This year at WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a rather drastic change to its naming conventions. What should be the upcoming WatchOS 12 will now be WatchOS 26 when it launches in the fall, since the company decided to stop labeling its operating systems sequentially and instead name them according to the fiscal year they are released. Every OS now also has a new, overhauled display aesthetic called Liquid Glass, which makes certain apps, icons, buttons and pop-ups look like frosted glass and other features look like raindrops.

Other than that though, anticipated Apple Intelligence features to most of its product lineup were small and measured, rather than big and sweeping—but for Apple Watch fans, the fact that there is now Apple Intelligence on your wrist at all might be enough. Here, we walk through some of the new tips and tricks that you will start seeing on your Apple Watch this year.

Is Your Apple Watch Compatible?

WatchOS 26 will be available for Apple Watches starting from the Series 6 or later. This includes the second-gen Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Ultra models. You must also have an iPhone 11 or later that can run the upcoming iOS 26. If you want the Apple Intelligence features, you also need to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, which includes the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

When Will WatchOS 26 Be Available?

You can download WatchOS 26 as a developer beta today, but don't expect it to be perfect. A public beta will roll out next month at beta.apple.com and WatchOS 26 will be available as a free software update to compatible Watch models this fall.

The Top WatchOS 26 Features

Liquid Glass

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