At its annual WWDC event, Apple announced the next generation of watchOS, macOS 26, visionOS, and iOS 26. watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 offer groundbreaking new features with a new design. Here’s everything you need to know about these operating systems.
4 watchOS Features That Are Worth Knowing
1. New Workout App and Workout Buddy
With watchOS 26, Apple is introducing Workout Buddy to motivate users based on their fitness data. This Apple intelligence feature will analyze health metrics like heart rate, pace, distance, activity rings, and more to provide personalized motivational insights. So if you start running, Workout Buddy will share insights and data about your mileage for the weekend. This, combined with the new workout app, will unlock new fitness levels.
2. Smart Stack
Another new feature is the Smart Stack, letting you glance at important info directly from your watch. By using a prediction algorithm, it can show contextual data based on your routine. For example, when you walk into your gym, it will show you a hint for your usual pilates exercise. Similarly, when in a remote location, it will show hints for backtracking.
3. Live Translation In Messages
Just like iPhone, you can now translate Messages using Live Translation on your Apple Watch. For instance, if you receive a message in Chinese, it will convert it to English. Furthermore, your reply will get automatically translated into Chinese. This feature will only work on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone.
4. Dismiss Notifications With Wrist Flick
Last but not least, you can now dismiss notifications on your Apple Watch with a simple flick of your wrist. This can silence alarms, timers, incoming calls, and more. By using the accelerometer and gyroscope on your watch, it can analyze the movement of your wrist. Paired with the double tap gesture, it’s a handy way to dismiss notifications when you’re preoccupied. However, this can also lead to battery drain, but we are yet to run battery tests. Stay tuned for more.
Also Read:
- iOS 26 Gets Adaptive Power Mode Feature – What Is It?
- How to Enroll and Download iOS 26 Developer/Public Beta
- Apple Devices That Will Support iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 – Full List
5 visionOS 26 Features to Improve Your User Experience
1. Spatial Widgets
If you are a visionOS user, you can now arrange widgets seamlessly on your Vision Pro. These widgets are customizable, letting you play around with the frame, width, color, and depth. There are also new widgets for Clock, Weather, Music, and Photos. You can decorate your spaces with those widgets for quick access to your favorite playlist and memories.
What’s more? These widgets will stay where you place them so the next time you go online, you will find them in the same spot – next to that wall painting.
2. Spatial Scenes
With visionOS 26, you can create realistic spatial photos containing important depth info. Users can check these photos and explore them from different perspectives. These Spatial Scenes will be visible in the Photos app, the Spatial Gallery, and Safari. Once third-party developers fully utilize the Spatial Scene API, it will offer a more immersive experience. Users will be able to see images of homes and apartments in detail.
3. Spatial Browsing And Playback Of 360 Degree Videos
There’s also Spatial Browsing to browse and read articles on Safari. You can view models in 3D and shop for things with depth and dimension. Apart from Spatial Browsing, visionOS 26 lets you play content from Insta360m, GoPro, and Canon cameras. You can view 2D action footage the way it was intended to be. Another major feature is the support for the PlayStation VR 2 Sense controller.
4. Improved Spatial Experience
With visionOS 26, you can enjoy an improved spatial experience and even share with friends who also own a Vision Pro. For instance, you can watch the latest movie in 3D, play a spatial game, or collaborate with your coworkers. Furthermore, visionOS 26 lets you add remote participants via FaceTime.These new Personas have better expressivity and sharpness, giving users a full view of the side profile. These personas have accurate hair, lashes, and complexion.
And that’s it, folks.
