Apple has introduced watchOS 26, the latest iteration of its smartwatch operating system, featuring an AI-driven Workout Buddy, a refreshed Liquid Glass interface, and multiple usability upgrades. The update, set to launch this fall, aims to deliver a more personalized and intuitive experience for Apple Watch users.
AI-Powered Workout Coaching and Enhanced Fitness Features
The standout addition is the AI-infused Workout Buddy, which leverages users’ fitness history and real-time data to provide motivational insights in a trainer-like voice. The feature, part of Apple’s broader AI integration, offers tailored feedback to optimize workouts.
The Workout app now includes four quick-access buttons for seamless navigation, along with automatic music and podcast playback based on activity type. Apple Music will suggest playlists aligned with users’ preferences and past listening habits.
Liquid Glass Design and Smarter Notifications
watchOS 26 adopts Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic, bringing dynamic, real-time rendering to Smart Stack widgets, notifications, Control Center, and in-app navigation. The Photos watch face now displays numerals crafted from Liquid Glass, enhancing visual appeal while keeping images prominent.
The Smart Stack has been upgraded with improved prediction algorithms, using contextual and sensor data to offer proactive suggestions. These appear as subtle visual prompts, streamlining daily interactions.
Expanded Messaging and Accessibility Tools
For the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, Live Translation in Messages is now supported when paired with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone. English-speaking users will also see contextual action suggestions—such as initiating a Check In or sending Apple Cash—directly in conversations.
Accessibility receives a boost with Live Captions for deaf or hard-of-hearing users, allowing real-time transcription of audio from a paired iPhone. The Notes app debuts on watchOS, enabling pinned notes, checklist management, and dictation support.
Convenience and Audio Adjustments
A new wrist-flick gesture lets users dismiss notifications or silence calls and alarms effortlessly. The system also automatically adjusts speaker volume based on ambient noise for alerts, calls, and Siri responses.
The watch face gallery has been redesigned, with the Photos face now shuffling images from Featured albums.
Availability
These features will be accessible next month via the Apple Beta Software Program, with a full public release expected in the fall.
