This yr at WWDC 2025, Apple launched a quite drastic change to its naming conventions. What must 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 programs sequentially and as an alternative title them based on the fiscal yr they’re launched. Each OS now additionally has a brand new, overhauled show aesthetic referred to as Liquid Glass, which makes sure apps, icons, buttons and pop-ups appear to be frosted glass and different options appear to be raindrops.
Aside from that although, anticipated Apple Intelligence options to most of its product lineup have been small and measured, quite than massive and sweeping—however for Apple Watch followers, the truth that there may be now Apple Intelligence in your wrist in any respect is likely to be sufficient. Right here, we stroll by way of 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 might be accessible for Apple Watches ranging from the Collection 6 or later. This consists of the second-gen Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Extremely fashions. It’s essential to even have an iPhone 11 or later that may run the upcoming iOS 26. If you would like the Apple Intelligence options, you additionally have to 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 Obtainable?
You’ll be able to obtain WatchOS 26 as a developer beta as we speak, however do not anticipate it to be excellent. A public beta will roll out subsequent month at beta.apple.com and WatchOS 26 might be accessible as a free software program replace to appropriate Watch fashions this fall.
The Prime WatchOS 26 Options
Liquid Glass
Courtesy of Apple
Sadly, many 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 may as well see slight specular highlights across the edges of the buttons whenever you look carefully. Sensible Stack—Apple’s layered widget system—will even be created from Liquid Glass, in order to not obscure the display screen.
Exercise Buddy
Exercise Buddy makes use of all of the train knowledge gathered by the Apple Watch—coronary heart price, 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 knowledge to offer these insights and use voice encouragement derived from Health+ trainers. It may possibly additionally mark key moments, like working a mile significantly quick. It is presently accessible for only a few workouts, like indoor and outside strolling or working, outside biking, practical and conventional energy coaching, and HIIT—and sure, you possibly can flip it off if the thought 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 function. Customers can arrange music and podcasts inside the Exercise app, and Apple Music can both choose music or present strategies for an acceptable playlist.
Sensible Stack
Courtesy of Apple
Sensible Stack will now incorporate extra contextual knowledge, like location and the consumer’s routine, to offer extra useful ideas. For instance, for those who arrive on the fitness center at your regular time, your Apple Watch could 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 similar to Double Faucet) to dismiss notifications or incoming calls, silence timers, and return to the clock face. A machine studying mannequin makes use of knowledge from the accelerometer and gyroscope to catch the consumer’s wrist motion.
The Watch now additionally helps Dwell Translation in Messages (once more, you will want an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone). In case your language is ready to English, the watch will now additionally supply prompts in Messages, like suggesting Apple Money if the consumer is requested for a donation. Name Screening and Maintain Help will even come to the telephone app on the watch, letting customers resolve whether or not to take or decline calls, or ask for extra info.
As regular, 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 necessary to a few of us than others.