This yr at WWDC 2025, Apple launched a slightly drastic change to its naming conventions. What ought to be the upcoming WatchOS 12 will now be WatchOS 26 when it launches within the fall, because the firm determined to cease labeling its working techniques sequentially and as an alternative identify them in accordance with the fiscal yr they’re launched. Each OS now additionally has a brand new, overhauled show aesthetic known as Liquid Glass, which makes sure apps, icons, buttons and pop-ups seem like frosted glass and different options seem like raindrops.
Apart from that although, anticipated Apple Intelligence options to most of its product lineup have been small and measured, slightly than large and sweeping—however for Apple Watch followers, the truth that there’s now Apple Intelligence in your wrist in any respect is perhaps sufficient. Right here, we stroll by a few of the new ideas and tips that you’ll begin seeing in your Apple Watch this yr.
Is Your Apple Watch Appropriate?
WatchOS 26 will likely be accessible for Apple Watches ranging from the Collection 6 or later. This contains the second-gen Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Extremely fashions. You could even have an iPhone 11 or later that may run the upcoming iOS 26. If you would like the Apple Intelligence options, you additionally must have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, which incorporates the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Professional Max, and all iPhone 16 fashions.
When Will WatchOS 26 Be Out there?
You’ll be able to obtain WatchOS 26 as a developer beta at the moment, however do not anticipate it to be good. A public beta will roll out subsequent month at beta.apple.com and WatchOS 26 will likely be accessible as a free software program replace to suitable Watch fashions this fall.
The Prime WatchOS 26 Options
Liquid Glass
Courtesy of Apple
Sadly, a lot of the Liquid Glass redesigns have been optimized for the larger screens of the Mac, iPhone and the iPad. However hey look, the numerals on the clock face now have a translucent frost! You too can see slight specular highlights across the edges of the buttons whenever you look intently. Sensible Stack—Apple’s layered widget system—may also be created from Liquid Glass, in order to not obscure the display.
Exercise Buddy
Exercise Buddy makes use of all of the train information amassed by the Apple Watch—coronary heart charge, tempo, distance, et cetera—and makes use of it to supply customized, upbeat encouragement (“you crushed it!”) throughout your train session. Apple Intelligence analyzes your information to supply these insights and use voice encouragement derived from Health+ trainers. It will probably additionally mark key moments, like working a mile significantly quick. It is at present accessible for just some workout routines, like indoor and outside strolling or working, outside biking, useful and conventional energy coaching, and HIIT—and sure, you’ll be able to flip it off if the concept of a cheerleader in your ear is hell for you too.
The Exercise app itself has additionally undergone a redesign, with 4 buttons within the 4 corners of the watch face to make it simpler to faucet on every characteristic. Customers can arrange music and podcasts inside the Exercise app, and Apple Music can both choose music or present ideas for an applicable playlist.
Sensible Stack
Courtesy of Apple
Sensible Stack will now incorporate extra contextual information, like location and the consumer’s routine, to supply extra useful ideas. For instance, in case you arrive on the gymnasium at your ordinary time, your Apple Watch might mark your location and slide a exercise routine to the highest of your Sensible Stack.
Messages and Notifications
Courtesy of Apple
If you happen to personal a Watch Collection 9, Watch Collection 10, or Apple Watch Extremely 2, you’ll now be capable of use a brand new wrist-flick gesture (very like Double Faucet) to dismiss notifications or incoming calls, silence timers, and return to the clock face. A machine studying mannequin makes use of information from the accelerometer and gyroscope to catch the consumer’s wrist motion.
The Watch now additionally helps Stay Translation in Messages (once more, you have to an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone). In case your language is about to English, the watch will now additionally provide prompts in Messages, like suggesting Apple Money if the consumer is requested for a donation. Name Screening and Maintain Help may also come to the cellphone app on the watch, letting customers resolve whether or not to take or decline calls, or ask for extra data.
As ordinary, there are new clock faces so that you can select from. And you’ll lastly be capable of use the Notes app on the watch, which can be extra essential to a few of us than others.
