Apple has unveiled watchOS 26, bringing a more personalized and intuitive experience to Apple Watch users with a refined design, enhanced fitness tracking, and smarter connectivity features. The update introduces Liquid Glass, a new visual design language that enhances app interfaces, notifications, and widgets while maintaining the familiarity of watchOS.
Key improvements include a redesigned Workout app with easier navigation, personalized music recommendations, and proactive Smart Stack suggestions that anticipate user needs. A new one-handed wrist flick gesture also simplifies notification management, making interactions smoother.
A Sleek New Design with Liquid Glass
The Liquid Glass aesthetic introduces dynamic reflections and refractions, creating a more immersive experience across apps like Smart Stack, Control Center, and Photos watch face. Real-time rendering enhances readability while adding visual depth. The Photos face now displays larger images, and widgets appear more vibrant.
Enhanced Workout Experience
The Workout app receives its most significant update yet, featuring:
- Corner buttons for quick access to custom workouts, pace coaching, and route races.
- Auto-play music & podcasts based on workout type and user preferences.
- Personalized playlists from Apple Music, tailored to recent activity.
Smarter Smart Stack and Notifications
The Smart Stack now predicts user needs by analyzing context, sensor data, and habits. For example:
- A ”Fallback” prompt appears when losing network connectivity.
- Workout reminders trigger upon arriving at a gym.
A new wrist flick gesture (available on Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2) lets users dismiss notifications, calls, and alarms with a simple motion. Combined with Double Tap, it enables one-handed control—ideal for busy moments like walking a dog or cooking.
Additional watchOS 26 Features
- Notes app debuts on Apple Watch with pinning, checklist support, and Siri dictation.
- Call Assist detects when a human agent is available during hold times.
- Call Screening previews unknown callers’ info before answering.
- Live Listen Controls help hearing-impaired users stream audio with real-time captions.
- Randomized “Memories” photos on watch faces for nostalgic moments.
- Redesigned watch face gallery for easier browsing.
David Clark, Apple’s Senior Director of watchOS Engineering, stated: “With its stunning design, adaptive fitness features, and smarter connectivity, watchOS 26 empowers users to stay active, healthy, and in touch like never before.”
