Apple has announced watchOS 26 at WWDC 2025, bringing a new name and design refresh to the Apple Watch software. Here’s everything we know so far, including release dates, new features.
This is looking like a big year for Apple’s software. Not only have we got a new design headlines with the Liquid Glass look, but there’s a new naming convention too. All the new pieces of software Apple announced at WWDC follow the same ’26’ naming convention.
watchOS 26 Release Date
No specific release date has been confirmed for watchOS 26, but this isn’t unusual, and Apple typically launches its full software updates to everyone in the autumn. We’d expect to see watchOS 26 arrive around the same time as the Apple Watch Series 11, likely in September.
watchOS 26 Beta
We would expect to see the watchOS 26 beta arrive today (June 9) for registered developers, with Public Beta arriving later in the summer.
watchOS 26 Features
Workout Buddy is the new big headline feature in watchOS 26, and it brings some of Apple Intelligence skills to the wearable.
This feature works inside the Workout app, and almost feels like a personal trainer on your wrist, giving you guidance as you run, alerts to milestones hit and so on. There are multiple voice options available, and everything is personalised to your workout data.
When you begin a run, Workout Buddy will give you a quick pep talk, remind you of your mileage for the week and let you know of activity goals. It’ll also bring in previous knowledge, saying stuff like, “Hey, check this out. Your total running distance for the year just crossed the 200-mile mark! That’s a lot of running!”
Once a workout is complete, you’ll get an overview – which again can bring in knowledge from previous workouts.
This is a developing story, and we’ll update this as we know more…
