Experience the innovative functionalities of watchOS 26 on your Apple Watch: Explore five captivating new features to engage with instantly
The latest update to Apple's wearable operating system, watchOS 26, is set to revolutionize the way users interact with their Apple Watches. Here's a rundown of the key features that make watchOS 26 an exciting leap forward.
Workout Buddy: Your Personal Fitness Coach
One of the most notable additions to watchOS 26 is the introduction of Workout Buddy. This AI-powered personal workout assistant provides personalized encouragement during exercise, using data from Apple Fitness+ trainers. To enable Workout Buddy, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or later with support for Apple Intelligence paired with your Apple Watch.
Live Translation: Bridging Language Barriers
Another significant feature of watchOS 26 is live message translation. This new functionality translates incoming texts in real time, helping users connect with others and potentially learn a foreign language. However, to access live message translations, you'll need one of the latest iPhones with Apple Intelligence paired with your Apple Watch.
Liquid Glass Design: A Modern, Glass-Like Appearance
watchOS 26 also introduces a redesigned UI with translucent elements, known as Liquid Glass. This design brings a semi-transparent, bubble-like vibe to the watchOS 26 aesthetic, dynamically reflecting and refracting light for a modern, glass-like appearance. The Liquid Glass design affects widgets, Control Center, notifications, and the Photos watch face.
Wrist Flick Gesture: A Handy New Interaction Method
Another new interaction method in watchOS 26 is the Wrist Flick gesture. By flicking the watch face down and back upward, users can dismiss notifications or calls. A gentle vibration confirms the dismissal of a notification via the Wrist Flick gesture.
Smart Stack Improvements: Smarter Widget Suggestions
watchOS 26 also brings improvements to Smart Stack, with smarter widget suggestions contextually. For example, the workout app might be suggested when you arrive at the gym, or location features might help if cellular connectivity is lost.
AI-Powered Messages: Contextual Suggestions in Messages
watchOS 26 also includes AI-powered Messages, offering contextual suggestions such as Apple Cash recommendations when a bill is mentioned or location sharing prompts.
Notes App on Apple Watch: View and Add Notes
The Notes app has been added to watchOS 26, allowing for the viewing of existing notes. While you can't edit notes directly from the watch, you can start a new note.
Additional tweaks in watchOS 26 include improved automatic volume adjustment for notifications, call screening, and new developer APIs for controls widgets.
Installing watchOS 26 Public Beta
To experience the new features of watchOS 26 ahead of the general public release, follow these steps to download and install the watchOS 26 public beta:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your Apple Watch model supports watchOS 26 features and that your iPhone is compatible.
- Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program: Visit Apple's official beta software website on your iPhone, sign in with your Apple ID, and enroll both your iPhone and Apple Watch for the public beta.
- Backup Your Devices: Before installing the beta, backup your iPhone using iCloud or a computer, and ensure your Apple Watch is backed up automatically via iPhone.
- Install iOS 26 Public Beta: First, install the iOS 26 public beta on your iPhone, as the watchOS beta requires the iPhone to be on the compatible iOS version.
- Download watchOS 26 Beta: On your iPhone, open the Watch app, go to General > Software Update, and download and install the watchOS 26 public beta.
- Follow Onscreen Instructions: The update will transfer and install on your Apple Watch, which may take some time, and your watch will restart once finished.
- Users of iPhone 15 Pro or later can enjoy the AI-powered personal workout assistant, Workout Buddy, available with watchOS 26 on their Apple Watches.-watchOS 26 also features live message translation, which provides real-time translations for incoming texts, requiring the latest iPhones with Apple Intelligence to function.
