Apple Unveils WatchOS 26: AI Integration, Design Overhaul, and Device Compatibility

Every Apple Watch that will get WatchOS 26 (and which models won't be supported)

WWDC, Apple's annual software developer conference in Cupertino, brought iOS users several new feature announcements and a complete redesign, thanks to Apple's new Liquid Glass design language that touches every device interface. The conference didn't skimp on new WatchOS features, like an AI-powered fitness coach, Live Translation for Messages, and many more. Also: Everything announced at WWDC 2025: iOS 26, AI, MacOS, iPad OS The new features subtly infuse AI into regularly used apps and functionalities, improve peskier features, like the Call Screener, which monitors unknown numbers for spam, or notification volume adjustments that take your ambient environment into account before sending a blaring Apple Watch ping. If you're interested in trying out the new software ahead of its official rollout in the fall and want to test-run the beta today, you will have to own one of the compatible Apple Watches. Here are the Apple Watches that will get WatchOS 26. Also: Your Apple Watch is getting an upgrade. Here are the best features coming to Watch OS 26 WatchOS 26 requires iPhone 11 or later or iPhone SE in tandem with one of the following Apple Watches. Certain Apple Intelligence-powered features, like Live Translation and Workout Buddy, require one of the following iPhone models: all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Max with Apple Intelligence enabled. The beta is available now through Apple's Developer Program, and a public beta is coming in July through Apple's Beta Software Program. Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

Apple watchOS 26 system requirements: will it run on your Apple Watch? | Stuff

Apple's latest major Apple Watch software update is on the way - but will you be able to use watchOS 26 with your current watch? Apple just revealed its next major Apple Watch software update - watchOS 26. As you'd expect, watchOS 26 will work best with the latest Apple Watches, and it'll come pre-installed on the upcoming Series 11 smartwatch. It's available for beta users right now, but a public release won't come until September, if Apple follows its usual schedule. A whole bunch of older Apple Watches will also get the free software update - stretching back a few years. Note that Apple's software versions are now named after the year ahead - ie: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc - to bring naming consistency. So if you're looking for the requirements to run what you thought was called watchOS 12, you're in the right place! But will your current Apple Watch get the update? Here's our guide to the rumoured watchOS 26 system requirements. watchOS 26 continues to support all the same Apple Watch devices. Last year, watchOS 11 ditched support for the Apple Watch Series 5, making the Series 6 the oldest smartwatch that supported the update. That watch is five years old now, after releasing in 2020. As I mentioned, last year's watchOS 11 update ran on all of the same devices as the previous version except the Series 5. watchOS 10 ditched support for the Series 4, and before that watchOS 9 finally dropped support for the Series 3. While Apple's answer to AI rolled out to iPhone and Mac users last year in iOS and macOS Sequoia, it remained absent from the tech giant's smartwatch. watchOS 26 sees the suite of AI features finally head for your wrist, with processing taking place on your iPhone (with a faster processor). Whether it's a positive addition to the software, I'll leave you to decide. Alongside Apple Intelligence, the glassy redesign from iOS 26 also makes its way to your wrist. Here's a full list of the devices expected to be compatible with watchOS 26: As I mentioned, the software is now in beta testing before it almost certainly rolls out to everyone in September.