At WWDC 2025, Apple officially introduced watchOS 26, the most advanced and transformative update to the Apple Watch operating system in years. With a bold new visual identity and deeper AI integration, watchOS 26 is poised to redefine the Apple Watch experience for millions of users.
One of the most eye-catching upgrades is the new “Liquid Glass” design language. This interface redesign delivers a fluid, glass-like aesthetic across widgets, Control Center, native apps, and navigation. Even the popular Photos watch face now features sleek, transparent numerals, aligning beautifully with the new visual direction.
For the first time, Apple is bringing its proprietary Apple Intelligence AI platform meaningfully to Apple Watch. A standout feature, Workout Buddy, uses AI to analyze workout metrics such as heart rate, pace, and historical performance to offer real-time, motivational coaching during exercise. The system generates personalized insights using a natural, human-like voice, and provides a post-workout summary. This feature requires a compatible iPhone equipped with Apple Intelligence.
The Workout app itself has been redesigned with four intuitive new buttons for quicker access to key features. Users can also control music and podcasts directly within the app, making workouts more streamlined and immersive.
The Smart Stack widget system has been enhanced with Smart Stack Hints, using contextual data and AI to suggest the most relevant information at the right time. Communication also gets an upgrade, with Live Translation now available on the watch. Incoming and outgoing messages can be translated in real time, right from your wrist.
Additional improvements include a new gesture for managing notifications — flick your wrist to dismiss calls or alerts — and accessibility features like Call Screening and Live Listen. The update also introduces the long-awaited Notes app and smart environmental sound adjustment for speaker volume.
WatchOS 26 isn’t just a redesign — it’s a major step toward making the Apple Watch smarter, more personal, and more proactive than ever before.
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