Apple has released the latest major update for the Apple Watch, the Watchos 26. The new version is available as a free update for compatible devices starting today. Here’s where to start after the update:
Design and interface updates
Watchos 26 presents sophisticated designs highlighted in liquid glass. This will give your apps, widgets, notifications and control centers a more expressive look.
Smart stacks become smarter with new tips to surface related widgets, and new listflicking gestures make it easier to reject alerts or return them to the clock face with quick movements.
The redesigned training app offers simpler navigation with quick access controls. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the training buddy offers personalized insights based on real-time voice motivation and fitness history.
This update adds automatic training media to allow Apple Music and podcasts to select the right playlist for your activity.
Health functions will be expanded
Watchos 26 introduces hypertension notifications that use optical cardiac sensors to analyze vascular responses and track signs of chronic hypertension over time.
If consistent signs of hypertension are detected, users will receive notifications that encourage them to seek medical advice or lifestyle changes.
Watchos 26 will also debut sleep scores. This combines data such as duration, consistency of bedtime, sleep stage, and nighttime interruptions into a clear night score.
Sleep apps show you a breakdown of these factors, but iPhone health apps allow you to track trends over time.
Messages now support smarter replies, context actions, and live translations powered by Apple Intelligence, making it easier to connect in multiple languages.
The Notes app arrives on your Apple Watch for the first time, allowing for quick capture and access to pinned notes.
The phone app earns call screening and hold assists. This is the ability to work on your iPhone and either transcript unknown callers or wait on hold until a live agent is available.
Live Listen extends accessibility with real-time captions of what the iPhone hears as shown on your Apple Watch.
New watch face
Watchos 26 adds two new watch faces:
- Flow displays the liquid glass number with dynamic spirals of colors that respond to wrist movement.
- Exactograph is the latest take on a regulated clock that separates the hours, minutes and seconds of accurate timekeeping.
For the Apple Watch Ultra, the new Waypoint Face offers a night mode for live compass, quick access to satellite communications, and low-light visibility. Over 20 existing faces have also been updated, and the game supports the hand of seconds in on mode.
Watchos 26 is available on Apple Watch Ultra or later, Series 6 or later, and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation or later) if you are running iPhone 12 or later IOS 26.
Since June, you can find Watchos 26 for 9to5Mac.
