watchOS 26: A Smarter, More Personalized Apple Watch Experience
Apple has officially previewed watchOS 26, introducing a wave of upgrades that blend intelligence, design, and usability. From motivational fitness coaching to smarter messaging, here's everything to know about the most advanced Apple Watch software yet.
A Stunning New Look with Liquid Glass
watchOS 26 debuts a visually striking design called Liquid Glass. This fresh aesthetic enhances key elements like the Smart Stack, Control Center, and Photos watch face using real-time rendering, creating a more immersive and expressive experience across the system.
Workout Buddy: AI-Powered Motivation
Introducing Workout Buddy, a first-of-its-kind fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature delivers spoken, real-time insights based on your workout history, heart rate, pace, and more—keeping you motivated with personalized encouragement during workouts. Available for popular activities like running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training.
Smarter Workout App with Music Integration
The redesigned Workout app now includes easier navigation and direct integration with Apple Music and podcasts. Users can auto-play tailored playlists when workouts begin, and explore suggestions based on listening habits.
Smart Stack Gets More Predictive
Smart Stack now leverages sensor and contextual data to suggest useful actions before you even need them. Whether it’s a hint to use Backtrack in a remote area or a Pilates suggestion upon arriving at your gym, it’s all about being in the moment—smarter.
Messaging on the Wrist, Reimagined
Messages now support Live Translation, allowing real-time multilingual conversations right from your wrist. Context-aware smart replies, Check In prompts, and even custom backgrounds make conversations feel richer and more personal.
Wrist Flick Gesture and Smarter Notifications
Managing notifications just got easier. With a new wrist flick gesture, users can dismiss alerts, silence timers, or decline calls—all with one hand. It joins the double tap gesture to further enhance one-handed use.
More New Features to Love
- Notes app: Now on Apple Watch—create, pin, and unlock notes from your wrist.
- Call Screening & Hold Assist: Get caller context or return when a live agent is ready.
- Live Listen & Captions: Accessibility boost with real-time captions for those hard of hearing.
- Enhanced Photos face: Now shuffles featured memories every time you check your watch.
Developer Tools and Availability
New APIs allow developers to build more powerful, context-aware experiences. watchOS 26 is available now for developers, with a public beta coming next month and full release this fall.
It supports Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, when paired with iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. That means watchOS 26 supports the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2