- Apple’s watchOS 26 is a significant software update for Apple Watch, introducing a new “Liquid Glass” design and a host of fresh features ranging from smarter widgets to advanced health tools 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. It launched in September 2025 as a free upgrade for compatible models.
- Compatibility is limited: Only Apple Watch Series 6 and later (including Apple Watch SE 2nd gen and all Ultra models) can install watchOS 26, paired with an iPhone running iOS 26 9to5mac.com theguardian.com. This leaves older watches (Series 5 and earlier) stuck on previous software – a point of frustration for some long-time users.
- A surprise watchOS 26.0.1 patch rolled out shortly after, but almost no one can get it yet. Apple released watchOS 26.0.1 exclusively for the brand-new Apple Watch Ultra 3, enabling satellite-based Messages and Find My features in Mexico 9to5mac.com. Owners of other models won’t see this update initially, underscoring how very few users can install it at this time 9to5mac.com.
- Major new features in watchOS 26 include:
- A refined Liquid Glass UI that makes on-screen elements semi-translucent, with rounded, reflective effects for icons, widgets, and notifications 9to5mac.com. This gives the watch interface a glossy, modern look unified across Apple’s devices.
- Smarter navigation and controls: A Smart Stack widget column that proactively surfaces relevant info with context-based “hints,” plus a new wrist flick gesture to instantly dismiss notifications or calls by turning your wrist 9to5mac.com apple.com. The Control Center and app interfaces have been refreshed for simplicity under the new design.
- New health and fitness tools: Apple Watch can now monitor potential hypertension (high blood pressure) signs via the heart sensor and alert users over time 9to5mac.com. A new Sleep Score combines sleep data into a single nightly metric with detailed breakdowns in the Sleep app 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. The Workout app gets its biggest overhaul yet, including Workout Buddy, an AI-driven voice coach that gives personalized pep talks and insights during exercise 9to5mac.com apple.com.
- Expanded apps and communication:Messages on Apple Watch now offer Live Translation of incoming texts and smarter reply suggestions (with help from your iPhone’s “Apple Intelligence” AI) apple.com apple.com. For the first time, a Notes app comes to Apple Watch, allowing users to dictate and view notes on the wrist bgr.com. The Phone app gains Call Screening and Hold Assist, working with iPhone to screen unknown callers and wait on hold for you 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com.
- New watch faces (and lost old ones): watchOS 26 adds two new watch faces – Flow, which uses Liquid Glass numerals with shifting colors, and Exactograph, a precise multi-dial timekeeper 9to5mac.com. Apple Watch Ultra models also get a special Waypoint face with a live compass and satellite info. However, Apple also removed five popular watch faces (Fire & Water, Gradient, Liquid Metal, Toy Story, and Vapor) in this update bgr.com, a decision that upset some users who loved those animated designs.
- Experts have mixed reactions: Reviewers praise watchOS 26’s forward strides in health and polish, calling it “absolutely worth installing… a great update that pushes the Apple Watch in the right direction” bgr.com. However, some note it is “the most underwhelming” of Apple’s 2025 software updates bgr.com, lamenting that beyond the flashy Liquid Glass visuals, many features feel incremental. Notably, critics point out Apple made watchOS 26 “more reliant on the iPhone”, since key AI features (like Live Translation and Workout Buddy) only work with a paired iPhone nearby bgr.com apple.com.
- User community feedback is divided: Many Apple Watch owners welcome additions like Sleep Score and the voice-coaching Workout Buddy, but others are disappointed that deeper fitness analytics or truly independent watch capabilities are still missing. In online forums, some described watchOS 26 as “extremely underwhelming,” calling Workout Buddy a “gimmick no one asked for” and wishing Apple had added more advanced training guidance akin to Garmin’s tools reddit.com. Removal of beloved watch faces has also been a sore point for loyal users bgr.com.
- Implications for Apple Watch’s future: watchOS 26’s strict hardware requirements and reliance on the latest iPhones hint at Apple’s strategy going forward. By dropping support for models older than Series 6, Apple is focusing on watches with newer chips (for AI and sensor capabilities) and likely laying groundwork for features like blood pressure monitoring and other health functions that need modern hardware bgr.com. This update cycle also shows Apple isn’t afraid to rebrand and skip version numbers (jumping to “26” to align with iOS/macOS naming theguardian.com), signaling a new era where yearly software updates are tied to the year for clarity. Users of older Apple Watches may receive basic security fixes, but meaningful new features will increasingly be reserved for the latest devices – a trend that could accelerate as Apple pushes into more advanced health tracking and AI-driven experiences on the wrist.
Overview: What Are watchOS 26 and 26.0.1?
watchOS 26 is Apple’s newest operating system for the Apple Watch, released in mid-September 2025 alongside iOS 26 for iPhone. It represents one of the biggest yearly updates to the Apple Watch software, introducing a major design refresh and new capabilities across fitness, health, and everyday apps. Notably, Apple skipped from last year’s watchOS 11 straight to “26” in naming – a change meant to align all Apple OS versions with the 2025/2026 year (iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc.) theguardian.com. In practical terms, watchOS 26 is the successor to watchOS 11 (2024’s release), but with a new name and identity to match Apple’s “Liquid Glass” interface theme across devices.
watchOS 26.0.1 is a small follow-up patch that Apple quietly began rolling out a few days after the initial 26.0 release. However, this 26.0.1 update comes with a big catch: at first, it’s only available to the all-new Apple Watch Ultra 3 model 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. Apple often issues quick “.0.1” patches after major releases to fix bugs or enable late-breaking features, and in this case the update is specifically meant to unlock satellite messaging capabilities on the Ultra 3. According to Apple’s release notes, watchOS 26.0.1 “enables Messages and Find My via satellite in Mexico for Apple Watch Ultra 3 users.” 9to5mac.com This suggests that the Ultra 3’s unique hardware (which supports satellite connectivity, much like recent iPhone models’ Emergency SOS feature) needed an extra tweak that other watches don’t. For now, owners of any other Apple Watch won’t even see 26.0.1 appear – it is exclusive to Ultra 3, meaning very few users can install it at this time 9to5mac.com. Apple is expected to release a broader 26.0.1 (or a 26.1) for all supported models later, once additional fixes are ready, bringing the rest of the Apple Watch lineup back in sync with the Ultra’s software.
In summary, watchOS 26 is a major annual upgrade packed with new features, while 26.0.1 is a minor update with an extremely limited initial rollout. Next, let’s dive into what changes watchOS 26 brings, why only certain watches (and users) get to enjoy it, and how it stacks up against both earlier versions and competing smartwatch platforms.
Compatibility and Why Few Users Can Install It
One of the first questions Apple Watch owners have is whether their device can run watchOS 26. The compatibility list is notably stricter this year, leaving some older models behind. Apple has confirmed that only Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation or later), and all Apple Watch Ultra models support watchOS 26 9to5mac.com. In practice, this means any Apple Watch released in 2020 or later can upgrade, while anything from 2019 or earlier cannot. For example, the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 – released in 2018 and 2019 respectively – are not eligible for watchOS 26. These models had been able to run last year’s watchOS 11, but they’ve now reached end-of-line for major new features. All newer watches, from Series 6 (2020) through Series 10 (2024) and the Ultra line, are in the clear.
Apple’s move to drop support for Series 4 and 5 aligns with roughly a five-year support window for Watch hardware. Those older watches will still work on their last supported OS (watchOS 11) and continue pairing with iPhones running iOS 25 or earlier. Some users with older models have voiced concern or confusion – for instance, one Series 4 owner described seeing an update prompt for watchOS 26 that their watch could not fulfill, initially fearing the device was “officially dead.” In reality, the watch isn’t bricked – it will keep functioning on watchOS 11, just without new features and with potential limitations when paired to an iOS 26 phone reddit.com reddit.com. (Apple clarified that certain new Fitness app features requiring watchOS 26 simply won’t be available on the watch, but core tracking still works.) Nonetheless, if you have an older Apple Watch and you’ve updated your iPhone, you might encounter warnings about missing features – a clear sign that Apple is nudging users to consider newer watches if they want the latest capabilities.
It’s also important to note that upgrading to watchOS 26 requires an up-to-date iPhone. Apple mandates that your paired iPhone be on iOS 26 (or later) before you can install watchOS 26 on the watch theguardian.com. Additionally, iOS 26 itself only runs on iPhone 11 or newer models theguardian.com. In short, the Apple Watch and iPhone both need to be relatively recent to move into the 2025 software generation.
As for the watchOS 26.0.1 update, the compatibility is even narrower. As mentioned, version 26.0.1 is currently limited to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which launched alongside the software. The Ultra 3 is a premium, niche device (the third iteration of Apple’s rugged, high-end watch introduced in 2022), so only those who bought the very latest Ultra model have access to this patch. The rationale is that 26.0.1’s only new feature pertains to satellite connectivity – and the Ultra 3 is the first Apple Watch to include a satellite antenna for off-grid communication 9to5mac.com. Apple often staggers such device-specific updates; other Apple Watch models simply don’t have that hardware, so they don’t need this particular patch. The company has indicated that broader release of a 26.0.1 (or another minor update) will follow for all supported models, likely to address any early bugs and bring the version number in line 9to5mac.com. But at launch, it’s a peculiar situation where the “latest” watchOS version is effectively not accessible to 99% of users, only to a few early adopters of Apple’s priciest watch.
The restrictive compatibility of watchOS 26 highlights Apple’s evolving support strategy. By capping the update to Series 6 and up, Apple ensures that all devices running the new OS have relatively modern processors (the S6 chip or newer) and sensors. This is likely essential for some of watchOS 26’s more demanding features – particularly those leveraging on-device machine learning or the new Apple Intelligence integration, which might not have performed well on older, slower hardware. Apple is effectively concentrating its latest innovations on newer watches, even if it means leaving some loyal users’ devices on older software. For consumers, it underscores that the Apple Watch, much like the iPhone, has a finite span of full software support before hardware upgrades become necessary to enjoy new functionality.
New Features and Changes in watchOS 26
Despite the hurdles to get it, watchOS 26 delivers a rich set of changes. From visual design tweaks to entirely new app capabilities, it touches almost every aspect of the Apple Watch experience. Here’s an in-depth look at the standout features and how they improve (or alter) the user experience:
Liquid Glass Design and Interface Enhancements
The first thing you’ll notice after updating is the new look and feel. Apple introduced a design language called Liquid Glass in watchOS 26, marking the biggest UI refresh for the Watch in years. This design makes interface elements appear as if they are made of glass – translucent, rounded, and reflective theguardian.com bgr.com. Apps, widgets, and notifications now float above the background with a soft frosted-glass effect, subtly reflecting nearby colors. Buttons and icons are more rounded with a sheen, and you can partly see through them to what’s beneath, creating a sense of depth theguardian.com theguardian.com. It’s a style Apple carried across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch this year, aiming for a unified aesthetic. On Apple Watch, the change is noticeable but not over-the-top – as one reporter put it, the watch was “already moving toward this new creative direction, so the differences aren’t as obvious” as on the iPhone bgr.com. Still, elements like the Control Center have been simplified with Liquid Glass icons and feel “more sleek” at a glance bgr.com.
Beyond cosmetics, navigation and gestures get smarter. Apple has doubled down on the Smart Stack, a vertical carousel of widgets (like weather, calendar, music, etc.) introduced in a previous version. In watchOS 26, the Smart Stack becomes even more proactive, using what Apple calls “prediction algorithms” plus sensor and routine data to offer contextual suggestions right on your watch face androidcentral.com. These are called Smart Stack Hints – tiny icon prompts that appear when the watch predicts you might need something. For example, if it’s your usual workout time and your GPS location is at the gym, you might see a little Pilates icon pop up, suggesting a workout widget androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Or if you’re in a remote area with no connectivity, a Backtrack icon might surface (reminding you of the back-trail navigation feature) apple.com. The idea is to save you from digging through apps by anticipating your needs. Apple’s competitor Samsung is attempting something similar with a “Now Bar” on Galaxy watches, but observers note Apple’s Smart Stack can stack multiple suggestions, potentially making it more useful androidcentral.com.
Another welcome addition is a new “wrist flick” gesture for managing notifications. Now, if a notification comes in and you glance at your watch but don’t want to deal with it, you can simply flick your wrist away and back to dismiss it apple.com. This uses the watch’s accelerometer and gyroscope along with machine learning to detect the motion apple.com. It’s a subtle but handy trick – for instance, if you’re cooking or holding something and can’t tap the screen, a quick wrist roll can silence an incoming call or alarm. (Notably, Samsung’s watches have had a similar “shake to dismiss” gesture, showing how ideas bounce around in the industry androidcentral.com.) Wrist flick joins last year’s double-tap gesture in Apple’s one-handed control arsenal. Together, these gestures let you do more without touching the tiny screen, which is great when your other hand is occupied with a dog leash or a cup of coffee apple.com.
The Workouts app interface also sees a redesign, fitting into the overall theme of easier access and less clutter. Apple said it’s “the biggest update to [Workout’s] layout and navigation” since the app launched apple.com. The new layout puts four quick-access buttons at the corners of the screen during a workout, letting you swiftly toggle metrics, change workout goals, access music, etc., without swiping through multiple screens apple.com. In essence, watchOS 26 tries to surface what you need at the moment you need it, whether through Smart Stack hints, simplified controls, or intuitive gestures. These refinements, while not flashy on their own, add up to a more seamless and “expressive” user interface 9to5mac.com that makes the Apple Watch feel more intelligent and aware of your context.
Advanced Health and Fitness Features
Health tracking has long been a selling point of Apple Watch, and watchOS 26 pushes further on that front with some groundbreaking additions. The headline feature is the introduction of hypertension monitoring notifications – a first-of-its-kind capability on a mainstream smartwatch. Using the optical heart rate sensor (and likely analyzing pulse wave velocity or other subtle signals), the watch can now attempt to detect patterns that might indicate high blood pressure over time 9to5mac.com. If the system sees consistent signs of hypertension, it will proactively notify the user so they can seek medical advice or lifestyle changes 9to5mac.com. This isn’t a full replacement for a blood pressure cuff, but it’s akin to how Apple Watch can flag irregular heart rhythms: a background wellness alert. Apple is reportedly working on dedicated blood pressure sensor hardware, but until that arrives, this software-based approach “analyzes blood vessel response” via the existing sensor 9to5mac.com. Not every Apple Watch will get it, though – one reporter notes Apple plans to enable this blood pressure monitoring on Series 9 and newer devices only bgr.com, likely due to the greater accuracy of newer sensors and chips. It shows Apple’s strategy of leveraging its latest hardware for cutting-edge health features (much like ECG was limited to certain models when introduced).
Another much-requested addition is the new Sleep Score. Sleep tracking on Apple Watch launched a couple of years ago in basic form; now it’s being upgraded with a comprehensive scoring system. The watch will compile metrics like your total sleep duration, consistency of your bedtimes, time spent in various sleep stages (deep, REM, etc.), and even interruptions during the night, then boil it down into an easy-to-understand numeric score each night 9to5mac.com. In the updated Sleep app on the watch, you can see the breakdown of how last night’s score was computed – for example, it might show that you slept 7 hours with good consistency but had many interruptions, leading to a moderate score. Trends over time can be viewed in the Health app on the iPhone 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. This mirrors what Fitbit and other fitness trackers have done (giving users a single figure to gauge sleep quality). For Apple users, it’s a welcome tool to quickly gauge how restful your night was, without needing a third-party app.
Of course, the marquee fitness feature in watchOS 26 is Workout Buddy – an AI-powered virtual coach that lives in the Workout app. Apple calls it a “first-of-its-kind fitness experience” that uses Apple Intelligence (their brand of on-device AI) to generate real-time coaching and motivation apple.com. When you start a run or other supported workout, Workout Buddy will speak to you through your AirPods or headphones with personalized remarks. It looks at your past activity and current progress to say things like, “Way to get out for your run this Wednesday morning. You’re 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring. So far this week, you’ve run 6 miles. You’re going to add to that today.” apple.com During the workout, it can chime in at milestones – “Mile four, you picked up the pace and ran that last one in 8:28” – or congratulate you on hitting personal records: “Your total running distance for the year just crossed 200 miles!” apple.com apple.com. At the end, it gives a quick recap of stats and an encouraging sendoff: “That was your longest run of the last 28 days. What will you do next?” apple.com.
All this is generated on the fly using your data, but Apple emphasizes privacy – the analysis happens on-device or with help of your paired iPhone’s Neural Engine, and the coaching voice is a text-to-speech model trained on Fitness+ trainers’ voices for an energetic tone apple.com apple.com. There is a catch, however: Workout Buddy requires a fairly new setup – specifically, an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later apple.com. In other words, it leverages the processing power of the latest iPhone’s “Apple Intelligence” features to create the AI voice and insights, and at least an S9-equipped watch to handle the rest. This limitation has drawn some criticism (more on that in the reactions section), as it means even some users with otherwise compatible watches can’t use Workout Buddy unless they also own a current flagship iPhone.
Apple also expanded the Workout app’s integration with music and media. There’s a new option to automatically start a specific Apple Music playlist or a podcast when you begin a workout. You can set up, say, an energetic playlist for your running workouts that kicks in as soon as you hit “Start” on a run. The app can even intelligently choose a playlist for you based on the workout type and what you like – e.g. upbeat tracks for a high-intensity interval session apple.com. Alternatively, it will suggest something you’ve listened to recently during that type of exercise apple.com. These touches make the Apple Watch more of a standalone workout companion – you could leave your iPhone behind (if you have a cellular watch or just sync music) and still get curated tunes to keep you moving.
Overall, watchOS 26 strengthens Apple Watch’s position as a health monitor and fitness coach. With blood pressure alerts, better sleep analysis, and an AI cheerleader in your ear, Apple is clearly pushing into territory that blurs the line between a gadget and a personal health advisor. Some users love this direction, while others worry it’s not going far enough (like wanting even deeper training analysis). But there’s no doubt Apple is leveraging its vast health data ecosystem to deliver features that make the watch more useful for well-being.
New Apps and Smarter Communication
Apple Watch is also becoming more independent and capable as an everyday mini-computer on your wrist. One of the most notable additions in watchOS 26 is the arrival of a full-fledged Notes app on Apple Watch 9to5mac.com. For years, users have asked for a way to jot down thoughts or view notes without grabbing their phone. Now you can do it: the Notes app on watchOS 26 lets you dictate quick notes, view your iCloud notes, and even see notes you pinned for easy access. It syncs with the Notes app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. An expert reviewer highlighted this as a win for standalone utility, saying Apple added features that “prove the watch is still a great standalone wearable”, citing the new Notes app as an example of being able to capture thoughts on the go and later see them on other devices bgr.com bgr.com. In short, if you get an idea during a jog, you can raise your wrist and speak it into Notes, which is a genuinely useful capability.
Communication via messages and calls also gets smarter on watchOS 26. Apple has brought some powerful iPhone features to the Watch’s Messages app, centered around on-device AI. Live Translation is now supported for incoming texts: if someone texts you in a different language, your watch can automatically translate it in real time to your preferred language apple.com apple.com. When you reply, it can translate your response back for the recipient. Initially, this live translate feature is limited to the newest watches (Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2) and again requires that Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone nearby apple.com apple.com, but it showcases Apple’s vision of breaking language barriers from your wrist. Additionally, Messages on the watch will use context from conversations to suggest relevant actions – for example, if a friend asks “Can you send me $10 for the gift?”, the watch might intelligently surface an Apple Cash button, or if someone says “Text me when you get home,” the watch could suggest using the new iOS 26 Check In feature apple.com. These contextual prompts mean you don’t have to navigate through apps manually; the Watch understands the gist of the chat and offers one-tap shortcuts.
Apple also didn’t forget phone call management. The Phone app on Apple Watch gains two handy features that work in tandem with your iPhone: Call Screening and Hold Assist 9to5mac.com. Call Screening lets your iPhone’s AI answer unknown callers for you, ask them to state their name and purpose, and transcribe the response – all while you see this on your watch and decide if you want to pick up. This is an extension of a feature introduced on iPhone, now conveniently viewable on Apple Watch so you can screen a call without taking out your phone. Hold Assist is another iPhone feature (introduced in iOS 26) where your phone can wait on hold for you when dialing a customer support line, then alert you on the watch once a human comes on the line 9to5mac.com. The synergy between watchOS 26 and iOS 26 is strong – many features are essentially second screens for what the iPhone is doing, which is incredibly useful but also reinforces that the Watch still depends on the iPhone for its most advanced tricks.
In terms of accessibility and audio, Live Listen on Apple Watch now offers real-time captions. That means if your iPhone is using the microphone to listen to the environment or a conversation (a feature originally for hearing assistance), the transcribed captions can be shown on your watch face 9to5mac.com. It’s like having subtitles for the world, right on your wrist – another small example of the Apple ecosystem working together to assist users.
One thing to note: while Apple greatly expanded what the Watch’s built-in apps can do, it still does not allow third-party watch faces or truly independent third-party apps (outside of what’s on the App Store) to run without a phone connection for certain tasks. Some in the developer community have long hoped for the freedom to create custom watch faces or more autonomous Watch apps. WatchOS 26 doesn’t open those floodgates – Apple continues to curate the watch face selection itself (even removing some, as mentioned). So in the realm of apps and watch faces, Apple Watch remains a bit of a walled garden compared to, say, Google’s Wear OS which allows third-party watch face downloads. Apple seems to believe this control ensures a consistent and optimized user experience, though it’s a point of debate among power users.
New Watch Faces (Plus Saying Goodbye to Some Old Ones)
Apple Watch fans often look forward to new watch faces with each OS update, and this year brings a couple of fresh options – with a twist that some old favorites are disappearing at the same time. watchOS 26 introduces two new watch faces available to all users:Flow and Exactograph 9to5mac.com.
- Flow is a colorful, artistic face that showcases the Liquid Glass aesthetic. It displays the time with shifting numerals that swirl and flow in dynamic colors, reacting to the movement of your wrist 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. The numbers look like they’re made of liquid, morphing shape as you tilt the watch. It’s a face designed to emphasize the new visual style, turning the whole display into a kind of moving art piece with each glance.
- Exactograph is a very different vibe – a modern take on a classic regulator clock, which separates the hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct sub-dials 9to5mac.com. Think of an old-school precision clock where you might have one large hand for seconds, another dial for hours, etc. This face is about precise timekeeping, catering to those who want a more technical or sophisticated look. It’s likely to appeal to watch enthusiasts who appreciate horological quirks, as it’s uncommon among smartwatches to mimic that style.
Additionally, for owners of the Apple Watch Ultra series (the rugged, outdoor-oriented model), Apple made a special face called Waypoint. The Waypoint face includes a live compass and direct access to GPS/satellite features, plus a Night Mode with a red low-light filter for better visibility in the dark 9to5mac.com. It’s purpose-built to take advantage of the Ultra’s larger screen and adventure-focused sensors (like the depth gauge, compass, and now satellite connectivity on Ultra 3). Ultra users can use Waypoint to always see direction and coordinate info at a glance – something hikers or boaters would appreciate.
Now for the downside: Apple has continued its trend of retiring certain watch faces. In watchOS 26, a total of five existing faces have been removed from the lineup bgr.com. These include some of the more playful and visually rich faces Apple created in past years:
- Fire and Water – an animated face that used to show real filmed fire or water engulfing the screen.
- Gradient – a simple face that displayed the time against a shifting gradient background.
- Liquid Metal – another artistic face with metallic liquid animation (from the same family as Fire/Water).
- Toy Story – a face featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other Toy Story characters that would animate and greet the user.
- Vapor – a colorful face with billowing vapor/cloud effects.
These were all introduced in earlier watchOS versions (the Toy Story face, for instance, dates back to watchOS 4 in 2017). Apple’s reasoning for removals isn’t explicitly stated, but we’ve seen this before: last year watchOS 11 cut a few faces (including the classic Timelapse and the original Siri face) to make room for new widget features 9to5mac.com. The Liquid Glass redesign may also have made some older faces technically incompatible or just off-style, so Apple chose to discontinue them. In any case, if you loved seeing Woody tap his boot on your watch screen, you’ll be sad to find that you can’t add that face anymore after updating. (Existing Apple Watch setups that had these faces active might keep them until changed, but they’re no longer selectable.)
The removal has caused a bit of a stir among users – those faces were part of Apple Watch’s character and fun. One Apple writer poured one out for the departed faces, noting how Apple even once boasted about the practical effects used to create them (like filming real fire and water in a studio for authenticity) 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. On the flip side, Apple has introduced plenty of new faces in recent years (in watchOS 11 they added ones like Metropolitan, Playtime, and Lunar, and now Flow/Exactograph). They seem to be curating the collection to focus on faces that leverage new technologies (like always-on display enhancements, Liquid Glass, etc.). For example, watchOS 26 also updates over 20 existing faces to support a “ticking” seconds hand in always-on mode 9to5mac.com – a nod to the Series 10’s advanced display, which can refresh at 1Hz to show the second hand continuously. So Apple is optimizing the face lineup for newer hardware capabilities.
In short, watchOS 26 giveth and taketh away when it comes to watch faces. You get some stylish new choices that show off the watch’s evolved design language, but you might lose access to some nostalgic or beloved older faces. It’s a reminder that Apple Watch’s personality is largely dictated by Apple’s design decisions, as users can’t add third-party faces. For most, the new options and overall polish will be a net positive, but it’s understandable if a few users feel a pang of loss for the Toy Story animations or other retired favorites.
Expert Commentary and Analysis of the Update
Tech experts and journalists have weighed in on watchOS 26, and their commentary has been a mix of enthusiasm for the improvements and critique of certain trade-offs. Here are some key perspectives from those who reviewed or analyzed the update:
Positive reception for the feature set: Many reviewers agree that watchOS 26 is a substantive update that meaningfully improves the Apple Watch. José Adorno at BGR concluded “It’s absolutely worth installing watchOS 26 right away. It’s a great update that pushes the Apple Watch in the right direction.” bgr.com He and others praised how Apple is expanding the watch’s capabilities – from the new health monitoring to quality-of-life changes like the Notes app and refined UI. There is a sense that Apple Watch, now a decade into its existence, is coming into a mature phase where the software can afford to tackle more ambitious ideas (like AI coaching) and refine the experience for seasoned users. The addition of features like Sleep Score and hypertension alerts has been lauded as Apple leveraging its strengths in health tech to stay ahead of competitors. Even skeptics acknowledge that Apple is adding a lot under the hood of this update.
“Most underwhelming update” among Apple’s 2025 lineup: On the flip side, some commentators tempered their excitement by comparing watchOS 26 to Apple’s other big software releases (iOS 26, macOS 26, etc.). In those comparisons, watchOS 26 sometimes came off as less groundbreaking. BGR’s coverage during the summer dubbed it “the most underwhelming operating system update” of WWDC 2025 bgr.com – largely because iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe introduced flashier changes (like revamping the iPhone lock screen and Mac design), whereas the Apple Watch’s changes, aside from the Liquid Glass visuals, felt iterative. Reviewers noted that Apple didn’t introduce radically new apps or a paradigm shift in how you use the watch; instead, they built on existing concepts (widgets, health metrics, etc.). That’s not necessarily a bad thing – it might reflect the Watch’s software maturing. But those expecting a bold new direction (for instance, some hoped for a completely independent App Store on the watch, or a customizable home screen) didn’t get that this year.
Increased reliance on the iPhone: A recurring critique is that several marquee watchOS 26 features heavily depend on having a recent iPhone nearby. The very title of BGR’s review was “More Reliant on the iPhone Than Ever.” The reviewer noted that over the years Apple Watch had been becoming more autonomous – adding cellular models, offline music, etc. – but watchOS 26 in some ways reverses that trend bgr.com. For example, the Apple Intelligence features (AI-powered functions) like Live Translation in Messages or the generative coaching voice in Workout Buddy won’t run solely on the watch’s processor; they require the processing power of an iPhone 15 Pro (or newer) in close proximity apple.com apple.com. This means that to get the full experience of watchOS 26, you not only need a new watch, but also Apple’s latest phone. Some analysts view this as a strategic move by Apple to showcase impressive AI features without overtaxing the watch hardware – essentially offloading to the phone’s neural engine. However, it does raise the question of how much the Apple Watch can really do on its own. As José Adorno put it, “I wish watchOS 26 wasn’t so reliant on the iPhone” even though it adds great features bgr.com. He appreciated new standalone capabilities like the Notes app, but still felt the tether was very much there.
This expert commentary underscores a strategic point: Apple is leveraging its ecosystem advantage (the tight integration of Watch and iPhone) to introduce features quickly, but at the cost of true device independence. Competitors like Google have been trying to make smartwatch features phone-optional (the latest Wear OS watches can do a lot on their own with Wi-Fi or LTE), while Apple still assumes an iPhone in the loop for most advanced tasks.
Expectations and the numbering jump: Analysts also commented on Apple’s unusual decision to jump version numbers. The Guardian’s tech editor noted Apple “switched to a new year-based naming format” for 2025, skipping numbers 12 through 25 in the watchOS sequence theguardian.com. This means watchOS 26 is more of a branding change than a 15-version leap in one year. Tech writers have largely explained this change for the public to avoid confusion – it’s “like sports seasons now” where the software is named after the year it serves theguardian.com. The consensus is that this was a cosmetic change (one that journalists admittedly appreciate for consistency bgr.com), and that watchOS 26 should be judged by its features, not its number. Still, some joked that going from watchOS 11 to 26 raised expectations sky-high, and perhaps it inevitably felt underwhelming because no update could live up to a jump of 15 in name.
Praise for health focus: Health professionals and tech journalists focused on wellness have responded positively to Apple doubling down on health monitoring. The inclusion of hypertension alerts is seen as potentially life-saving if it works accurately, adding to Apple Watch’s portfolio of health features (like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring). Some doctors caution that it’s a very early implementation and users shouldn’t panic over a notification without proper medical follow-up. But overall, experts view it as part of a broader trend of wearables moving into preventative health. Apple’s approach of nudging users with data (e.g., “your blood pressure trend looks high, maybe check it”) rather than giving direct medical advice is deliberate – as one commenter on a forum pointed out, Apple likely wants to avoid liability or over-promising health guidance reddit.com. They stick to motivational or general feedback (Workout Buddy’s cheerleading, trend alerts) rather than telling you “take this action now” with your health.
Reservations about Workout Buddy and “AI” coaching: Fitness experts and enthusiast users have split opinions on the new Workout Buddy. Some see it as a fun, motivational addition – essentially bringing some of the Fitness+ trainer vibe to every outdoor run or gym session. Others are more skeptical. For instance, a serious marathon runner writing on Reddit felt the Workout Buddy was “a gimmick that no one asked for” and was disappointed Apple didn’t use its AI for deeper training insights (like guided training plans, VO₂ max improvement tips, recovery advice) reddit.com reddit.com. They noted that third-party apps (Athlytic, TrainingPeaks, etc.) and competitors like Garmin offer more actionable coaching, whereas Apple’s Buddy is currently just giving pep talks and basic stats. Tech reviewers also pointed out that requiring an iPhone 15 Pro for Buddy is a limiting factor – if you go running with just your cellular watch to free yourself from the phone, ironically you can’t get your AI coach’s voice because the brain for it was left at home. That design decision was criticized as being counter to the Apple Watch Ultra’s very purpose (to free you from your phone on adventures) bgr.com bgr.com. We may see Apple address this in future watches by building more AI processing into the watch itself, but for now, experts have flagged it as a compromise.
Big picture – polishing a mature platform: The overarching analysis from experts is that watchOS 26 is an evolutionary update, not a revolutionary one. It refines the user interface, extends Apple’s lead in health features, and tightens integration with the iPhone’s new capabilities. There’s a sense that Apple Watch as a platform is maturing: Apple is not looking to radically alter how you use the watch (as they did when they introduced the App Grid, or changed the side button’s function, etc., in earlier days). Instead, they are polishing and adding depth. An Android Central columnist noted that Apple, Google, and Samsung are all converging on similar priorities for 2025 – revamped UI, personalization, and AI features in smartwatches – but each is executing in their own way androidcentral.com. Apple’s way, per the experts, is to execute carefully and within the controlled environment of its ecosystem. That often means a very smooth, integrated experience (something Apple is praised for), but sometimes at the cost of flexibility or backward compatibility.
In summary, expert commentary on watchOS 26 acknowledges it as a solid step forward for Apple Watch, applauding features like Liquid Glass design coherence, health additions, and convenience tweaks. At the same time, critics highlight that Apple played it somewhat safe – there’s no brand-new killer app for the Watch this year, and the coolest innovations rely on having the latest Apple gadgets across the board. The update is seen as Apple doubling down on what it does best (health, seamless ecosystem, premium design) while quietly phasing out older stuff (legacy watch faces, older model support). It sets the stage for future Apple Watch advancements but doesn’t itself break out of the mold that Apple has crafted for its smartwatch.
Comparison with Earlier watchOS Versions (Functionality & UX)
To appreciate how watchOS 26 changes the Apple Watch experience, it’s helpful to compare it with previous versions, especially watchOS 10/11 from recent years (remember that what would have been “watchOS 12” in 2025 is effectively this watchOS 26 due to renumbering). In terms of functionality and user experience, Apple has been steadily evolving the Watch’s software from a simple extension of the iPhone to a more independent, health-centric device. Here are some key ways watchOS 26 differs from its predecessors:
- Visual and interface evolution: If you’re coming from watchOS 9 or 10 (circa 2023), one of the biggest changes was the introduction of the widget-focused UI in watchOS 10. Apple overhauled the interface then by adding the Smart Stack and making apps accessible via the side button, etc. WatchOS 26 builds directly on that. The Smart Stack is now more informative and proactive than it was in watchOS 10/11, thanks to the new hints and Liquid Glass visuals androidcentral.com. The core idea remains the same – a scrollable stack of widgets – but watchOS 26’s version feels more integrated, almost like the widgets are part of your watch face experience rather than a separate layer. In watchOS 11, users had already said goodbye to the dedicated Siri watch face and some older glances in favor of the Smart Stack 9to5mac.com. Now in watchOS 26, that transition is fully realized: the Siri face (and others) are gone and replaced by an AI-enhanced widget system that spans any watch face. For a user upgrading from, say, watchOS 8 (which still had the old honeycomb app launcher as the primary UI and no widget stack), the difference in how you navigate and get info on the Watch is dramatic. WatchOS 26 cements the widget-centric navigation as the new normal.
- Functionality shifts and removals: Each watchOS iteration sometimes retires features. For example, a few years back Apple removed Force Touch (pressing firmly on the screen) as a way to bring up options – it vanished after watchOS 7 when hardware dropped that capability. In watchOS 26, there aren’t major interactions removed, but as discussed, several watch faces were removed (five of them) bgr.com. Compared to earlier versions, this is part of a pattern: Apple has been trimming the fat on watch faces. WatchOS 7 removed some (like Mickey/Minnie’s custom phrases in certain languages, etc.), watchOS 11 removed four faces 9to5mac.com, and now watchOS 26 removes five more. This is different from iOS, where old wallpapers or features are usually kept around longer. It suggests Apple is willing to streamline the Watch experience, possibly to encourage use of newer faces that support modern features (like seconds hand in always-on mode). So an Apple Watch user from a few years ago might find some of their favorite cosmetic options gone after updating to the latest OS.
- Performance and app experience: Under the hood, watchOS has gotten faster and more capable with each generation, partly due to hardware, partly due to software optimization. WatchOS 26, running on devices Series 6 and up, feels snappier partly because those devices have more horsepower. If you compare running the latest OS on the oldest supported watch (Series 6) vs an earlier OS on, say, a Series 5, you’d likely see some improvements in fluidity thanks to the OS being tuned for newer chips. Apple also redesigned many built-in apps in recent updates (e.g., the Weather app got graphical overhaul in watchOS 9, the Workout app UI changed in 10). In watchOS 26, apps like Music and others adopt the Liquid Glass controls, which is a subtle change but it does refresh the look yet again bgr.com. Long-time users might notice these incremental refinements that make the interface more consistent and modern compared to the sometimes skeuomorphic or flat designs of early watchOS apps.
- Comparing health features: Apple typically adds one major health capability each year. A quick look back:
- WatchOS 6 (2019) added menstrual cycle tracking.
- WatchOS 7 (2020) introduced sleep tracking (basic form).
- WatchOS 8 (2021) added respiratory rate during sleep.
- WatchOS 9 (2022) brought advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time) and AFib history.
- WatchOS 10/11 (2023/24) focused on mental health (mood tracking) and some workout API changes.
- Now watchOS 26 (2025) adds blood pressure alerts and Sleep Score.
- Hardware dependency changes: A key functional difference between watchOS 26 and earlier versions is the tighter coupling to new hardware features. For example, last year’s watchOS 11 did introduce the Double Tap gesture (to later be activated on Series 9 watches), but watchOS 26 has multiple features explicitly requiring Series 9/10 or an iPhone 15 Pro. In earlier watchOS, most features (except ECG which needed Series 4+) were available across the board if your watch supported the update. Now we see a stratification: e.g., Live Translation in Messages only works on S9, S10, Ultra 2 apple.com; Wrist Flick gesture is mentioned specifically for Series 9, 10, Ultra 2 as well apple.com; Workout Buddy requires S9 + iPhone 15 Pro, as noted. So from a user experience perspective, two people both on watchOS 26 might have different experiences based on their device generation. This is somewhat new – in earlier versions, aside from ECG or Blood Oxygen which were hardware features, the software experience was more uniform. Now Apple is segmenting features by hardware capability more than before. It makes the newest watches more appealing and justifies upgrades, but it also means not all watchOS 26 users get the same functionality, which wasn’t as pronounced in prior releases.
- Independence and ecosystem: Over time, Apple has gradually untethered the Watch from the iPhone for certain things (e.g., allowing Apple Watch to set up for family members with no iPhone, adding an App Store on the watch in watchOS 6). Yet some core aspects remained tied. WatchOS 26 doesn’t fundamentally change the pairing requirement – you still need an iPhone to set up and update the watch (and now it must be an iPhone on iOS 26). Compared to earlier versions, there’s slightly more independence in that the Notes app and other functions can be used on the watch on its own. But it’s incremental. If one compares to, say, watchOS 3 or 4 era, the modern watch can stream music on its own, handle more offline Siri queries, etc. So functionally, the Apple Watch has grown from a satellite of the phone (pre-watchOS 5, most apps were basically remote controls for phone apps) to a semi-autonomous gadget by watchOS 26. However, as experts noted, the pendulum swung a bit back toward reliance on iPhone with the AI features. Earlier watchOS versions never had features that explicitly needed the latest iPhone model – that’s a new dynamic in 26 that earlier software didn’t have.
In summary, compared to its predecessors, watchOS 26 refines the user experience with a more dynamic UI and extends functionality especially in health and AI areas. It continues trends started in watchOS 10 (widgets over glances) and watchOS 7+ (expanding health metrics), while also marking a shift where new software features can be gated by owning the newest devices. Users of earlier watchOS versions will find 26 familiar in overall structure, but noticeably more polished and “intelligent.” It’s less of a leap in how you use the watch than some past updates were (like the overhaul from watchOS 3 to 4, or 6 to 7), but it brings the platform to a new level of sophistication, albeit optimized for current hardware.
Comparisons to Wear OS and Fitbit OS Platforms
How does watchOS 26 stack up against other smartwatch platforms available today? The two notable competitors are Google’s Wear OS (used by devices like Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, etc.) and what’s left of Fitbit’s OS (on older Fitbit smartwatches, though Fitbit is now part of Google). Each platform has its own philosophy and strengths, and 2025’s updates show some convergence in trends – especially around design and AI – but also highlight differences:
Design and interface: Apple’s new Liquid Glass design in watchOS 26 gives it a fresh visual identity. Google’s Wear OS 4/5 (and the upcoming Wear OS 6 as hinted by Android Central androidcentral.com) also emphasize smooth, modern UI with Material You design elements on watches. Samsung’s One UI Watch (on top of Wear OS for Galaxy Watches) is likewise focusing on refined visuals. However, Apple’s approach is very cohesive – all Apple Watch faces and menus now share that translucent, bubbly look. Wear OS devices can have more varied UIs because different manufacturers tweak the design. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch has a somewhat different look than the Pixel Watch UI. Apple keeps a consistent experience across all its models.
One specific UI element: Apple’s Smart Stack vs Google’s Tiles. Both watchOS and Wear OS use widget-like pages. Google’s Tiles (introduced a few years ago) are essentially glanceable widgets you swipe through on Wear OS. Apple’s Smart Stack, especially with hints in watchOS 26, is a bit more context-aware and layered (multiple widgets stacked, with AI suggestions) androidcentral.com. An Android commentator noted that Pixel and Galaxy owners are eager for their brands to “borrow Apple’s Smart Stack” features androidcentral.com, indicating that Apple’s implementation is seen as something of a leader here. On the flip side, Apple borrowed ideas too – for instance, Apple’s new wrist flick gesture has existed on Wear OS and Samsung watches (you could shake or twist to dismiss alerts) androidcentral.com. Apple’s execution might be smoother, but the concept isn’t unique.
AI and smart features: 2025 is the year AI features hit smartwatches in a visible way. Apple’s using Apple Intelligence (AI) for things like Workout Buddy and Live Translation. Google has its own plans – an AI coach for Fitbit (rumored) and upcoming integration of its Gemini AI model in Wear OS (perhaps for enhanced Assistant or health insights) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Samsung is integrating AI too with things like Bixby Text Call and more personalization. Apple’s advantage is that it controls both the phone and watch, so it offloads heavy AI tasks to the phone. Google’s advantage is its prowess in AI algorithms (Google Assistant is very powerful, for example). An Android Central piece contrasted that Apple’s approach to predicting user needs (Smart Stack hints, etc.) and Google/Samsung’s approach (like Samsung’s upcoming “Now Bar” and Google’s context-aware Assistant) are all aiming for the same goal: a watch that anticipates what you want. It concluded that “revamped UI, personalization, and AI are the priorities for smartwatches in 2025” across the board androidcentral.com. Where Apple stands out is execution – they usually deliver a polished feature that “just works” within the Apple ecosystem. However, one could argue Google’s watches, being not tied to a specific phone brand now, allow more flexibility (for example, a Samsung or Pixel Watch can work with many Android phones, whereas an Apple Watch only works with iPhones).
Health and sensors: The Apple Watch has a robust set of health features and is often ahead in certain areas. For instance, Apple introduced ECG in 2018, fall detection, blood oxygen sensor, etc. Fitbit (and now Google) has had some of these too – Fitbit had SpO₂ and detailed sleep analysis early on, and some Fitbit models did stress tracking with EDA sensors. As of 2025, Apple Watch’s new hypertension alert is fairly unique. No Wear OS watch yet claims to warn of hypertension (though some Samsung Galaxy Watch models can measure blood pressure with a cuff calibration, that’s an active measurement, not passive alerts). Apple’s cycle tracking and AFib history are FDA-cleared type features that not all competitors have. On the other hand, devices like the Garmin watches or Fitbit focus on things like recovery metrics, readiness scores, and multi-day battery life for continuous health tracking. Apple still generally requires daily charging, which is a drawback for things like sleep tracking (though they’ve optimized it enough that many people do wear it overnight and just charge in the morning).
Comparatively, Fitbit OS (used in Fitbit Versa and Sense devices up to 2023) is very health-centric and simple. It doesn’t have the fancy UI of watchOS 26 or the breadth of apps – it’s mostly about step count, heart rate, sleep score (Fitbit was a pioneer of sleep scoring, which Apple is now emulating), and pushing notifications. Fitbit’s platform has stagnated somewhat since Google acquired them; no new Fitbit OS watches have been released since 2022, and Google seems to be folding Fitbit’s best features into Wear OS (the Pixel Watch has Fitbit exercise tracking, etc.). A recent news blurb noted that despite no new hardware, Fitbit remains popular with fitness folks in 2025 the-express.com – likely due to its simplicity and community. But Fitbit OS is nowhere near as powerful or versatile as watchOS 26. For example, you can’t run full apps or stream music from a Fitbit watch; they have limited watch face customization and a smaller selection of third-party extensions. Apple’s watchOS is leagues ahead in capability – essentially a tiny computer on your wrist – whereas Fitbit OS is more of a dedicated fitness tracker OS.
App ecosystems: Apple’s watchOS has the largest app ecosystem among smartwatches. You have thousands of Apple Watch apps and strong integration with iPhone apps. Wear OS also supports third-party apps (via Google Play on the watch) and has made a resurgence lately – popular apps like Spotify, Strava, Google Maps, etc. are on Wear OS. But historically, Wear OS had a lull and fewer optimized apps until the recent revival with Pixel Watch. Apple’s advantage is developer incentive: the affluent Apple Watch user base encourages companies to make watch apps. Also, Apple tightly integrates its own services – e.g., Apple Pay, Apple Music, Fitness+ – into watchOS. Google’s watches integrate Google services (Assistant, Maps, Wallet) well, and now they even allow third-party tiles and watch faces openly. Apple does not allow custom watch faces, whereas on Wear OS you can download myriad watch faces or even make your own. This is a notable difference: Customization is greater on Wear OS, while polish and consistency are greater on watchOS.
Device compatibility and user base: Apple Watch only works with iPhone. Wear OS watches work with Android phones (and technically can work with iPhones in a very limited way, but practically, they’re for Android users). Fitbit watches work with both iOS and Android via the Fitbit app. So Apple’s approach is ecosystem lock-in, which has pros and cons. If you’re an iPhone user, Apple Watch is often considered the best choice because of how seamlessly it works (iMessage, notifications, etc.). If you’re not on iPhone, Apple Watch isn’t even an option – that’s where Wear OS and Fitbit come in.
Interestingly, Apple’s move to drop older watch support in watchOS 26 might push some users (who don’t want to buy a new watch) to consider alternatives. For example, someone with an iPhone and a Series 4 that’s now outdated might either upgrade to a newer Apple Watch or possibly switch to a different wearable. However, given Apple Watch’s deep integration, iPhone users often stick with Apple’s offering rather than use something like a Fitbit (which wouldn’t integrate with Apple’s Health and other apps as neatly).
Feature cross-pollination: The smartwatch industry has a lot of copying (or “inspiration”). As one journalist wryly observed, “feature thievery is rampant and indiscriminate” – meaning Apple, Google, Samsung all borrow each other’s ideas freely androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Apple introduced fall detection; now others have similar safety features. Fitbit had Daily Readiness score; Apple introduced a simpler Day summary in Fitness (not as advanced yet). Google introduced Assistant on watches; Apple improved Siri offline capabilities. Apple added handwashing detection in 2020; Samsung added a wash timer too. Apple’s new Smart Stack hints might inspire Google to do something similar in a future Wear OS (perhaps deeper Google Now integration). Meanwhile, Apple often waits to see what works elsewhere: the Notes app coming to Apple Watch in 2025 is something Google Keep had on Wear OS for years androidcentral.com. Now Apple Watch users can do what Wear OS users could: check notes on their wrist. At the same time, Apple beating Google to things like automatic workout music or the depth of workout metrics (Apple’s native workout app is pretty advanced now with custom workouts, race route, etc.) keeps pressure on Google/Samsung to catch up androidcentral.com.
In terms of overall user experience: Apple Watch with watchOS is often rated the best all-around smartwatch for iPhone users – it has a rich set of features, a smooth interface, and top-notch build quality. Wear OS watches offer more variety in hardware (round designs, different sizes, often better battery life on certain models) and flexibility, plus deeper integration for Android users (like Google Assistant on your wrist controlling Android functions). Fitbit (and also Garmin or other fitness watches) might not have as many smart features, but they excel in battery life and specialized fitness tracking. For instance, a Fitbit or Garmin can last days or even weeks on a charge, whereas Apple Watch still is mostly a one-day device. If someone’s priority is intensive training analytics and week-long mountain hikes, a Garmin might serve them better than any Apple or Wear OS watch, since Garmin’s focus is GPS battery life and data like training load, recovery time, etc. The Reddit user who went back to a Garmin Epix Pro felt Apple missed a chance to compete with those deeper fitness insights in watchOS 26 reddit.com.
Fitbit OS’s future is uncertain; it’s likely merging into Wear OS (for example, Google’s Pixel Watch 3, 4 might fully replace the need for Fitbit’s own OS). So the real duel is Apple vs Wear OS. And in 2025, it appears both are racing to integrate AI and personalize the smartwatch experience. The difference is in approach: Apple leverages its closed ecosystem (and new hardware) to deliver a polished feature set now, while Google’s Wear OS is becoming a platform that multiple manufacturers can innovate on, possibly leading to quicker adoption of new tech (like different health sensors by different brands, or new AI watch faces by third parties).
To sum up, watchOS 26 keeps Apple at the forefront in many areas – especially in combining health features with everyday usability. But the gap with competitors is narrowing as everyone adopts similar features. Apple still holds an edge in a cohesive, high-quality user experience and a proven track record of long-term support (most Wear OS devices don’t get 5 years of updates, whereas Apple just dropped support for Series 4 after 7 generations). Yet, Apple’s insistence on tying features to its latest ecosystem might frustrate some, while Wear OS and others offer a bit more openness. For general users, if you have an iPhone, watchOS 26 on an Apple Watch is arguably the best experience you can get; if you’re on Android, Wear OS watches are your go-to and are improving quickly. Fitbit’s platform serves as a more affordable, simpler alternative for those primarily interested in fitness tracking without the bells and whistles of a full smartwatch OS, but it’s not really playing in the same league of capabilities as watchOS 26.
User and Developer Reactions
The rollout of watchOS 26 has sparked a variety of reactions from the Apple Watch community – some thrilled, some frustrated. On the user side, opinions differ based on what individuals value in their smartwatch:
Enthusiastic responses: Many everyday users who updated to watchOS 26 are enjoying the new features. Social media and forum posts show excitement about the fresh watch faces and the slick new UI. Users have been sharing screenshots of the Flow face’s colorful animations and noting how the Liquid Glass effect makes the Watch’s screen “pop” in a new way. The Sleep Score feature has been widely praised by users who previously had to rely on third-party apps like AutoSleep; now they can get a quick read on sleep quality directly from Apple’s system, which many find motivating. Similarly, the introduction of the Notes app has gotten positive feedback – one user tweeted that being able to quickly jot down grocery items on their watch while on the move is a game-changer for them. It’s a seemingly small addition, but it resonates with how people use the Watch in daily life for convenience.
Mixed feelings on Workout Buddy: When it comes to the Workout Buddy voice coach, user reactions are split. Some find it fun and encouraging – a bit like having a personal trainer’s voice in your ear. These users say it makes runs or workouts less lonely and more interactive, and they appreciate the congratulatory messages for milestones. On the other hand, more serious fitness enthusiasts have been underwhelmed or even annoyed by Workout Buddy. On Reddit, a discussion titled “WatchOS 26 – Very Underwhelming” saw multiple commenters expressing that Workout Buddy’s pep talks are superficial. As one put it, they wanted a “health buddy” that offers meaningful guidance (like noticing your VO₂max trends or giving recovery tips) rather than just “useless ‘great job’ pep talk.” reddit.com reddit.com Some even turned the feature off to avoid interruptions, preferring their existing training apps or platforms. There’s also a group of users who can’t use Workout Buddy at all because they don’t have both the latest watch and iPhone – they’ve voiced frustration that Apple hyped this feature but locked it behind expensive new hardware.
Disappointment from older device owners: Perhaps the most vocal frustration has come from users whose Apple Watch was left behind. Owners of Series 4 and Series 5 (which were very popular models) have taken to forums to lament that their perfectly functional watches won’t get watchOS 26. A common sentiment: “My watch does everything I need, why am I cut off from new software?” Some acknowledge the device is a few years old but point out Apple supported it through watchOS 11, so the sudden jump to 26 (skipping numbers) made it feel like they were missing out on “15 versions” even though it’s really just one year’s difference. A few users with older watches reported confusion when pairing with a new iPhone on iOS 26 – they received messages about needing watchOS 26 for certain Fitness app features, which was impossible, leading them to think something was broken reddit.com reddit.com. Apple Support has had to clarify that core functions still work on older watches, just not the new stuff. Nonetheless, some of those users are considering upgrades, while others defiantly say they’ll keep using their old watch as long as it runs.
Reaction to removed faces: Apple’s decision to remove five watch faces has not gone unnoticed by longtime users. On forums like MacRumors and Reddit, fans of those faces (especially the Toy Story face and the animated Fire/Water face) expressed disappointment. Many shared memories of how those faces brought them joy – e.g., children loved seeing Woody and Buzz on their parent’s watch. Some questioned, “Why remove something that people enjoy, even if it’s older?” There’s a sense of nostalgia lost. A few users wryly noted that Apple’s “Fire is out, Liquid Glass is in” approach is understandable technologically 9to5mac.com, but they wished Apple would simply leave the old faces as options, even if they don’t perfectly match the new style. So far, Apple hasn’t shown any sign of bringing them back, and historically removed faces haven’t returned. The uproar is relatively minor (watch faces aren’t as critical as, say, removing an app), but it did highlight how personal these devices are – people get attached to certain visuals.
Bugs and early hiccups: No major show-stopping bugs have been widely reported with watchOS 26, but naturally any big update has some issues. A few users on Reddit reported that right after updating, their watch’s battery life took a nosedive or the watch ran hot. One Series 9 user described their watch “overheating like crazy and losing 2–3% battery per minute” immediately after installing watchOS 26 reddit.com. That sounds alarming, though experienced users pointed out that after a big update, the watch may re-index data in the background (for Spotlight search, etc.), which can cause temporary battery drain and heat reddit.com. Indeed, those who encountered this found it resolved after a day or two, or after rebooting and setting up again. Apple did not identify any known widespread bugs in the release notes, but power users always find small quirks. Some have noted a few third-party apps needed updates to work correctly on watchOS 26 due to the new SDK, but developers were generally quick to patch them.
Developer perspective: From the developer community standpoint, watchOS 26 didn’t introduce as radical changes as, say, watchOS 10 did (when Apple launched SwiftUI support on the watch, new widget APIs, etc.). However, devs are talking about the new APIs for widgets and Apple Intelligence. For instance, there are new frameworks that let complications (watch face widgets) do more with the Smart Stack, and possibly tie into the prediction hints (though Apple likely keeps the AI-driven suggestion system internal for now). Some developers have expressed interest in tapping into Apple’s health data enhancements – like being able to read the new sleep score or blood pressure trend for their apps, assuming Apple exposes that in HealthKit (which it likely does). There’s also chatter about the potential for third-party apps to use the neural engine offloading approach in the future. Right now, Apple’s own features use the iPhone’s AI, but Apple could open up APIs for developers to run certain machine learning tasks via the phone for Watch apps. That could spur a new generation of smarter watch apps (for example, an app that listens for coughing at night via Apple Intelligence to detect illness, hypothetically).
One point of slight concern for developers is the shrinking user base on older watchOS versions. With Series 4 and 5 out, developers targeting watchOS 26 know they can only reach users with Series 6 and above for any new features. But since Series 4 and 5 can’t upgrade, developers might choose to still support watchOS 11 with core functionality for those users. It’s a bit of a split market now by capability. The tooling Xcode provides usually lets devs target older OS versions, so it’s manageable, but it’s an extra consideration.
Another reaction from both users and devs is curiosity about what Apple held back. Apple hinted (and reviewers like BGR noted) that not all planned features were announced upfront bgr.com. Apple sometimes introduces additional features in the x.1 or x.2 updates (for example, in previous years, Apple announced at WWDC a feature that only arrived months later in watchOS updates). Some suspect something like a new mental health feature or a new sensor capability (like that blood pressure monitoring might be fully enabled later, or a new watch face or app when new hardware launches). This has people speculating and looking forward to watchOS 26.1 or 26.2. It’s created an ongoing conversation: watchOS 26 isn’t the end, it’s the start of a cycle and there may be more to come within this numbered release.
Overall sentiment: If one were to gauge the community’s overall sentiment, it appears cautiously positive. Many users say watchOS 26 has made their Apple Watch more useful or enjoyable – citing things like smarter notifications, better health tracking, and cleaner UI. The negativity is mostly around what didn’t materialize (certain advanced features or continuing support for older models) rather than issues with what was delivered. A Tech columnist on X (formerly Twitter) summed it up humorously: “Not gonna lie, watchOS 26 was the most underwhelming update this year. Aside from Liquid Glass, the only other notable feature is the weird Workout Buddy.” x.com This perspective resonates with power users or tech reviewers who always want more. Regular users, however, often focus on the here and now improvements. Given that Apple Watch has a high customer satisfaction rate, most users updating to watchOS 26 seem to be adapting quickly and finding the changes beneficial, even if it’s not a mind-blowing overhaul.
For developers, watchOS 26 appears to be an iterative update – no huge new platforms to conquer, but a continuation of Apple’s frameworks like SwiftUI on watch, and more health data integration. They’re likely more excited about what new hardware (like Apple Watch Series 11 perhaps) could bring for them to play with, since software alone only adds so much.
In summary, user reactions range from excitement over new toys (faces, features) to grumbles about what’s missing or restricted, but there’s no outrage or major issue at play. The community is already providing feedback that will no doubt shape watchOS 27 next year – for example, the desire for more meaningful AI coaching or reinstating some fun elements. And as always in the Apple world, some of the loudest voices are those already looking forward and saying, “Okay Apple, nice update… now here’s what we want next!”
Implications for the Future of Apple Watch Software Support
WatchOS 26 and its reception offer several clues about where Apple is heading with the Apple Watch and how it will handle software support going forward. Here are some key implications and what they might mean for the future:
1. Shorter support window for older devices: By limiting watchOS 26 to Series 6 and later, Apple signaled that roughly 5 years may be the support horizon for Apple Watch models in terms of major updates. Previous patterns varied – for instance, Series 3 got updates for about 3-4 years before being cut off at watchOS 8, while Series 4/5 got about 5 years (2018–2023) of updates up to watchOS 11. Now Series 6 (2020) is the oldest on watchOS 26. It wouldn’t be surprising if next year’s watchOS (27) requires Series 7 or 8 and later, continuing the trend. Apple appears to be comfortable moving the baseline upward relatively quickly, especially as new features demand better hardware. This implies that Apple Watch might have a shorter full-update lifespan compared to iPhones. (iPhones often get ~6 years of iOS updates; Apple Watches might get around 5 or even less in some cases.)
For consumers, this means if you want to stay on the latest watchOS regularly, upgrading your Watch every 4-5 years might become the norm. The flip side is that Apple could still issue security patches for old watchOS versions if needed (as they do for old iOS on phones). However, historically Apple has seldom issued separate watchOS security updates once a device is off the upgrade path – partly because the Watch is tightly tied to iOS. If an Apple Watch can’t update and you update your iPhone, at some point that pairing might not work (though Apple tries to maintain basic compatibility for a while). The Reddit case we saw hints that older watches will still work with new iPhones for now, but with limited functionality reddit.com reddit.com. In the future, Apple might formally decide that certain older watchOS devices can’t pair with newer iOS at all – though that would effectively force an upgrade of hardware for users, which Apple may try to avoid to prevent backlash.
2. Emphasis on new hardware features: WatchOS 26’s key features (AI coaching, advanced gestures, live translation, etc.) often require the latest Watch or iPhone hardware. This indicates that Apple is going to leverage its custom chips and sensors more aggressively. We can extrapolate that future software updates will continue this path: for example, if Apple Watch Series 11 or 12 introduces a new sensor (like a glucose monitor or more powerful neural engine on the chip), watchOS 27 or 28 will likely add software functionality exclusively for those capabilities. We already see a mini-version of this with Apple Watch Ultra – only the Ultra models get the Waypoint face and certain adventure features. Apple will likely continue to tailor parts of watchOS to specific models (e.g., maybe a future Ultra gets dive computer enhancements in software, or a future Series gets a new health alert).
The reliance on iPhone’s Apple Intelligence for some features might also be a stopgap. It implies that a future Apple Watch chip could have on-device AI to remove that dependence. If Apple introduces an S-series chip with significantly better machine learning performance (perhaps using tech from their A-series or M-series chips), then watchOS in the future could enable things like Siri processing or Workout Buddy entirely on the watch. That would align with Apple’s push for device autonomy and privacy (keeping data on-device). So, we might see watchOS 27 or 28 tout that the watch can do more without the phone, thanks to hardware advancements.
3. The annual cycle tied to yearly themes: With the renaming to watchOS 26 (matching 2025), Apple is likely to continue naming watchOS after the year (watchOS 27 for 2026, etc.). This creates a cadence where each year’s watchOS is closely associated with that year’s product lineup and overall Apple ecosystem theme. For 2025, the theme was Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence integration across devices. For 2026 (watchOS 27), Apple might focus on another big theme – perhaps something like even more personalization (just speculating: maybe user-customizable watch faces if they ever relent, or deeper integration with the new Vision Pro headset, etc.). The point is, Apple is now clearly aligning Watch updates with iOS/iPadOS/macOS in marketing, which suggests watchOS will get equal billing in Apple’s big fall releases each year, rather than feeling like a sidekick to iOS. It’s part of the headline now.
4. Focus on health will deepen: Every indication is that Apple will continue doubling down on health and wellness features, as these are key differentiators for Apple Watch. WatchOS 26’s hypertension feature was likely just the beginning of using more of the Watch’s passive sensor data for preventative health. We can expect future watchOS updates to potentially include things like stress monitoring (perhaps analyzing heart rate variability in more user-facing ways), detecting signs of conditions (Apple is researching things like blood glucose monitoring non-invasively, sleep apnea detection, etc.). Apple has a lot of partnerships with medical institutions, and as those research initiatives bear fruit, they’ll likely be rolled into watchOS updates. The implication for support is that older watches without certain sensors won’t get those features. For instance, if Apple manages to do a glucose sensor in a Series 12, then watchOS in that year would have a glucose monitoring feature only for that model. So we’ll likely see more fragmentation of features by device, which ties back to the support window – Apple may push people to upgrade if they want the latest health tools.
5. Continued closed ecosystem, but maybe more services integration: Apple has shown no signs of opening the Watch to things like third-party watch faces or Android phone compatibility – those are likely off the table. The future of Apple Watch software support is very much tied to iPhone support. If anything, Apple might make the Watch even more independent within the Apple ecosystem (e.g., a watch that can connect directly to iCloud, or download updates on its own via Wi-Fi/cellular without needing the phone app – they’ve already started doing that). But Apple Watch will remain a pillar of the broader Apple platform strategy: features like unlocking your Mac, serving as a viewfinder for your iPhone camera (a new watchOS 10/11 feature), controlling Vision Pro (rumored future capability perhaps) – all these ensure that as long as you’re in Apple’s world, the Watch is a valuable component.
For the future of software support longevity, one interesting angle is whether Apple might ever offer an LTS (Long Term Support) branch for older watches. They do that with iOS (like iOS 15 still getting security updates after iOS 16 came out, etc.). If Apple Watches become critical health devices for people, there might be a case to issue security patches on older watchOS for serious vulnerabilities. If, say, a Series 5 has a known security bug in watchOS 11 two years from now, perhaps Apple would patch watchOS 11.x. However, historically this hasn’t happened often, partly because exploiting an Apple Watch in isolation is less of a target than phones or computers. The Watch’s tight pairing means if the phone is secure, the watch is somewhat shielded.
6. User expectations management: The reaction to watchOS 26 shows Apple has to balance adding new stuff with not alienating existing users. Dropping watch faces or watch models from support does cause some discontent. Apple will likely carefully consider which legacy features to prune in the future. For example, if they ever were to allow custom watch faces (a long-shot request), it could appease a lot of power users. If not, they might at least introduce many new Apple-made faces to keep things fresh. One can foresee maybe a future update where Apple adds an App Store-like gallery for watch faces (made by Apple’s design team) as a middle ground – not user-created, but a larger variety to download. This is speculative, but it’s one way Apple could extend software support in a qualitative sense: even if your watch hardware is older, you might get new content like faces or band-themed faces, etc., via software updates. They did something similar with the Portraits face a couple years back and seasonal faces (Pride face updates annually, for example).
7. Broadening the definition of support via services: Apple is increasingly tying services to Apple Watch (Fitness+ being a prime example). The future of Apple Watch might see more of this – e.g., AI coaching could evolve into a subscription service where you get more detailed plans (just as a hypothetical). This means software support isn’t just about the OS, but about compatibility with new services. As long as an older watch can run a service app (like Fitness+ or others), Apple might consider that a form of support. But if an older watch can’t handle a new service’s demands, they might drop it. For instance, will Apple allow older watches to access new Fitness+ features? So far yes, but if, say, an interactive fitness game came out that needs advanced graphics, maybe not. In any case, the Apple Watch is central to Apple’s fitness and health subscription ecosystem, so future watchOS support will likely involve ensuring watches can serve as conduits for those services.
8. The question of annual innovation vs. stability: Some pundits have argued that watchOS (and other Apple OSes) might eventually not need huge annual overhauls – they might switch to more iterative improvements or even release features when ready rather than bundling once a year. Apple has not indicated any slowdown – they still do annual releases – but with the numbering tied to years, they could be more flexible in slipping features in mid-cycle (since it’s all “26.x” during that year). The BGR reviewer hinted Apple has been careful to only announce what’s ready now, implying more to come in 26.x updates bgr.com. If Apple continues that, users can expect that buying a new Apple Watch doesn’t just give you whatever launched in September, but also some surprises in the spring updates. This keeps the platform dynamic throughout the year.
In conclusion, watchOS 26 suggests an Apple Watch future where the newest hardware and software are tightly interwoven – to get the best, you’ll need to stay relatively current on devices. Apple will keep pushing the envelope in health and AI, which benefits users with cutting-edge devices, while older devices will gracefully age out of the newest features. Software support will remain robust during a device’s active lifespan (with frequent updates, bug fixes, new watchOS versions annually), but that active window might be a bit shorter than what iPhone users are used to. For Apple, this cadence drives hardware sales; for users, it means regular upgrades to fully participate in advancements.
However, Apple also risks critique if they cut off devices too quickly or make users feel forced to upgrade. The company will likely message these changes in terms of the amazing new things you can do with a new watch, rather than what you lose on an old watch – as they did this year by highlighting Satellite messaging on Ultra 3 with 26.0.1 (a selling point for the new Ultra). We can expect each watchOS and each new Watch model to be presented hand-in-hand, showcasing how Apple’s vertically integrated approach yields features competitors can’t easily match. For enthusiasts and average users alike, the journey of Apple Watch will continue to be one of incremental but meaningful improvements – and watchOS updates will be the vehicle delivering those, as long as your device can ride along.
Sources:
- BGR – “watchOS 26 Review: More Reliant On The iPhone Than Ever” by José Adorno (Sept. 16, 2025) bgr.com bgr.com
- BGR – “5 Ways Liquid Glass Will Change Your Apple Watch in watchOS 26” by José Adorno (June 11, 2025) bgr.com bgr.com
- 9to5Mac – “watchOS 26 is now available, here’s what’s new for Apple Watch” by Zac Hall (Sep. 15, 2025) 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com
- 9to5Mac – “Apple releases watchOS 26.0.1, but very few users will get it” by Marcus Mendes (Sep. 19, 2025) 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com
- 9to5Mac – “watchOS 26 update removes five faces from Apple Watch” by Zac Hall (Jun. 10, 2025) 9to5mac.com
- Apple Newsroom – “watchOS 26 delivers more personalized ways to stay active and connected” (June 2025) apple.com apple.com
- The Guardian – “iOS 26 release: everything you need to know about Apple’s Liquid Glass updates” by Samuel Gibbs (Sep. 15, 2025) theguardian.com theguardian.com
- Android Central – “WatchOS 26 and Wear OS 6 take different approaches to the same problems” by Michael L Hicks (June 2025) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com androidcentral.com androidcentral.com
- Reddit – AppleWatch community discussions on watchOS 26 impressions and issues reddit.com reddit.com reddit.com.
