Latest news with #watchOS26
Geeky Gadgets
11 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
The Complete Guide to watchOS 26: 50+ New Features Revealed
Apple's latest watchOS 26 update introduces 50 new features that significantly enhance the Apple Watch's functionality, design, and integration. With improvements ranging from intuitive gestures to smarter app capabilities, this update redefines how users interact with their devices, making the Apple Watch an even more indispensable part of daily life. Below is a detailed exploration of the most impactful changes. The detailed video below from Nikias Molina gives us a look at lots of the new features in watchOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Streamlined Navigation with New Gestures The introduction of the new 'flick gesture' transforms navigation by allowing users to scroll through menus or notifications with a simple wrist movement. This feature complements the existing double-tap gesture, which remains a reliable shortcut for accessing key features. Together, these gestures create a more seamless and intuitive user experience, allowing faster interactions with the device. By reducing the need for physical touch, these gestures also enhance convenience, particularly during activities like workouts or when your hands are occupied. Modernized Interface with Liquid Glass Design watchOS 26 debuts a sleek 'liquid glass' design, offering a polished and cohesive aesthetic across the interface. This design upgrade extends to the control center, notification center, and app icons, creating a visually unified and modern experience. The revamped watch face gallery further enhances customization by making it easier to browse and select watch faces. Users can now personalize their devices with greater ease, making sure the interface reflects their unique preferences. Enhanced Control Center and Customization Personalization takes center stage with the ability to customize control center toggles, including support for third-party apps. This update enables users to tailor their Apple Watch to their specific needs, whether it's managing frequently used settings or integrating third-party tools. Additionally, smart home controls are now directly accessible from the watch, allowing users to manage accessories, scenes, and automations with a single tap. For instance, adjusting lighting, locking doors, or activating a security system is now more convenient than ever. Smarter Smart Stack Suggestions The Smart Stack becomes more intelligent and adaptive in watchOS 26, offering contextual suggestions based on user activity and environment. Whether you're navigating with Backtrack, using the camera remote, or checking your calendar, the stack dynamically adjusts to surface the most relevant tools and shortcuts. This enhancement ensures that the Apple Watch remains a proactive assistant, anticipating your needs and streamlining access to essential features. Workout App Upgrades for Fitness Enthusiasts Fitness tracking receives a significant upgrade with the introduction of the 'Workout Buddy' feature, which provides motivational audio feedback during exercise sessions. Users can now customize workout views to display metrics such as pace, heart rate, and cadence, with real-time alerts to help them stay on track. Music integration has also been enhanced, offering personalized playlists tailored to specific workout types. These updates make the Apple Watch an even more powerful companion for fitness enthusiasts, combining motivation, data, and entertainment. Apple Notes Comes to Your Wrist The Apple Notes app is now fully integrated into watchOS 26, allowing users to view, create, and pin notes directly from their Apple Watch. New complications provide quick access to notes, making it easier to manage tasks, reminders, and ideas on the go. This addition enhances productivity by making sure that important information is always within reach, whether you're at work, traveling, or running errands. Improved Messaging Features Messaging on the Apple Watch becomes more interactive and versatile with several new features. iMessage now includes live translation for real-time language support, making communication across different languages seamless. Group chats benefit from voting features, allowing participants to make decisions collaboratively. Additionally, wallpaper synchronization with iOS devices creates a visually cohesive experience across Apple's ecosystem, enhancing personalization and usability. Overhauled Phone App and Call Management The Phone app receives a comprehensive redesign, introducing contact posters for a more personalized calling experience. New features like hold assist and call screening improve call management, helping users handle interruptions more efficiently. These updates ensure that the Apple Watch continues to serve as a reliable communication tool, offering both functionality and convenience. Sound and Haptic Enhancements watchOS 26 introduces automatic volume adjustment, which adapts to ambient noise levels for an optimal listening experience. This feature ensures that users never miss important notifications or calls, even in noisy environments. Enhanced haptic feedback further improves interaction by providing more precise tactile responses, making the device more intuitive and user-friendly. Expanded Third-Party App Integration Third-party app support sees significant growth in watchOS 26, expanding the Apple Watch's versatility. For example, Tesla owners can now control their vehicles directly from their watch, while apps like Dark Noise enhance functionality in unique ways. These integrations highlight Apple's commitment to fostering a robust developer ecosystem, making sure that users have access to a wide range of innovative tools and services. Redesigned Apple Watch App on iPhone The Apple Watch app on iPhone has been redesigned with a liquid glass interface and improved navigation. This update simplifies the process of managing your watch's settings and features, offering a more intuitive and seamless experience. Users can now access and customize their Apple Watch settings with greater ease, making sure that the device remains tailored to their needs. watchOS 26: Elevating the Apple Watch Experience watchOS 26 represents a significant step forward in personalization, usability, and integration. From innovative gestures and a modernized interface to smarter app functionalities and expanded third-party support, this update ensures the Apple Watch remains a powerful tool for a wide range of users. Whether your focus is on fitness, productivity, or smart home management, watchOS 26 offers features designed to enhance your daily life and streamline your interactions with technology. Below are more guides on watchOS 26 features from our extensive range of articles. Source & Image Credit: Nikias Molina Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
Apple Watch Ultra 3 might actually be happening this year
Apple Watch Ultra 2. | Image credit – PhoneArena If Apple sticks to its usual playbook, we are likely looking at a September launch for its next wave of products. That includes the iPhone 17 lineup, and this time, it seems like Apple won't be leaving out the Apple Watch Ultra fans. Alongside the expected Watch Series 11, all signs are pointing to the long-awaited debut of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Yep, another leak suggests Apple won't skip the Ultra model like it did last year. Apple completely sat out a refresh in 2024, only tossing in a black titanium finish for the Watch Ultra 2 and calling it a day. So, by the time the next model potentially rolls around this fall, it'll have been nearly two years since we've seen any real upgrade to the Ultra lineup. And hopefully, that wait pays off. And timing-wise, the Ultra 3 would be a perfect launchpad for Apple's new watchOS 26, which was just previewed earlier this month. The update includes a fresh design language and smarter functionality across the board. The most noticeable change in the new OS is visual. Apple's calling it Liquid Glass. It's a new real-time design system that makes menus and pop-ups look more dynamic, with light and depth that respond as you move through the watch. Basically, everything looks smoother and more alive. Video credit – Apple Plus, with watchOS 26, Apple is also bringing its AI-powered Apple Intelligence to the Workout app with a new feature called Workout Buddy. It gives you real-time spoken coaching based on your heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, and past performance. And let's be real – that's exactly the kind of feature Ultra users would appreciate while training outdoors or pushing their limits. Aside from all this, it sounds like the Ultra 3 will stick with the same bright display from the Ultra 2 – that's the one that cranks up to 3,000 nits, which is a step up from the original Ultra's 2,000-nit screen. So, visibility in direct sunlight? Still going to be top-notch. If you are still holding on to the first-gen Ultra, this might finally be the upgrade that feels worth it. Two years of development should mean a lot more than the usual minor changes we get year after year. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if more tech companies followed this pattern. Not every product needs a new version every year. Sometimes, real innovation comes from taking your time and dropping something that actually moves the needle. But first things first – let's see if the Ultra 3 actually shows up this year. After skipping 2024, the bar's already set pretty high. If Apple skips again, the hype for 2026 is going to be off the charts. And if it really ends up being three years? Then yeah, I'd want something big – maybe blood sugar monitoring. Why not, right?
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
Five New Apple Watch Features Coming With WatchOS 26
Five New Apple Watch Features Coming With WatchOS 26 Five New Apple Watch Features Coming With WatchOS 26 Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 4:43 Loaded : 6.31% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 4:43 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Five New Apple Watch Features Coming With WatchOS 26 Five New Apple Watch Features Coming With WatchOS 26 Jun 16, 2025 Tech Show Transcript Your Apple Watch is about to get a workout buddy and a new design, but not everyone will get it. We're breaking down all the good news, along with the not so great news from the WWDC keynote.
Geeky Gadgets
4 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
watchOS 26: Surprising Features That Make It UNDERRATED
Apple's latest smartwatch operating system, watchOS 26, introduces a series of enhancements aimed at improving performance, usability, and integration within the broader Apple ecosystem. While it may not have garnered widespread attention, this update offers a variety of meaningful improvements that can significantly enhance your Apple Watch experience. Whether you rely on your device for health tracking, productivity, or seamless connectivity, watchOS 26 delivers features that are both practical and impactful. The video below from Nikias Molina gives us a look at the new watchOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Performance Enhancements for a Smoother Experience watchOS 26 builds on the foundation of its predecessors with a strong emphasis on speed and efficiency. The update introduces several under-the-hood optimizations that ensure your Apple Watch operates more fluidly and responsively. Key improvements include: Faster app launches and smoother transitions between screens, reducing wait times and enhancing usability. and smoother transitions between screens, reducing wait times and enhancing usability. Noticeably reduced latency for tasks such as opening notifications or switching between apps. for tasks such as opening notifications or switching between apps. Enhanced multitasking capabilities, allowing for instantaneous navigation and improved responsiveness during daily use. These performance upgrades make the Apple Watch feel more dynamic and capable, making sure that it keeps up with your fast-paced lifestyle. Refined User Interface and Simplified Navigation The user interface in watchOS 26 has been thoughtfully redesigned to improve clarity and ease of use. These updates make interacting with your Apple Watch more intuitive and efficient. Notable changes include: Sharper icons and improved contrast, enhancing readability in various lighting conditions. and improved contrast, enhancing readability in various lighting conditions. Streamlined navigation with intuitive gestures , such as swiping to switch watch faces or access key settings. , such as swiping to switch watch faces or access key settings. Reduced reliance on multiple taps, allowing quicker and more efficient interactions with your device. These refinements ensure that everyday tasks are simpler and more accessible, allowing you to focus on what matters most without unnecessary complexity. Enhanced Health and Fitness Tracking Features Health and fitness remain at the core of the Apple Watch experience, and watchOS 26 takes these functionalities to new heights. The update introduces advanced tools and metrics to help you better understand and manage your health. Key additions include: Advanced performance metrics for activities such as running, cycling, and swimming, offering deeper insights into your fitness progress. for activities such as running, cycling, and swimming, offering deeper insights into your fitness progress. Expanded sleep analysis tools, providing a more comprehensive understanding of your rest patterns and actionable recommendations for improvement. and actionable recommendations for improvement. New stress monitoring features, allowing you to track and manage your overall wellness with greater precision. These updates cater to both casual users and fitness enthusiasts, making it easier to achieve your health goals and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Deeper Integration with the Apple Ecosystem watchOS 26 strengthens the Apple Watch's role as an integral component of the Apple ecosystem, offering new ways to stay connected and in control. The update introduces several features that enhance the synergy between your Apple devices: Seamless control of smart home devices via the Home app, allowing you to manage your environment directly from your wrist. via the Home app, allowing you to manage your environment directly from your wrist. Automatic unlocking of your Mac when your Apple Watch is nearby, streamlining your workflow and enhancing convenience. Improved synchronization with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, creating a cohesive user experience across the ecosystem. These integrations highlight Apple's commitment to delivering a connected experience that simplifies your daily interactions and enhances productivity. Productivity Tools for Enhanced Efficiency For users who rely on their Apple Watch to stay organized, watchOS 26 introduces several productivity-focused enhancements designed to streamline your daily routine. These tools include: An updated Calendar app with improved event management capabilities, making it easier to keep track of your schedule. capabilities, making it easier to keep track of your schedule. Focus mode integration, syncing with your iPhone to help you minimize distractions and stay on task. and stay on task. Enhanced dictation features, offering more accurate message composition and note-taking for improved communication and organization. These updates ensure that your Apple Watch remains a valuable tool for managing your time and staying productive, whether you're at work or on the go. A Meaningful Upgrade for Apple Watch Users watchOS 26 may not have made headlines, but its thoughtful updates make it a noteworthy upgrade for Apple Watch users. From faster performance and a refined user interface to advanced health tracking and seamless ecosystem integration, this operating system caters to a wide range of needs. Whether you're a casual user looking for convenience or a power user seeking advanced functionality, watchOS 26 offers meaningful improvements that enhance the Apple Watch experience. If you're aiming to maximize the potential of your device, this update is well worth exploring. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in watchOS 26. Source & Image Credit: Nikias Molina Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
watchOS 26 preview: 5 new Apple Watch features I can't wait to try
Your Apple Watch is about to get a major (free) update — at least if you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or later. During last week's WWDC, we got our first detailed look at watchOS 12… I mean, watchOS 26. Going forward, Apple's latest operating system release will reflect the last two digits of the coming year. This change affects not just watchOS but all Apple operating systems for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and so forth. While the introduction of a new 'liquid glass' aesthetic — borrowed from visionOS — is easily the most visually impactful change to the Apple Watch operating system in years, it's not the improvement I'm most excited about. In fact, it doesn't even make my top five list. Nope. As someone who reviews smartwatches for a living, these are the five new Apple Watch features coming in watchOS 26 I'm most excited to try in 2025. Ever since Apple introduced its "shake to shuffle" feature on iPod, I've been hooked on the concept of gesture controls for gadgets. Presently, the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 also support Apple's Double Tap gesture control, where users can press their index finger and thumb together on the watch-worn hand to trigger a customizable action. Essentially, it will free you from having to interact with the screen when you're otherwise distracted. Now Apple is adding even more gesture control in the form of "Wrist Flick." With the release of watchOS 26, this action will allow you to silence alarms, dismiss calls and messages, turn off timers and quiet pings. Essentially, it will free you from having to interact with the screen when you're otherwise distracted, or in the case of sleeping, don't feel like opening your eyes. Unfortunately, this seemingly super-useful new gesture will only be available on the Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 models. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking of annoying pings and notifications, watchOS 26 should make your Apple Watch feel a little less intrusive during the day-to-day. The new operating system introduces smarter notifications that take a hint from your surroundings. Rather than let the entire library reading room or train quiet car know that you've received a message from a friend, your Apple Watch will now measure the ambient noise levels of your surroundings and adjust the notification sound volume accordingly to be less irritating to those around you. Last year's watchOS 11 release introduced on-wrist translations. Now, Apple is taking the concept a step further with 'Live Translation' in the messaging app. This new tool, available on the Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2, will automatically translate incoming texts into a user's default language. I could see this feature being particularly useful when traveling abroad, especially if you're the type of person who easily makes friends while on holiday, language barriers be damned. This also seems like a super handy tool for communicating with friends and family members partial to a language other than your own. Now I can visually scan my shopping list — created on my iPhone hours prior — mid grocery run via a glance at the wrist. I use Apple's Notes app for a wide range of tasks, from jotting down grocery and to-do lists, to recording dreams, article concepts, date night ideas and so much more. Now, finally, Apple is bringing this simple yet oh-so-useful app to the Apple Watch. Users will be able to record notes either via dictation, the tiny virtual keyboard or through Siri. Of course, you don't need to create the note on your Apple Watch. As always, a user's notes get shared across all connected devices, meaning now I can visually scan my shopping list — created earlier on my iPhone — mid-grocery run via a glance at the wrist. Rumors strongly suggested some sort of AI-powered workout coach coming to Apple Watch, and they turned out to be true. Apple's new AI "Workout Buddy" feature — available on Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 — is designed to deliver personalized words of encouragement, wellness insights and more mid and post workout. These messages — delivered via Bluetooth audio — are based on factors like your current heart rate, pace or speed, as well as Activity Ring history and personal workout milestones. Once you're done, the Workout Buddy sums up your efforts with key stats, along with some final thoughts to gas you up for your next session. While it sounds a tad cheesy to me (do I really need a computer-generated voice giving me a pep talk before my next bike ride?), I'm cautiously optimistic that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI-powered health features on Apple Watch. The watchOS 26 developer beta is available now, while the public beta — which anyone can try — is set for a July release. As with previous updates, the full release of watchOS 26 is expected in the fall. All Apple Watch models Series 6 and later are eligible for the upgrade, as well as both SE and Ultra models.
