watchOS 26: Apple Unveils New Design, Gesture & AI Workout Features

Apple Announces watchOS 26 at WWDC 25

During Monday’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 25), Apple introduced watchOS 26, the next major software update for the Apple Watch. This release will feature a revamped user interface, a novel wrist-flick gesture, an Apple Intelligence-driven fitness tool called Workout Buddy, and several other enhancements.

Redesigned Interface for Unified Experience

The interface redesign reflects Apple’s strategy to create a consistent software experience across all its devices. This aims to provide users with a more familiar and intuitive interaction regardless of the platform they are using.

Introducing the Wrist-Flick Gesture

A new wrist-flick gesture has been implemented to allow users to quickly dismiss notifications for later review. Furthermore, this gesture can be utilized to silence incoming phone calls, as well as timers and alarms.

Workout Buddy: AI-Powered Fitness Motivation

The innovative “Workout Buddy” feature leverages Apple Intelligence to provide personalized motivation based on an individual’s workout history. It analyzes collected workout data in real-time to deliver actionable insights.

This feature offers encouraging feedback, and utilizes a new text-to-speech model to generate a dynamic and responsive voice for delivering that encouragement.

Updates to the Workout App

The Workout app itself has been updated to improve accessibility to essential features. Upon initiating a run, Workout Buddy will immediately provide an initial motivational message.

Notes App Comes to Apple Watch

Apple is also extending functionality by bringing the Notes app to the Apple Watch. This allows users to quickly save notes or access existing ones directly from their wrist.

Enhanced Audio Experience

watchOS 26 will enable the Apple Watch to detect ambient noise levels and automatically adjust the volume of incoming calls and notifications for optimal clarity.

Messages Features Arrive on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch will also gain access to new Messages features coming to the iPhone, including Live Translation, with the release of watchOS 26.