Apple has released watchOS 26 as a free software update for compatible Apple Watch models. The rollout comes alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, marking Apple’s largest platform refresh of the year.
watchOS 26 builds on the health, fitness, and personalization features Apple Watch has become known for while also introducing a visual redesign with the new Liquid Glass interface. The update brings new ways to manage notifications and workouts, expands health monitoring with hypertension alerts, and introduces system apps that make the Apple Watch more useful on its own.
What’s new in watchOS 26
- Liquid Glass design brings translucent, layered visuals throughout the interface for a more dynamic look and feel.
- Workout Buddy adds personalized coaching, contextual suggestions, and voice feedback during fitness sessions.
- Wrist-flick gesture allows users with newer models to dismiss notifications, alarms, and calls with a simple motion.
- Hypertension alerts, cleared by the FDA, use sensor data to track blood pressure-related signals over time.
- New watch faces and personalization options expand customization, with updated Smart Stack suggestions and animated Liquid Glass effects.
- Live Translation in Messages enables real-time language translation directly on the watch for supported hardware.
- Notes app debuts on Apple Watch, letting users create, pin, and check off items directly from their wrist.
Check out the complete watchOS 26 release notes for full details.
watchOS 26 compatibility list
To install watchOS 26, you need an Apple Watch paired with an iPhone 11 or later (or iPhone SE 2nd generation or later) running iOS 26. The following models are supported:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
Older models such as Series 5 and the first-generation SE are no longer supported.
How to update to watchOS 26
- Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26.
- Keep your Apple Watch on its charger with at least 50% battery.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install when watchOS 26 appears.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
The update size will vary by model. Keep both devices connected to Wi-Fi during installation.
watchOS 26 delivers one of the most significant updates in recent years, combining a modern design refresh with meaningful health and fitness improvements. Liquid Glass brings a new look across the system, while features like Workout Buddy, hypertension alerts, and Live Translation expand what Apple Watch can do day to day. With support spanning from Series 6 to the latest Ultra 3, most current Apple Watch owners can install the update today.
