Yesterday, Apple released the highly anticipated watchOS 26, and for users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, there are numerous new features to explore. Surprisingly, many of these enhancements are available without the need for purchasing a new watch, ensuring that users can enjoy valuable functionalities like Sleep Score and Hypertension notifications on their existing devices.
One of the standout features of watchOS 26 is the integration of Liquid Glass technology. This new design element introduces translucent, glass-like buttons and interface components, enhancing the visual appeal of select watch faces, the Smart Stack, and the Control Center. This modern aesthetic not only looks stunning but also improves usability.
The Control Center in watchOS 26 has undergone significant enhancements. Users can now customize the layout, rearranging it to suit their preferences and adding controls for third-party apps. If you decide you prefer the original setup, reverting back is just as easy.
The Smart Stack feature has been upgraded with a new prediction algorithm, ensuring that it prompts you with suggestions that are immediately useful. Additionally, widgets within the Smart Stack are customizable, allowing you to prioritize what matters most to you. Third-party app support further enhances this functionality.
A new wrist flick gesture has been introduced, enabling users to silence incoming calls or dismiss notifications with a simple motion of the wrist. This feature enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to interact with your Apple Watch.
With the addition of hypertension notifications, watchOS 26 allows users to monitor their heart rate over time, alerting them to potential high blood pressure conditions. This feature is available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The new Sleep Score feature provides a numerical evaluation of your sleep quality. It considers various factors, including sleep duration, the frequency of nighttime awakenings, and bedtime, allowing users to gain valuable insights into their sleep patterns.
For fitness enthusiasts, watchOS 26 introduces an AI-powered Workout Buddy designed to motivate you during workouts and provide insightful feedback. The Workout app has also been redesigned, making it easier to access features such as custom workouts, Workout Buddy, and Pacer.
A new Autoplay Media option automatically plays music that complements your workout. Users can also select specific media to autoplay at the start of their workouts, enhancing the overall exercise experience.
The Messages app in watchOS 26 has been upgraded with several smart features. It now suggests smart actions such as location sharing and providing addresses based on the context of your messages. Additionally, smart replies have been improved for more relevant one-tap responses, and the app supports live translation for incoming texts in different languages.
Personalized backgrounds created on your iPhone can now sync to your Apple Watch, enhancing your messaging experience. New features like Call Screening and Hold Assist improve call management by asking callers for information before ringing and holding your place in line, respectively.
WatchOS 26 also debuts several new watch faces, including:
Photos: Utilizes Liquid Glass for time display, adjusting based on the selected image.Flow: Features an orb of color with Liquid Glass numbers.Exactograph: Offers precise timekeeping with hour, minute, and second dials.Waypoint: Exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, displaying points of interest.Hermes Faubourg Party: Displays animations based on the time of day.Ticking Seconds: More watch faces support a 1Hz refresh rate, showing a ticking second hand even when your wrist is down.Other notable features include volume adjustment for incoming calls based on ambient sound, Live Listen with transcripts on the watch, and the introduction of the Notes app, allowing users to create and view notes directly from their Apple Watch.
With the release of watchOS 26, Apple continues to enhance the capabilities of its smartwatches, making them more user-friendly and packed with features that promote health, fitness, and communication. For a comprehensive overview of all the features in watchOS 26, be sure to check out our dedicated watchOS 26 roundup.
