This year At WWDC 2025, Apple has made a huge change in its naming convention. The upcoming Watchos 12 should be Watchos 26 when it launches in the fall, as the company decided to stop tagging its operating systems in turn and instead name them according to the fiscal year it was released. Now, each operating system has a new, overhauled display aesthetic called Liquid Glass, which makes certain applications, icons, buttons and popups look like frosted glass, and other features look like raindrops.
Beyond that, the expected Apple Intelligence features for most of its lineup are small and measured rather than large and sweeping, but for Apple Watch fans, the fact that you have Apple Intelligence on your wrist is now probably enough. Here, we’ve browsed some new tips and tricks that will be seen on the Apple Watch this year.
Is your Apple Watch compatible?
The Watchos 26 will be available from the Series 6 or later Apple watches. This includes the second-generation Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Ultra models. You also have to have one or higher iPhone 11 to run upcoming iOS 26. If you want Apple Intelligence features, you also need to have an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models.
When will Watchos 26 be used?
You can download WatchOS 26 as a developer beta today, but don’t expect it to be perfect. Public Beta will be launched next month on Beta.Apple.com and WatchOS 26 as a free software update to facilitate compatible watch models this fall.
Top WatchOS 26 features
Liquid glass
Provided by Apple
Unfortunately, most liquid glass redesigns have been optimized for larger screens on Mac, iPhone and iPad. But hey, the numbers on the clock face now have a translucent frost! As you look closely, you can also see a slightly mirror highlight around the edge of the button. The Smart Stack (Apple’s layered widget system) will also be made of liquid glass to avoid shading the screen.
Exercise partners
The workout partner uses all the workout data (Heart Rate, Rhythm, Distance, etc.) accumulated by the Apple Watch and uses it during the workout to provide personalized, optimistic encouragement (“You smashed it!”). Apple Intelligence analyzes your data to provide these insights and uses voice encouragement from fitness+trainers. It can also mark critical moments, such as a particularly fast mile ride. Currently, just do some exercises like indoor and outdoor walking or running, outdoor cycling, functional and traditional strength training, and HIIT – yes, if the idea of cheerleading in your ears is the same for you, you can turn it off.
The exercise app itself has also been redesigned with four buttons in the four corners of the hand surface to make it easier to take advantage of each feature. Users can set up music and podcasts in the workout app, and Apple Music can choose music or provide suggestions for the appropriate playlist.
Smart Stack
Provided by Apple
Smart Stack will now combine more contextual data, such as location and user routines, to provide more useful tips. For example, if you arrive at the gym at the usual time, the Apple Watch might mark your location and slide the workout program to the top of the smart stack.
Messages and notifications
Provided by Apple
If you have a watch 9, watch Series 10, or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can now use the new wrist light gesture (much like a double-headed tap) to dismiss notifications or enter calls, silent timers and return to the clock face. Machine learning models use data from accelerometers and gyroscopes to capture user’s wrist motion.
The hands are also supported for live translation in messages (again, you need to enable Apple Intelligence for iPhone). If your language is set to English, the hand will also provide prompts in the message, such as suggesting that if the user is asked to donate, it is recommended to use Apple Cash. Telephone filtering and holding assist will also be on the phone app on the watch, allowing users to decide whether to answer the call or reject the call or ask for more information.
As usual, there is a new clock face for you to choose from. You will at last Being able to use the Notes app on your watch may be more important to some of us than others.
