WWDC 2025: watchOS 26 Introduces AI Workout Companion and Gesture Control

Apple unveiled its latest wearable software platform, watchOS 26, during the WWDC 2025 keynote on Monday. This new version introduces a sleek Liquid Glass design and a host of innovative features, including Smart Stack, Control Centre, and a new Photos watch face. Among the standout additions is the AI-powered Workout Buddy, which leverages users’ fitness data to deliver personalized insights in real-time during workouts. The update also enhances the Workout app layout and introduces a wrist flick gesture for dismissing notifications.

Innovative Features of watchOS 26

The watchOS 26 update showcases Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, which is integrated into various elements such as Smart Stack widgets, notifications, and the Control Center. The Photos watch face will feature numerals crafted from Liquid Glass, marking a significant shift in Apple’s design language across its software offerings this year. The Smart Stack feature has been upgraded with improved prediction algorithms that utilize contextual and sensor data, enhancing the relevance of hints provided to users.

One of the most exciting features is the AI-powered Workout Buddy. This tool analyzes a user’s workout history to offer motivational insights and feedback during exercise sessions. It provides encouragement and highlights key milestones, such as mile splits. After completing a workout, the Workout Buddy summarizes the user’s performance and congratulates them on their achievements. This feature will be available on Apple Watch models equipped with Bluetooth headphones and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone nearby.

Enhanced Workout Experience

watchOS 26 introduces several new buttons in the corners of the Workout app, allowing users to customize their workout experience. Features such as Workout Views, Custom Workout, Pacer, and Race Route can now be easily accessed. Additionally, users can set up their music and podcasts to play during workouts, with Apple Music curating playlists tailored to the type of exercise and personal preferences.

The Smart Stack feature has also seen enhancements, with its prediction algorithms now incorporating more contextual data to provide timely hints. These hints will adopt the Liquid Glass design, appearing as visual prompts on the display. This improvement aims to make the user experience more intuitive and responsive to individual routines.

New Communication Features

Another significant addition in watchOS 26 is the Live Translation feature for Messages, powered by Apple Intelligence. This AI-driven tool automatically translates incoming messages into the user’s preferred language directly on their Apple Watch. It will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, provided the user has an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.

The update also enhances messaging capabilities by suggesting smart actions based on conversation context. Users can now customize backgrounds on their iPhones, which will sync to their Apple Watches. Furthermore, the ability to reply to polls directly from the watch and improved Smart Replies will make communication more efficient. An upgraded on-device language model will generate more relevant responses based on the conversation’s content.

Additional Features and Availability

watchOS 26 introduces a range of additional features, including the Notes app, which allows users to pin, create, and unlock notes directly from their wrist. Other enhancements include Hold Assist and Call Screening, improving the overall functionality of the Apple Watch. The Live Listen feature now supports live captions, enhancing accessibility for users with hearing difficulties.

The Photos watch face will shuffle images based on featured content, providing a dynamic visual experience. The redesigned watch face gallery will be accessible on both the Apple Watch and the Watch app on iPhone. Developers can access the beta version of watchOS 26 today through the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta set to launch next month. The full update will be available this fall for Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and all Apple Watch Ultra models, requiring an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.

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