The Top New Features in WatchOS 26

This year at WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a rather drastic change to its naming conventions. What should be the upcoming WatchOS 12 will now be WatchOS 26 when it launches in the fall, since the company decided to stop labeling its operating systems sequentially and instead name them according to the fiscal year they are released. Every OS now also has a new, overhauled display aesthetic called Liquid Glass, which makes certain apps, icons, buttons, and pop-ups look like frosted glass and other features look like raindrops.

Other than that, anticipated new Apple Intelligence features to most of the company’s product lineup were small and measured rather than big and sweeping—but for Apple Watch fans, the fact that there is now Apple Intelligence on your wrist at all might be enough. Here, we walk through some of the new tips and tricks that you will start seeing on your Apple Watch this year.

Is Your Apple Watch Compatible?

WatchOS 26 will be available for Apple Watches starting from the Series 6 or later. This includes the second-gen Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Ultra models. You must also have an iPhone 11 or later that can run the upcoming iOS 26. If you want the Apple Intelligence features, you need to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, which includes the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

When Will WatchOS 26 Be Available?

You can download WatchOS 26 as a developer beta today, but don’t expect it to be perfect. A public beta will roll out next month at beta.apple.com and WatchOS 26 will be available as a free software update to compatible Watch models this fall.

The Top WatchOS 26 Features

Liquid Glass

Unfortunately, most of the Liquid Glass redesigns have been optimized for the bigger screens of the Mac, iPhone, and iPad. But hey, look, the numerals on the clock face now have a translucent frost! You can also see slight specular highlights around the edges of the buttons when you look closely. Smart Stack—Apple’s layered widget system—will also utilize Liquid Glass so as not to obscure the screen.

Workout Buddy

Workout Buddy uses all the exercise data accumulated by the Apple Watch—heart rate, pace, distance, etc.—and uses it to offer personalized, upbeat encouragement (“you crushed it!”) during your exercise session. Apple Intelligence analyzes your data to provide these insights and to use voice encouragement derived from Fitness+ trainers. It can also mark key moments, like running a mile particularly fast. It’s available for just a few exercises, like indoor and outdoor walking or running, outdoor cycling, functional and traditional strength training, and HIIT—and yes, you can turn it off if the idea of a cheerleader in your ear is hell for you too.

The Workout app itself has also undergone a redesign, with four buttons in the four corners of the watch face to make it easier to tap on each feature. Users can set up music and podcasts within the Workout app, and Apple Music can either select music or provide suggestions for an appropriate playlist.

Smart Stack

Courtesy of Apple

Smart Stack will now incorporate more contextual data, like location and the user’s routine, to provide more helpful tips. For example, if you arrive at the gym at your usual time, your Apple Watch may mark your location and slide a workout routine to the top of your Smart Stack.

Messages and Notifications

Courtesy of Apple

If you own a Watch Series 9, Watch Series 10, or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you will now be able to use a new wrist-flick gesture (much like Double Tap) to dismiss notifications or incoming calls, silence timers, and return to the clock face. A machine-learning model uses data from the accelerometer and gyroscope to catch the user’s wrist movement.

The Watch now also supports Live Translation in Messages (again, you will need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone). If your language is set to English, the watch will offer prompts in Messages, like suggesting Apple Cash if the user is asked for a donation. Call Screening and Hold Assist will also come to the phone app on the watch, letting users decide whether to take or decline calls or ask for more information.

As usual, there are new clock faces to choose from. And you will finally be able to use the Notes app on the watch, which may be more important to some of us than others.