WatchOS 26 : Apple Intelligence on Your Wrist

WatchOS 26 marks a major leap for the Apple Watch, integrating AI-powered features that make the device more proactive, personalized, and context-aware than ever before.

Workout Buddy: Your AI Fitness Coach

• Core Feature: Workout Buddy is the headline addition. It acts like a personal trainer, offering real-time voice coaching, milestone alerts, and even music suggestions tailored to your workout history and preferences.
• Context-Aware: It adapts based on your location, activity type, and fitness goals, making each session feel uniquely tailored.
• Requirements: Only available on newer models (Apple Watch Series 9, 10, Ultra 2) paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.

Live Translation in Messages

• Enables real-time translation of conversations directly on your wrist.
• Supports multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and more.
• Ideal for travel or multilingual communication, with seamless integration into Messages and FaceTime.

Wrist Flick Gesture

• A new gesture control lets you dismiss alerts, silence timers, or end calls with a quick flick of the wrist.
• Designed for convenience and accessibility, especially when your other hand is occupied.

Smarter Smart Stack

The Smart Stack now uses Apple Intelligence to surface more relevant widgets and suggestions.

For example, it might show Backtrack when you’re outdoors or suggest a poll in group chats.

Notes App Comes to Apple Watch

• Finally, a native Notes app arrives on watchOS.
• Allows quick dictation, pinning reminders, and AI-generated summaries of voice recordings.

Liquid Glass Design

• A new Liquid Glass interface gives the UI a translucent, futuristic look.
• Applies to Control Center, Smart Stack, and notifications, aligning the watch with iOS 26’s design language.

Compatibility Notes

• watchOS 26 supports Apple Watch Series 6 and newer.
• Apple Intelligence features are limited to Series 9 and above, paired with compatible iPhones.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2, based on the latest specs and feature

Apple Watch Series 10

• Processor: New S10 SiP chip, optimized for Apple Intelligence and machine learning tasks.
• Design: Thinnest Apple Watch ever (9.7 mm), with larger displays (46 mm and 42 mm cases).
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode).
• Features:
  • Apple Intelligence support (Workout Buddy, Smart Stack, live translation).
  • Double Tap gesture, on-device Siri.
  • Advanced health sensors: ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, cycle tracking.
• Materials: Aluminum or titanium.
• Best for: Users who want the latest AI features and sleek design.

Apple Watch Series 9

• Processor: S9 SiP chip.
• Design: Slightly thicker than Series 10, with 45 mm and 41 mm cases.
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode).
• Features:
  • Double Tap gesture, on-device Siri.
  • Health tracking: ECG, blood oxygen, sleep, cycle tracking.
• Materials: Aluminum or stainless steel.
• Best for: Solid performance without the newest AI features.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Processor: S9 SiP chip (same as Series 9).
• Design: Rugged titanium case (49 mm), built for extreme conditions.
• Battery Life: Up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode).
• Features:
  • Depth gauge, water temperature sensor, dive-ready (up to 100 m).
  • Precision dual-frequency GPS.
  • Largest display, brightest screen (up to 3000 nits).
• Best for: Athletes, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Summary Table

Links

• watchOS 26 delivers more personalized ways to stay active, healthy, and connected – Apple Newsroom
• Sell pre-owned Apple Watch online – iGotOffer
• Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.

watchOS 26 is Out! – What’s New? [Video]

Video uploaded by zollotech on September 16, 2025.