Apple is making the smartwatch experience more advanced and functional with the watchOS 26 update, which will be available alongside the next-generation Apple Watch models. The update, scheduled to be released this fall alongside iOS 26, includes both software innovations and improvements targeted at user habits. watchOS 26 will be available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later models.
Most Useful watchOS 26 Features
The new update offers significant improvements in many areas of the Apple Watch, from voice control and gesture interaction to workout motivation and language translation. The speaker volume now automatically adjusts based on ambient noise. This allows notifications, calls, or Siri responses to be delivered at a lower volume in quiet environments and at a higher volume in crowded or noisy environments.
The wrist gesture feature, introduced with the update, reduces users’ physical interaction with the screen, allowing them to perform many actions more quickly. Users can dismiss notifications, silence timers or alarms, and return to the home screen simply by turning their wrist. This feature is available on the new Apple Watch models.
In watchOS 26, the Live Translation feature, integrated with Apple Intelligence, offers automatic translation support in the Messages app. Users can instantly see the translation of incoming messages and translate their replies in the same way. This feature is only available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models.
The Smart Grouping system is also part of the update. Apple Watch uses the user’s location, routines, and sensor data to make suggestions. For example, when the user goes to the gym, the watch automatically suggests workouts. These suggestions appear visually on the screen and allow for one-touch action.
Control Center also receives functional updates. With the new version, Control Center automatically adapts to installed apps. A new setting is also added that allows users to reset this menu.
Regarding the fitness experience, music integration is enabled based on user habits. Apple Watch matches the user’s preferred music genre to their workout type and automatically plays the appropriate tracks.
The new Workout Buddy feature stands out as an Apple Intelligence-powered system. This system tracks the user’s workout habits and provides audio motivation. When the user starts running, the system reminds them of their total running distance for the week, notifies them of new milestones, or vocally congratulates them on achievements. It can also mark critical moments during the run and automatically summarize stats.
Another new feature for Apple Watch is the Notes app. Users can now create notes directly from the watch, pin them, or add new ones using Siri or dictation. A dedicated Control Center tool for notes is also available, enabling a quick note-taking experience.
watchOS 26 is currently in developer beta. The final version is scheduled to be released alongside iOS 26 in September. Some of the new features will only be available on certain Apple Watch models due to hardware limitations. However, overall, the update significantly improves the Apple Watch experience.
