No, you didn't sleep through a few years—Apple watchOS is skipping a few numbers, jumping from the current watchOS 11 to watchOS 26 as part of a range-wide rebrand.
The company finally revealed the new update as part of its annual WWDC 2025 conference, and it's a big one across both the watch's UI and fitness.
You can catch up with everything across other platforms via our WWDC 2025 live blog, but for now, we're focusing on the latest update for the best Apple Watches in 2025: watchOS 26.
From a fresh UI to an AI fitness assistant that can give you a pep talk, here's everything we know.
watchOS 26: Cut to the chase
- What is it? Apple's next wearable software for Apple Watch
- When is it out? Expect betas from June, with an official release in September 2025
- Who will get it? If you can run watchOS 11, you'll get access to watchOS 26.
watchOS 26: Potential release date
Apple always showcases its latest and greatest software at the opening address on the morning of the first day, and as per tradition watchOS 26 was revealed alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26.
As for when it's available, there's plenty of history to follow there, too.
We'd be very surprised if the first developer beta for watchOS 26 wasn't released this week, immediately following WWDC 2025, with a public beta to follow within a month or so—look for that in July.
With Apple tending to launch new Apple Watch devices in September, watchOS 26 will likely arrive at the same time.
Expect it alongside Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3, as well as the iPhone 17.
watchOS 26 compatibility: Which Apple Watch models will get the new software?
There's great news if you're already running watchOS 11, because you'll get access to watchOS 26 when it arrives, too.
Here's the full list of compatible devices:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS 26: New design and new features
This year, it's all about two things: Workouts and a new UI.
Workouts are getting a handy coaching feature called Workout Buddy, while the Liquid Glass rollout from iOS, iPadOS, and macOS also comes to Apple Watch.
Workout Buddy
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had previously reported the company would revamp its Health app, including a new AI-based coaching service. That's now a reality with Workout Buddy, which offers personalized insights during your workouts. As Apple explains:
"For example, as a user starts a run, Workout Buddy will give a personalized pep talk that may remind them of their running mileage for the week so far, or share how they are doing against their Activity ring goals: "Way to get out for your run this Wednesday morning. You're 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring. So far this week, you've run 6 miles. You're going to add to that today."
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Workout Buddy can help spur you on with mile splits and milestones during a workout, and more.
It's also adding Pacer and Race Route features for event runners, as well as new Workout Views.
New UI
Apple's new 'Liquid Glass' design language is coming to Apple Watch as well as iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
"Across apps, this new design enables a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering, which brings even more focus to content and makes using Apple Watch even more delightful," Apple says.
You can see it in the Smart Stack, notifications, Control Center and in-app controls.
A smarter stack
The Smart Stack will more accurately recommend what you're looking for, which Apple says is done with improved prediction algorithms that incorporate "more contextual data, sensor data, and data from a user's routine".
As an example, if you find yourself with no signal and in the middle of a remote location, it'll suggest Backtrack, or you'll be prompted to start your Pilates workout when you get to the studio.
Messages improvements
Apple Intelligence will now allow for messages to be translated while you're reading them on your Apple Watch, and instantly translate your responses.
This feature is Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 exclusive.
If your Apple Watch language is in English, the device will now suggest actions based on the context of a conversation, like checking in when someone asks to hear when you're home, or opening Apple Cash when someone asks for you to chip in for a gift.
Everything else
There's a whole host of additional features, too. The Notes app is now on your wrist (hooray!), while the Hold Assist and Call Screening functionality from iOS makes the jump, too.
Live Listen allows for Live Captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, while a new Photos face can shuffle images based on features.
Finally, the watch face gallery has been redesigned to make it easier to find new watch customization options.
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