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watchOS 26: 10 New Things Your Apple Watch Can Do

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Along with the launch of new Apple Watch models, Apple is releasing watchOS 26 in just under a couple of months, and the software update is bringing several new features that should make all compatible Apple Watch models smarter and more helpful.

watchOS-26-New-Features.jpg

Provided you own a model that supports watchOS 26, here are 10 new things you'll be able to do with your Apple Watch when the software rolls around in September.
  • Auto-adjust speaker volume: When not in silent mode, your Apple Watch will automatically adjust the volume of incoming notifications, calls, and Siri responses based on the ambient noise around you.
  • Wrist flick back to watch face: A wrist flick gesture on newer Apple Watch models allows one-handed notification dismissal. You can turn your wrist over and back to dismiss notifications, silence timers and alarms, or return to the watch face.
  • Get seconds in always-on display mode: On Apple Watch Series 10 models, more watch faces that count the seconds between minutes will continue to tick over in real time when always-on display mode is active (i.e. when your wrist isn't raised).
  • Translate messages: watchOS 26 supports Live Translation in the Messages app with ‌Apple Intelligence‌, automatically translating incoming texts and responses. The feature works on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 with a supported ‌iPhone‌.
  • Smart Stack hints: The Smart Stack will now offer you hints using contextual data, sensor info, and routine patterns for actionable suggestions. These appear as visual prompts on the display, such as Backtrack in remote locations or workout suggestions when arriving at fitness locations.
  • Reset Control Center: In watchOS 26, Apple has added a new option that lets you reset your Apple Watch's Control Center if you want to revert back to the default layout.
  • Workout music picked for you: As part of the Workout app revamp, there's a new option that allows your watch to automatically play music based on what you listen to and the type of workout (unless media is already playing).
  • Get Workout milestone alerts: As part of the new optional Workout Buddy feature, you can receive celebratory alerts for when you hit a new milestone – like running 500 miles and more.
  • Create Apple Notes: In ‌watchOS 26‌, the Notes app finally comes to Apple Watch with functionality including pinning, unlocking, and creating notes via ‌Siri‌ or dictation. There's also a handy new Create Note widget to add to your watch's Control Center.
  • Read what's being said in Live Listen: When the Live Listen feature is enabled on your iPhone, your Apple Watch will deliver a real-time transcription of any speech that's being picked up on your iPhone's microphone.
Note: watchOS 26 is currently in developer beta testing, with a general release expected this fall alongside the iOS 26 rollout for iPhones.

Article Link: watchOS 26: 10 New Things Your Apple Watch Can Do
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/18/watchos-26-new-things-apple-watch-can-do/
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MacRumors said:


Along with the launch of new Apple Watch models, Apple is releasing watchOS 26 in just under a couple of months, and the software update is bringing several new features that should make all compatible Apple Watch models smarter and more helpful.

watchOS-26-New-Features.jpg

Provided you own a model that supports watchOS 26, here are 10 new things you'll be able to do with your Apple Watch when the software rolls around in September.
  • Auto-adjust speaker volume: When not in silent mode, your Apple Watch will automatically adjust the volume of incoming notifications, calls, and Siri responses based on the ambient noise around you.

  • Wrist flick back to watch face: A wrist flick gesture on newer Apple Watch models allows one-handed notification dismissal. You can turn your wrist over and back to dismiss notifications, silence timers and alarms, or return to the watch face.

  • Get seconds in always-on display mode: On Apple Watch Series 10 models, more watch faces that count the seconds between minutes will continue to tick over in real time when always-on display mode is active (i.e. when your wrist isn't raised).

  • Translate messages: watchOS 26 supports Live Translation in the Messages app with ‌Apple Intelligence‌, automatically translating incoming texts and responses. The feature works on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 with a supported ‌iPhone‌.

  • Smart Stack hints: The Smart Stack will now offer you hints using contextual data, sensor info, and routine patterns for actionable suggestions. These appear as visual prompts on the display, such as Backtrack in remote locations or workout suggestions when arriving at fitness locations.

  • Reset Control Center: In watchOS 26, Apple has added a new option that lets you reset your Apple Watch's Control Center if you want to revert back to the default layout.

  • Workout music picked for you: As part of the Workout app revamp, there's a new option that allows your watch to automatically play music based on what you listen to and the type of workout (unless media is already playing).

  • Get Workout milestone alerts: As part of the new optional Workout Buddy feature, you can receive celebratory alerts for when you hit a new milestone – like running 500 miles and more.

  • Create Apple Notes: In ‌watchOS 26‌, the Notes app finally comes to Apple Watch with functionality including pinning, unlocking, and creating notes via ‌Siri‌ or dictation. There's also a handy new Create Note widget to add to your watch's Control Center.

  • Read what's being said in Live Listen: When the Live Listen feature is enabled on your iPhone, your Apple Watch will deliver a real-time transcription of any speech that's being picked up on your iPhone's microphone.
Note: watchOS 26 is currently in developer beta testing, with a general release expected this fall alongside the iOS 26 rollout for iPhones.

Article Link: watchOS 26: 10 New Things Your Apple Watch Can Do
Click to expand...
Will the Notes app sync? I mean Notes created eg on Mac will show up?
That to me seems the only feature I might care about, the rest for me is meh...
 
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Every year, there’s one Apple OS update that brings almost no significant new features. Last year, it was iPadOS, the main “feature” was a new tab bar, which we can't really customize as we want because Apple restricts what users can change or remove (basically they locked their own services onto it). This year, it’s watchOS's turn: the only truly "new" addition is the Notes app, essentially just enabling a previously absent app.
 
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Still not customizable Color Filter yet when its screen is yellowish it’s done. I got an Ultra 2 Watch and after 2 years became yellowish like any OLED on the market
 
dwsolberg said:
I hope the AI features either work well or can be turned off.

As just one example, every time I have Apple Maps on in CarPlay, it ALWAYS thinks I need directions home, even if I’m a block away.
Click to expand...
This resolved it for me: the Maps app is probably using Significant Locations to automatically navigate back to the location where you most frequently visit; e.g. Home. You can disable or clear Significant Locations at Settings > Privacy > System. However, you may want not want to get rid of significant locations...:)
 
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dwsolberg said:
As just one example, every time I have Apple Maps on in CarPlay, it ALWAYS thinks I need directions home, even if I’m a block away.
Click to expand...
How exactly does CarPlay suggesting home as a destination on the screen hurt you in some way? It suggests the most common place based on your patterns. If you do not need directions, just ignore it.
 
dwsolberg said:
I hope the AI features either work well or can be turned off.

As just one example, every time I have Apple Maps on in CarPlay, it ALWAYS thinks I need directions home, even if I’m a block away.
Click to expand...
I absolutely HATE the suggestion to go home... and the frequent dismisses and clears that it requires to simply enter a new address. Turning off the suggestion feature would be perfect since it is USUALLY WRONG determining where I want to go.
 
Really excited to see where Apple is taking watchOS 26. Some of these updates (like Smart Stack hints and the Notes app) feel long overdue, but still very welcome.
 
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Alan Wynn said:
How exactly does CarPlay suggesting home as a destination on the screen hurt you in some way? It suggests the most common place based on your patterns. If you do not need directions, just ignore it.
Click to expand...
Sure. But it should be so much smarter. Every day I drive to a parking close to work. It never suggested that.

It can also propose destinations based on your calendar but that’s also hit or miss. Imagine an appointment at 2pm. If it’s 2pm01 it won’t show that destination.

Stupid stuff.
 
Dormammu said:
Unless there is some other features not yet announced inherent to the AWU3 I think it’ll finally be time for me to jump off the AW ship and give Garmin a shot.
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same and started poking around Reddit for comparisons. Someone wrote a lengthy review of the Fenix 8, but in the review, they stated that it is so unreliable as a tracker that they wear their Apple Watch on the other wrist. Ouch.
 
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Really nothing to exciting here. It would be nice if we could customize the watch face, do things such as change the hands style. Every face with hands has the exact same ones.
 
Live Listen is a fantastic feature for those that need help with listening to dialogue. We’re not just talking those with a hearing impairment. Some people are noise sensitive and need to wear earplugs, so this will be a help for them. Heck it will even be helpful to me (who thankfully has normal hearing) when travelling. Means I don’t need to use a transparency mode with my headphones. I can just look at my watch instead. Assuming I’ve properly understood how it works.
 
Dormammu said:
Unless there is some other features not yet announced inherent to the AWU3 I think it’ll finally be time for me to jump off the AW ship and give Garmin a shot.
Click to expand...
I just changed to Garmin, and ohhh man, Apple Watch never again. 20d+ battery, watch faces with huge amount of info, screen completely readable in full sun, and the battery!!!!! + I was told that a typical Russian billionaire wears a Garmin every day..... :D

I have never had such a motivation to work out as I have with my Garmin. The simple fact it's made with fitness and sport in mind make me happier and more motivated user.

I bought second hand 7x Solar Sapphire for 500 euro. Bought extra new strap from amazon for another 30. Looks and feels like a tank made by Porshe.
 

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DogHouseDub said:
I was thinking the same and started poking around Reddit for comparisons. Someone wrote a lengthy review of the Fenix 8, but in the review, they stated that it is so unreliable as a tracker that they wear their Apple Watch on the other wrist. Ouch.
Click to expand...
I had apple watches and moved to Garmin 7x. It's extremely reliable and as good for tracking as apple watch. The error of margin is so small that negligible. If you want to be pro you need to go pro equippment anyway as both are not good enough.

Garmin is 20d+ battery and this is a killer feature for me. I hated and will hate apple watch for its battery, although it's a very good computer, though a silly idea to have a computer glued to yourself all the time, when I now think about it. All the smart features of apple watch were simply useless to me in the end
 
BOB-86 said:
Thank Feck they are giving us a notes app. Most of the ones i seen on the app store where subscription only, F that
Click to expand...
Completely agree. Notes and Sirius radio apps have been missing waaaaaay too long. We now have one of them.

And yes, I realize that the Sirius app is missing due to Sirius revenue concerns and has ZERO to do with Apple.
 
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