Apple releases watchOS 26 with Workout Buddy, Liquid Glass, Gestures, more

Apple has released watchOS 26, a major update for Apple Watch that brings a fresh design, smarter fitness tools and more convenience for everyday use.

The update introduces a new look called Liquid Glass, a translucent design that refracts content in real time. It now runs across Smart Stack widgets, Control Center, notifications, in-app navigation and the Photos watch face, which features numerals made from Liquid Glass.

A new tool called Workout Buddy delivers spoken motivation during exercise. Using workout history, heart rate and Activity data, it provides personalised prompts — from encouragement at the start of a run to milestone alerts and post-workout recaps.

Image: Apple

The Workout app has also been redesigned with four corner buttons for quick access to features such as Pacer, Race Route and Custom Workouts. Music and podcasts can now be suggested automatically based on workout type and personal taste.

The Smart Stack is more proactive, offering hints triggered by context and location — for example, suggesting Backtrack when in a remote area without connectivity.

Messages gains Live Translation, allowing incoming texts to be automatically translated and replies instantly converted into the recipient’s language. Custom backgrounds and more precise smart replies also arrive with the update.

watchOS 26 introduces a new wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications, silence timers, end calls or return to the watch face without touching the screen.

Image: Apple

The Notes app debuts on Apple Watch, letting users create, pin and edit notes directly from their wrist.

watchOS 26 is available to download now for Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Ultra models, when paired with an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26.