WWDC 2025: Apple adds AI-powered fitness tools and new design with watchOS 26

Apple has previewed watchOS 26, the next software update for Apple Watch at the

WWDC 2025

event today. The new software update introduces a redesigned interface, new fitness tools powered by Apple Intelligence, and easier ways to manage everyday tasks. As announced by the company, the update will be available this fall. A major update coming with

watchOS 26

is the new interface using Liquid Glass, which changes the look of Smart Stack, Control Center, notifications, and in-app navigation. The Photos watch face now includes numbers made of Liquid Glass, giving more visibility to images.

watchOS 26: Availability

watchOS 26 is currently available to developers, with a public beta expected next month. The full release is scheduled for this fall for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Watch SE (2nd gen), and all Watch Ultra models, paired with iPhone 11 or later.

watchOS 26: Smarter fitness features with Workout Buddy

Apple has added a new feature called

Workout Buddy

with watchOS 26. It uses Apple Intelligence to offer real-time feedback during workouts. Watch Buddy gives voice updates based on personal fitness data such as heart rate, pace, and milestones. The tool also congratulates users at the end of each workout.Workout Buddy will be available in English for common workout types like running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training. It works when the Apple Watch is paired with a supported iPhone and Bluetooth headphones.The Workout app has also been revamped with a new layout with buttons in each corner to help users quickly access features like Custom Workouts and Pacer. Users can also set up music or podcasts to start automatically with workouts. Apple Music will suggest songs based on the workout type and personal listening history.

watchOS 26: Smarter Smart Stack

On watchOS 26, the Smart Stack now uses more data to give helpful prompts, like showing a Backtrack reminder when the user is in a remote area or suggesting a Pilates workout when arriving at a studio. These hints appear directly on the watch face.

watchOS 26: New tools in Messages

Messages now support Live Translation, letting users see messages in their preferred language and respond with automatic translations. With watchOS 26, Apple Watch will also be able to suggest actions in Messages, like starting a Check In or sending money via Apple Cash.Custom backgrounds set on iPhone now sync with Apple Watch, and Smart Replies have been improved to generate more accurate responses.

watchOS 26: One-hand use, gesture support and more

watchOS 26 adds a wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications, silence timers, or end calls. This works on supported Apple Watch models using the built-in accelerometer and machine learning. It joins the existing double-tap gesture for one-handed use.The Watch can also automatically adjust speaker volume based on background noise.The Notes app is now on Apple Watch, allowing users to create, pin, and unlock notes using Siri, dictation, or the keyboard. The Phone app adds Hold Assist, which alerts users when a call with a live agent resumes, and Call Screening, which collects caller info before the phone rings.

watchOS 26: Accessibility and more customization

Live Listen controls now include live captions of audio from a paired iPhone. The Photos watch face now shuffles based on featured content from the Photos app. Users can also explore watch faces more easily through a redesigned gallery on the Watch and iPhone.