Apple has announced watchOS 26, introducing new features that make the Apple Watch more personal, intelligent, and easy to use. The update includes a fresh design, advanced workout tools, smarter messaging, and better accessibility options.
New Liquid Glass Design
watchOS 26 features a new Liquid Glass design. This update makes the Smart Stack, Control Center, Photos watch face, and app controls look more vibrant and expressive. The Photos face now shows more of your favorite images with stylish numerals.
Workout Buddy with Apple Intelligence
A new feature called Workout Buddy uses Apple Intelligence to give users personalized, spoken motivation during workouts. It tracks your heart rate, pace, distance, and fitness milestones, offering real-time encouragement and updates.
Workout Buddy uses a dynamic voice modeled after Fitness+ trainers and is available for popular workout types like running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training.
Improved Workout App
The Workout app gets its biggest update ever, with a new layout and four corner buttons for quick access to features. Users can set up music and podcasts to play automatically, and Apple Music now suggests playlists based on workout type and personal taste.
Smarter Smart Stack
The Smart Stack now uses more context and sensor data to show hints and helpful suggestions. For example, it might suggest starting a Pilates workout when you arrive at the gym or remind you to use Backtrack in remote areas.
Upgraded Messaging
Messages on Apple Watch now support Live Translation, letting users translate texts in real time. The app also suggests actions based on conversation context, like starting a Check In or sending Apple Cash.
Users can set custom backgrounds and respond to polls directly from their wrist. Smart Replies are now more accurate, generating responses based on the conversation.
New Gestures and Notifications
A new wrist flick gesture lets users dismiss notifications, calls, timers, and alarms with one hand. The watch also automatically adjusts speaker volume based on the noise around you.
Other Notable Features
- The Notes app is now on Apple Watch, allowing users to view, pin, unlock, and create notes using Siri or dictation.
- Hold Assist and Call Screening come to the Phone app, helping users manage calls and wait times more efficiently.
- Live Listen controls and real-time Live Captions support users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The Photos face now shuffles images based on featured content.
- The watch face gallery is redesigned for easier discovery and selection.
Availability
watchOS 26 will be available this fall as a free update for supported Apple Watch models.
