Apple Unveils WatchOS 26 with AI-Powered Features and Design Overhaul
10 Sources
[1]
WatchOS 26 is live: Every Apple Watch that will get the new software update
The public beta for the Apple Watch's latest software just arrived. Apple launched the public beta for iOS 26, WatchOS 26, and more, on Thursday. The software updates don't skimp on new WatchOS features, like an AI-powered fitness coach, Live Translation for Messages, and many more. Also:
[2]
WatchOS 26 public beta is out right now - 8 new Apple Watch features you can try
Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them -- all you have to do is update your software. Several new features are coming to WatchOS 26, and the public beta software is now available for interested users
[3]
WatchOS 26 public beta is here - here are the features you'll get
Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them -- all you have to do is update your software. Several new features are coming to WatchOS 26, and the public beta software is now available for interested users
[4]
watchOS 26 preview: a subtler take on AI
Victoria Song is a senior reporter focusing on wearables, health tech, and more with 13 years of experience. Before coming to The Verge, she worked for Gizmodo and PC Magazine. Apple just launched the watchOS 26 public beta, which means everyone can now try the latest software heading to the Apple
[5]
Your Apple Watch is getting a big upgrade for free - 8 WatchOS 26 features you can try now
Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them -- all you have to do is update your software. Several new features are coming to WatchOS 26, and the public beta software is now available for interested users
[6]
Your Apple Watch is getting a big upgrade for free - 8 WatchOS 26 features I'm using now
Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them -- just update your software. Several new features are coming to WatchOS 26, and the public beta software is now available for interested users to try now, if
[7]
I Tested Apple watchOS 26 Beta, and Liquid Glass Won Me Over
I'm PCMag's senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I've been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in
[8]
Apple's watchOS 26 Beta Makes the Cat Pics on My Watch Face Look Even Cuter
After updating my Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the watchOS 26 beta, I immediately noticed a difference. The next version of Apple's smartwatch software puts transparent design elements front and center for a fresh aesthetic that will be consistent across the company's platforms. Thanks to the Liquid
[9]
watchOS 26 public beta brings smarter workouts and app upgrades
Apple is now offering the first public beta of watchOS 26, the next major update for Apple Watch, ahead of its official fall release. While the biggest visual update may appear to be the limited Liquid Glass elements, the substance of watchOS 26 exists in how it integrates with Apple Intelligence
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watchOS 26 after one month: Three new features I've been using a lot - 9to5Mac
This fall, watchOS 26 will arrive as the next major Apple Watch software update. After more than a month using the beta on my Apple Watch, here are the new watchOS 26 features that I've been using the most. When the Apple Watch Series 9 launched, it came with a new double tap gesture that I was
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Apple releases the public beta for WatchOS 26, introducing AI-powered features like Workout Buddy and Live Translation, along with a new Liquid Glass design and improved user experience.
Apple Releases WatchOS 26 Public Beta
Apple has launched the public beta for WatchOS 26, bringing a host of new features and improvements to the Apple Watch ecosystem. This update, set for official release in fall 2025, introduces AI-powered functionalities and a significant design overhaul
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Source: ZDNet
AI-Powered Features
One of the standout additions is the AI-powered Workout Buddy. This feature uses the user's fitness data history to provide real-time insights during workouts. It considers factors such as fitness history, paces, Activity Rings, and Training Load to deliver personalized feedback and encouragement
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.Another notable AI feature is Live Translation for Messages. This functionality allows users to translate conversations to their preferred language directly on their wrist. It's available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, supporting multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese
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Source: ZDNet
Liquid Glass Design
WatchOS 26 introduces a new design language called Liquid Glass. This "broadest design update ever" brings a fluid and clear across-platform display overhaul inspired by VisionOS. The new look affects Smart Stack, notifications, icons, and more, creating a transparent, glassy appearance
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.Enhanced User Experience
The update brings several improvements to existing features. The Smart Stack's prediction algorithm now incorporates more contextual data, including sensor and routine information, to provide more relevant app suggestions
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.Notifications have become more context-aware, adjusting volume based on the ambient noise in the user's environment. This feature aims to prevent loud notifications in quiet settings
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.Related Stories
New Gestures and Apps
WatchOS 26 introduces a new gesture called Wrist Flick, designed for dismissing notifications and calls or silencing pings. This adds to the existing Double Tap gesture, providing users with more control options
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Source: PC Magazine
The Notes app makes its debut on Apple Watch with this update. Additionally, new iOS features like Hold Assist and Call Screening are now available, enhancing the watch's communication capabilities
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.Compatibility and Availability
WatchOS 26 is compatible with recent Apple Watch models and requires an iPhone 11 or later. Some AI-powered features, like Live Translation and Workout Buddy, require specific iPhone models with Apple Intelligence enabled
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.The public beta is now available through Apple's Beta Software Program. Users are encouraged to back up their devices before installing the beta software, as it may contain bugs
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