Apple has announced watchOS 26, a major update for Apple Watch that brings a redesigned interface, new AI-powered fitness features, and improvements to Smart Stack, notifications, and gesture controls.
The system has received a refreshed look with a Liquid Glass design applied to the Smart Stack, Control Center, app interfaces, and Photos watch face. The new design makes elements more expressive with realistic rendering and animations.
The main innovation is Workout Buddy , the first fitness assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. It analyzes user data such as heart rate, distance, weekly activity and personal records, and generates personalized voice motivation during training. Workout Buddy supports activities such as running, walking, HIIT and strength training, and works with Bluetooth headphones, provided you have an iPhone with Apple Intelligence.
The Workout app has new navigation with buttons in the four corners for faster access to workout settings, as well as support for automatically starting music or podcasts depending on the type of workout and the user's preferences.
Smart Stack now features contextual prompts, such as a reminder to workout when you arrive at the gym or a tip to activate Backtrack if you're in a remote area without connectivity. The prompts appear as soft visual animations with Liquid Glass.
The Messages app now supports Live Translation , which translates incoming messages into the user's language right on the watch, and instantly translates replies. The watch also suggests actions based on the context of the conversation, such as sending a Check In or sending money via Apple Cash. Messages now also supports personalized backgrounds from the iPhone and allows you to respond to polls.
Users can manage notifications with a flick gesture —a short rotation of the wrist to hide them. This gesture also works to dismiss calls, timers, and return to the home screen. It is supported by Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.
Other updates include:
- a full-fledged Notes app on Apple Watch with the ability to create, edit, pin notes and access lists;
- new Hold Assist and Call Screening features in the Phone app: the first automatically notifies you when a live operator appears in a conversation, the second allows you to filter calls from unknown contacts;
- Live Listen mode with subtitles for hearing impaired users;
- Photos on the Photos watch face now automatically update based on selected content in the Photos app;
- Updated watch face gallery on iPhone and Apple Watch for easier search and customization.
The final release of watchOS 26 is expected in the fall. The update will be available for models compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Recall that at WWDC 2025, Apple also introduced an updated design for all of its systems, iOS 26, and new features for AirPods.