Apple unveiled new versions for all its operating systems. Obviously, the operating system behind Apple Watches wasn’t an exception. Following the new naming scheme, watchOS will now hit the watchOS 26 version, falling in line with a version meant for the next year. The latest update will bring many improvements and more AI-powered features.
watchOS 26 Brings new AI features, Liquid Glass Design, and more
AI is once again at the center of the latest update. The new watchOS 26 will bring a new AI-powered Workout Buddy. In short, it will use your workout data and fitness history to generate custom, personalized, motivational insights, with a trainer-like voice.
The new update also brings Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language. It is present across all the new 26-tier OS updates. The company aims to create “a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering”. Most of the features across watchOS 26 have received the new design treatment. The list includes in-app controls, Control Center, Notifications, Smart Stack Hints, and Smart Stack Widgets. The Photos Watch Face now has some enhancements to reflect the new Liquid Glass design.
The Workout app now has four new buttons in the corners. They aim to give quick access to users’ favorite features. It’s possible to set up music and podcasts right in the Workout app to automatically play when you start a new workout. Apple Music can select the best playlist based on your workout type and personal preferences. You will also get smart suggestions for playlists and podcasts based on what you’ve been listening to during a workout.
watchOS 26 also gets better prediction algorithms for Smart Stack. It now works with more contextual data, sensor data, and data from your routine. They will deliver personalized Smart Stack hints. They will appear as a gentle visual prompt.
AI-Powered Features and Deep Integration with iOS 26
Live Translation in Messages is also supported on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. If the user’s language is set to English, the watch will suggest relevant actions in Messages using the context of a conversation.
The custom backgrounds set on an iPhone running iOS 26 will also appear on Apple Watch. Users can even respond to polls on their watch, and Smart Replies will get more precise for English-speaking users. Thanks to the improvements made to the on-device AI model. There is an option to quickly dismiss a notification by turning the wrist over and back after raising it to check the notification. This also works with incoming calls, and to silence timers and alarms. The watch face gallery also gets a new design, and the Photos face will shuffle images based on the featured content from Photos.
watchOS 26 can also adjust speaker volume automatically based on the ambient noise. This will work with notifications, timers, alarms, incoming calls, and Siri. The Notes app is also making its way to watchOS 26. It will allow users to pin and unlock notes, complete checklist items, and create new notes with Siri, dictation, and the keyboard.
All the new watchOS 26 features will be available in the Apple Beta Software Program next month. Obviously, this is more recommended for beta testers than for those who want to have a stable software for daily usage. Anyway, nothing will prevent you from testing it.
