equal — and neither are their hardware requirements. According to 9to5mac, here’s a breakdown of which devices you’ll need to take full advantage of Apple’s AI on your wrist.
Apple Intelligence Comes to the Watch
Following its debut on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 2024, and Vision Pro in early 2025, Apple Intelligence is now arriving on the Apple Watch. But unlike previous rollouts, watchOS 26 delivers different AI features depending on the hardware.
Live Translation in Messages
- Apple Watch Requirements: Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2
- iPhone Requirements: Must support Apple Intelligence (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro or later)
This feature lets you translate conversations directly within the Messages app — but it needs both a recent Watch and a compatible iPhone.
Smarter Smart Replies
- Apple Watch Requirements: Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2
- iPhone Requirements: None (on-device AI model runs on the Watch)
With improved Smart Replies, your Apple Watch can now offer more context-aware responses, powered entirely by on-device AI.
Workout Buddy
- Apple Watch Requirements: Any Apple Watch with Bluetooth headphones
- iPhone Requirements: Must support Apple Intelligence
Workout Buddy uses AI running on your iPhone to offer real-time encouragement, pacing, and personalized feedback — but your Watch just needs to connect via Bluetooth.
Final Thoughts
Even though all these features are labeled under the "Apple Intelligence" umbrella, their hardware dependencies vary. Some run on the Watch itself, while others offload AI processing to a paired iPhone.
If you're planning to use the full range of Apple Intelligence features on watchOS 26, make sure both your iPhone and Apple Watch are up to date.