Company Apple introduced the operating system watchOS 26 at its developer conference WWDC June 9, 2025. watchOS 26 brings a new sleek design, even smarter features and a number of improvements that will make Apple Watch more useful than ever before.
watchOS 26 appearance
The new look is based on Liquid Glass, which appears throughout the watch face, from the Photos watch face with transparent numbers, to the Smart Kit and Control Center, to the navigation bars and buttons in apps. Liquid Glass reflects and refracts surrounding content, adding depth and dynamism, while maintaining the simplicity that users are accustomed to.
watchOS 26 functions
The big news is Workout Buddy, a trainer powered by Apple IntelligenceWorkout Buddy tracks your movements and motivates you during your workout with specific instructions, stats, and motivational messages. It uses secure data processing and a dynamic voice that sounds like a real Fitness+ coach. It supports popular activities like running, walking, cycling, and strength training.
The Workout app has received its biggest interface overhaul since its inception, with four smart corner buttons for quick access to metrics, routes, and more. It can also connect with the Music app to offer playlists or podcasts based on your workout type and taste.
The smart kit is even more proactive – it can anticipate situations and offer helpful tips exactly when the user needs them, all displayed in a visually fresh Liquid Glass design.
The Messages app now supports Live Translation, so incoming and outgoing messages are automatically translated into the user’s language – right on their wrist. There are also personalized conversation backgrounds and new Smart Replies that are more responsive to context.
Managing notifications is even more convenient with the new wrist flick gesture – with a single movement you can close a notification, silence a timer, reject a call or stop an alarm.
watchOS 26 main news
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Liquid Glass: new material bringing to life watch faces, Smart Kit, Control Center, and buttons.
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Workout Buddy: Voice coach with personalized instructions and statistics.
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Redesigned Workout app: smart buttons and connection to Music for motivation.
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Smart set: even better tips thanks to advanced prediction.
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Live translation in News: automatic translation of messages on your wrist.
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Wrist flick gesture: Easily close notifications or reject calls.
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Application Notes: Quick access to notes directly on your watch.
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Hold Assist and Call Monitoring: call management like on iPhone.
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Live listening with subtitles: Accessibility control from your watch.
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New watch face gallery: Easy discovery and customization of watch faces.
watchOS 26 more news
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Notes have arrived directly on the watch – users can quickly create, edit and pin notes even without an iPhone.
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In the app Phone added features Hold Assist a Call monitoring, known from iOS.
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You can now control it from your watch Live listening and read subtitles for what they hear iPhone.
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Improved clock face Photos rotates favorite moments automatically based on recommendations.
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The new watch face gallery in the Watch app on iPhone offers easier searching and sorting.
watchOS 26 compatibility
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch SE (2st generation)
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS 26 will be available for supported models Apple Watch in autumn 2025, simultaneously with the release iOS 26 and other systems.
Technical Specifications
| Performance date | 9. 6. 2025 |
