Apple has unveiled watchOS 26 at WWDC 2025, introducing a fresh Liquid Glass design, new AI-powered fitness tools, and smarter daily experiences on Apple Watch. The update not only refines the look and feel of the system but also integrates Apple Intelligence to personalize workouts, notifications, and more.
A fresh new design with Liquid Glass
watchOS 26 gets a visual overhaul with Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface, delivering more fluid transitions and a dynamic look across:
-
Smart Stack
-
Control Center
-
In-app navigation
-
Time and complications
The refined UI brings depth, translucency, and responsiveness, making it easier and more intuitive to interact with the watch.
Apple Intelligence Workout Buddy
The standout new feature is Workout Buddy, a real-time fitness coach powered by Apple Intelligence. Here’s what it offers:
-
Analyzes your training load, fitness history, and progress
-
Gives real-time encouragement and updates using AI-generated voice
-
Recaps weekly performance, celebrates milestones, and suggests improvements
-
Tracks metrics like average pace, heart rate, and effort level in real time
This makes workouts more motivating and personalized than ever before.
New Workout app layout and music integration
The Workout app has a simplified layout, making it easier to:
-
Create custom workouts
-
Race against previous times
-
View stats clearly during a session
Apple Music is now fully integrated — it can automatically suggest or play playlists based on your workout type and personal preferences, including podcasts and other audio content.
Smarter Smart Stack and notifications
Smart Stack in watchOS 26 gets smarter with on-device learning:
-
Uses location and daily routine trends to surface timely widgets
-
For example, starting a workout suggestion when you arrive at the gym
Apple Watch can now adjust alert behavior based on your environment, deciding when to send or silence notifications. You can also twist your wrist to dismiss alerts — a new gesture-based interaction.
Other highlights in watchOS 26
-
Live Translation support in Messages
-
Custom chat backgrounds on Apple Watch
-
The Notes app is now officially available on Apple Watch
-
Faster and more context-aware UI navigation
