Apple has officially announced watchOS 26, the latest update to its smartwatch operating system. It’s packed with intelligent features and comes with a new visual design. Set for release this autumn, the update is a blend of aesthetic upgrades, AI-driven tools and practical improvements to improve both fitness tracking and everyday usability.
Leading the update is the AI-powered “Workout Buddy”, a virtual assistant that acts as your digital fitness coach. Drawing from your exercise habits and historical data, this feature delivers real-time, motivational feedback in a voice reminiscent of a personal trainer, according to a report in GSMArena.
According to Apple, the tool is part of a wider set of AI capabilities, now grouped under Apple Intelligence. “Workout Buddy” not only tracks performance but also offers tailored encouragement and insights, helping users stay consistent and improve over time.
New Liquid Glass Design
Apple watchOS 26 introduces a sweeping visual overhaul across the platform with the new Liquid Glass design. This graphical style provides what Apple describes as “a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering,” according to the report.
Elements like Smart Stack widgets, Control Centre and in-app controls are all getting a new look. Even the Photos watch face is updated, with shiny Liquid Glass numbers that make your pictures stand out more.
Smarter Workouts
Fitness features are getting a usability boost, too. The Workout app now includes four new corner buttons for quicker access to major functions. In a first for the app, users can configure music and podcast playback directly within the Workout interface. Apple Music will automatically generate playlists tailored to the user’s workout type and listening habits. It also offers intelligent suggestions based on previous sessions, the GSMArena report added.
Proactive Smart Stack
The Smart Stack — Apple’s system for glanceable information — now offers proactive prompts powered by improved predictive algorithms. By learning from your routines, sensor data and contextual inputs, it delivers subtle visual cues for timely suggestions and actions.
Communication on the watch is also getting smarter. Owners of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now use Live Translation in the Messages app when paired with a compatible iPhone. For English-language users, the system can even suggest contextual actions like starting a Check In or sending money through Apple Cash, depending on the conversation.
Control And Accessibility On The Go
Apple watchOS 26 introduces a clever new gesture — flicking your wrist back and forth quickly can dismiss notifications, silence alarms or timers, or decline calls.
In noisy environments, the system will now auto-adjust the speaker volume for notifications and Siri, offering a better auditory experience.
Accessibility also sees improvements. The Notes app comes to the Watch, enabling voice and keyboard input, checklists and pinning. The update brings Live Listen controls and real-time captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, turning the Apple Watch into a powerful companion when paired with an iPhone, according to the GSMArena report.
Redesigned Watch Face Gallery
The watch face gallery has been redesigned for ease of use. The Photos face can now automatically rotate through images categorised as “Featured” in your iPhone’s library. Custom backgrounds set on your iPhone running iOS 26 will be mirrored on your watch for a unified aesthetic.
Availability
These features will be available for testing through the Apple Beta Software Program from July 2025. The full rollout of watchOS 26 is expected later this year.
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