At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced watchOS 26, the next evolution of its smartwatch operating system. This update delivers a bold new design language, AI-enhanced fitness tools, dynamic productivity features, and more ways for users to personalise their Apple Watch experience.

Let’s explore everything that’s new in watchOS 26.

A Stunning Redesign with Liquid Glass Aesthetic

Leading the visual transformation of watchOS 26 is the Liquid Glass interface, a design inspired by the reflective, dynamic qualities of real glass. This new visual layer floats above app content and gently responds to light and movement, giving the display a sense of depth and interactivity never before seen on the Apple Watch.

Every element—icons, transitions, and UI animations—has been refined for better clarity and fluidity. The update brings a modernised, high-contrast look without compromising on readability or performance.

Workout Buddy: AI Fitness Motivation at Your Wrist

Fitness takes center stage in watchOS 26 with Workout Buddy, a revolutionary feature powered by Apple Intelligence. Acting as a real-time voice coach, Workout Buddy delivers personalised motivation and performance feedback during your workouts.

From reminding you how close you are to closing your Activity Rings to encouraging you to push your limits based on past workout data, Workout Buddy brings a new level of human-like engagement to fitness tracking.

Key Fitness Enhancements:

Voice guidance from Fitness+ trainers using live workout data.

Real-time feedback based on heart rate, distance, pace, and weekly progress.

Supports major workout types: Running, HIIT, Strength, and Cycling.

Updated Workout app with quick access buttons, integrated Apple Music suggestions, and podcast playback.

Smarter Smart Stack and Contextual Awareness

The Smart Stack is now more intuitive and personalised. Using on-device intelligence, it adapts to your location, daily habits, and sensor input. For instance, if you arrive at the gym, it may surface a workout suggestion. If you’re in a low-connectivity zone, it might proactively activate Backtrack to help you retrace your route.

New Gestures and Smarter Controls

Building on the popular double-tap feature, watchOS 26 introduces a new wrist flick gesture. This allows users to:

Dismiss notifications

Snooze alarms

Return to the watch face

This addition further supports one-handed usability and ensures quick interactions on the go.

The watch also auto-adjusts volume based on ambient noise—ensuring that Siri, calls, and alerts are loud when needed and subtle in quiet environments.

Communication and Productivity: Notes and Live Translation

Apple brings long-awaited improvements to productivity and communication on Apple Watch:

Live Translation in the Messages app: Translate conversations on the go, directly from your wrist.

New Chat Backgrounds: Add colour and context to your messages.

Notes App Debuts on Watch: Quickly jot ideas, tick off lists, or check reminders without reaching for your iPhone.

Customisable Widgets and Smart Stack Enhancements

Widgets in watchOS 26 are more customisable than ever. Users can now:

Arrange Smart Stack widgets manually

Pin specific widgets for quick access

See suggestions that dynamically change throughout the day

These enhancements offer a more tailored, intuitive experience that evolves with your daily routine.

Availability

watchOS 26 is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta expected in July 2025. The final release will roll out this autumn as a free update for compatible Apple Watch models. Features powered by Apple Intelligence may require Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models with on-device AI capabilities.

Final Thoughts

watchOS 26 is a bold leap forward for Apple Watch, merging beautiful design, context-aware intelligence, and fitness-focused innovation. Whether you’re an athlete, a productivity power user, or someone who wants smarter daily support, this update transforms Apple Watch into a more personal, intuitive, and engaging companion than ever before.