The Top New Features in Apple WatchOS 26

This year at WWDC 2025Apple introduced a rather drastic change from its names of name. What should be the next Watchos 12 will now be Watchos 26 when it was launched in the fall, because the company has decided to stop labeling its sequentially operating systems and appointing them in place according to the exercise they are published. Each operating system also has a new revised display aesthetic called Liquid glassThis means that some applications, icons, pimples and pop-ups look like frosted glass and other features look like rain drops.

Apart from that, the early features of Apple Intelligence at most of its range of products were small and measuredrather than large and sweeping – but for Apple Watch fansThe fact that there is now Apple intelligence on your wrist may be sufficient. Here, we travel some of the new tips and tricks that you will start to see on your Apple Watch this year.

Is your Apple Watch compatible?

Watchos 26 will be available for Apple watches from 6 Series or later. This includes the second generation Apple Watch and all Apple Watch Ultra models. You must also have an iPhone 11 or later that can run the next iOS 26. If you want Apple Intelligence’s features, you must also have an Apple Intelligence compatible iPhone, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models.

When will Watchos 26 be available?

You can download Watchos 26 as a beta developer today, but don’t expect it perfect. A public beta version will be deployed next month at Beta.apple.com And Watchos 26 will be available as free software update for compatible watch models this fall.

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Watchos 26 features

Liquid glass

Apple graciousness

Unfortunately, most liquid glass overhaps have been optimized for the biggest screens of the Mac, the iPhone and the iPad. But hey look, the figures on the clock’s face now have a translucent gel! You can also see slight specular reflections around the edges of the pimples when you look closely. Smart Stack – Apple layer widget system – will also be made from liquid glass, so as not to obscure the screen.

Training

Workout Buddy uses all the exercise data accumulated by the Apple Watch – heart rate, rhythm, distance, and this – and uses them to offer personalized and optimistic encouragement (“You crushed it!”) During your exercise session. Apple Intelligence analyzes your data to provide this information and use vocal encouragement derived from fitness + trainers. It can also mark key moments, such as running a mile particularly quickly. It is currently available for a few exercises, such as walking or racing in the interior and outdoors, outdoor cycling, functional and traditional strength training, and HIIT – and yes, you can turn it off if the idea of ​​a cheerleader in the ear is hell for you too.

The training application itself has also been overhauled, with four buttons in the four corners of the watch to facilitate the pressing on each feature. Users can configure music and podcasts in the training application, and Apple Music can select music or provide suggestions for an appropriate reading list.

Intelligent battery

Apple graciousness

Smart Stack now incorporates more contextual data, such as the user’s location and routine to provide more useful advice. For example, if you arrive at the gymnasium at your usual time, your Apple Watch can mark your location and slide a drive routine up of your smart battery.

Messages and notifications

Apple graciousness

If you have a Watch Series 9, Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can now use a new wrist gesture (just like Tapping) to reject notifications or incoming calls, timeries of silence and return to the face of the clock. An automatic learning model uses accelerometer and gyroscope data to catch the user’s wrist movement.

The watch now also supports live translation in messages (once again, you will need an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence). If your language is defined on English, the watch will now also offer prompts in messages, such as suggesting Apple Cash if the user is requested a donation. Call screening and Hold assistance will also come to the telephone application on the watch, allowing users to decide to take or refuse calls or request more information.

As usual, there are new clock faces for you. And you go Finally be able to use the notes application on the watch, which can be more important for Some of us than the others.