Apple has released watchOS 26, the latest major update for Apple Watch. The new version is available as a free update starting today for compatible devices. Here’s where to get started after updating.
watchOS 26 introduces a refined design highlighted by Liquid Glass, which gives apps, widgets, notifications, and the Control Center a more expressive look.
The Smart Stack gets smarter with new hints that surface relevant widgets, and a new wrist flick gesture makes it easier to dismiss alerts or return to the watch face with a quick motion.
The redesigned Workout app offers simpler navigation with quick-access controls. Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, provides real-time voice motivation and personalized insights based on your fitness history.
The update also adds automatic workout media, letting Apple Music or Podcasts pick the right playlist for your activity.
Health features expand
watchOS 26 introduces hypertension notifications, a first-of-its-kind feature that uses the optical heart sensor to analyze blood vessel response and track signs of chronic high blood pressure over time.
If consistent signs of hypertension are detected, users receive notifications that can prompt them to seek medical advice or lifestyle changes.
watchOS 26 also debuts sleep score, which combines data like duration, bedtime consistency, sleep stages, and nighttime interruptions into a clear nightly score.
The Sleep app now shows a breakdown of these factors, while trends can be tracked over time in the Health app on iPhone.
Messages now supports smarter replies, contextual actions, and Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence, making it easier to stay connected in multiple languages.
The Notes app arrives on Apple Watch for the first time, enabling quick capture and access to pinned notes.
The Phone app gains Call Screening and Hold Assist, features that work with iPhone to transcribe unknown callers or wait on hold until a live agent is available.
Live Listen expands accessibility with real-time captions for what your iPhone hears, shown on Apple Watch.
New watch faces
watchOS 26 adds two new watch faces:
Flow, which displays Liquid Glass numerals with dynamic swirls of color that respond to wrist movement.
Exactograph, a modern take on a regulator clock that separates hours, minutes, and seconds for precise timekeeping.
For Apple Watch Ultra, a new Waypoint face provides a live compass, quick access to satellite communications, and Night Mode for low-light visibility. Over 20 existing faces are also updated to support a ticking seconds hand in always-on mode.
watchOS 26 is available today for Apple Watch Ultra or later, and Series 6 or later, as well as Apple Watch SE (2nd generation or later), when paired with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 26.
You can find 9to5Mac’s watchOS 26 since June here.