By Key Points
- Apple unveils watchOS 26 with new design and AI features
- Wrist flick gesture lets users manage notifications hands-free
- AI-powered Workout Buddy offers personalized fitness support
- Public beta next month, full release this fall
Apple has officially announced watchOS 26, the latest version of its Apple Watch operating system, during WWDC 2025. Packed with new AI-driven features and a sleek new design, watchOS 26 promises to make your Apple Watch smarter and more personal than ever.
watchOS 26 introduces a vibrant new “Liquid Glass” design, refreshing the look of the Smart Stack, Control Center, in-app navigation, and time display.
A new Apple Intelligence Workout Buddy feature will revolutionize your fitness. It analyzes your workout data, fitness history,… pic.twitter.com/6MIi3wqBqc
— Appleosophy (@appleosophy) June 9, 2025
AI Workout Buddy and wrist flick gesture transform fitness experience
One of the most talked-about features of watchOS 26 is the AI-powered Workout Buddy. Leveraging Apple Intelligence, Workout Buddy acts like a virtual coach on your wrist.
lear your notifications with a flick of the wrist. GIF: Apple – Techtoken
It offers real-time pep talks, milestone updates, and progress reminders to keep users motivated throughout their fitness sessions. The app provides insights based on personal workout history and goals, delivering a highly personalized fitness experience.
Workout Buddy supports “the most popular” workout types and will initially be available in English.
#watchOS26 delivers more personalized ways to stay active, healthy, and connected. A new software design makes using Apple Watch even more delightful, Workout Buddy introduces a first-of-its-kind workout experience with #Apple Intelligence, and the Smart Stack and Messages are… pic.twitter.com/O73fZOZlgO
— Ahmed Ghanem (@ahmedghanem) June 9, 2025
This AI assistant also integrates seamlessly with the redesigned Workout app, which now includes handy corner buttons for quick workout adjustments and music controls. Additionally, Apple Music will suggest playlists tailored to your workout type and listening habits.
Another highlight of watchOS 26 is the wrist flick gesture. Users with an Apple Watch Series 9 or later can now simply flick their wrist to dismiss notifications, silence timers, decline calls, or return to the watch face.
Live Translation will work in Messages so long as both your Apple Watch and iPhone are sufficiently recent and powerful. Image: Apple – Techtoken
This small but impactful feature makes notification management much more intuitive, especially during workouts or when your hands are full.
Apple has also enhanced notification handling by making the watch aware of ambient noise levels.
This allows the device to automatically adjust the volume of notifications and calls, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enhancing usability in different environments.
Workout Buddy on watchOS 26 to keep you motivated for working out. Sample audio of what it sounds like! 💪 . WWDC #WWDC25 #WWDC2025 pic.twitter.com/1JGS6uQmOA
— Shervin Shares (@ShervinShares) June 9, 2025
Transparent design and smarter interactions come to Apple Watch
Liquid Glass, Apple’s new transparent design language, is another standout update in watchOS 26. This aesthetic update brings a refined, modern look to widgets, notifications, Control Center, and even the Photos watch face. Transparent numerals ensure that nothing obstructs the user’s view of their favorite photos.
AI capabilities extend beyond fitness. For users with a Series 9 or later Apple Watch paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, watchOS 26 introduces Live Translation within Messages. Incoming texts and user replies can be translated instantly, making it easier to communicate across languages on the go.
Smart Replies in Messages are now more contextually aware, offering smarter suggestions like initiating a Check In when a friend asks you to notify them after arriving home.
Live Translation will work in Messages so long as both your Apple Watch and iPhone are sufficiently recent and powerful. Image: Apple – Techtoken
The Smart Stack also gets a boost with AI-powered hints. For instance, it might suggest starting a Pilates workout when you arrive at your usual studio or recommend using Backtrack when in a remote location without signal.
Apple is also bringing the Notes app to the Apple Watch. Users can now read, pin, and create notes directly from their wrist. Checklist support and note editing make this app a powerful new addition for productivity.
Accessibility improvements include Hold Assist and Call Screening from the watch, along with support for Live Captions and Live Listen remote controls, benefiting users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
As Apple continues expanding its AI capabilities across devices, it follows a broader industry trend where Apple AI features are becoming core to the user experience—similar to recent innovations like AI-powered Xbox support agent and Elon Musk’s xAI debt raise fueling competition in the AI space. Even in Web3 circles, creative applications like the DOGE AI tool are showcasing how AI can drive user engagement across platforms.
David Clark, Apple’s senior director of watchOS engineering, summed up the vision behind this release:
“Apple Watch is an indispensable companion for millions of people around the world, and watchOS 26 uses intelligence to offer an even more personalized experience.”
He added that the combination of new design, AI features like Workout Buddy, and smarter interactions in Smart Stack and Messages will help users stay active, healthy, connected, and safe throughout their day.
When it arrives this fall, watchOS 26 will be compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, including the second-generation Watch SE and all Watch Ultra models. However, some AI-powered features will only be available on specific models paired with compatible iPhones.
Developers can access the preview version starting today, with a public beta set to launch next month. The official release will coincide with the next generation of Apple Watches later this year.
For Apple Watch users looking to elevate their fitness and productivity, watchOS 26 is shaping up to be a must-have upgrade.
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