Apple Watch Gets Major Upgrade with WatchOS 26

Apple has announced significant updates to its wearable devices, including the Apple Watch, at its WWDC conference. The new features, part of WatchOS 26, aim to enhance user experience and provide a more unified look across platforms. Here are eight exciting features that can’t wait to be tried out.

The first major change is the Liquid Glass design update, which will give your Apple Watch interface a fluid and clear display overhaul inspired by VisionOS’s visual interface. This new design introduces translucent icons, notifications, and Smart Stack elements.

Apple Intelligence-infused Fitness is another eagerly anticipated feature. The AI-powered Workout Buddy provides personalized fitness insights during workouts, offering real-time feedback and encouragement.

Smart Stack improvements will also be noticeable, with a more accurate prediction algorithm that takes into account contextual data like sensor and routine data to suggest apps or functionalities.

Notifications on the Apple Watch are getting self-aware, adjusting their volume according to your environment. Live Translation is another new feature, available in select languages, which translates conversations on your wrist using AI.

Messages will also receive updates, with Smart Replies becoming smarter, providing precise responses to conversations. The Wrist Flick gesture lets you dismiss notifications and calls by simply turning your wrist.

WatchOS 26 brings more features across the board, including a new Notes app, Hold Assist, and Call Screening for iOS users. Watch faces will be easier to customize, and photo faces will use custom content to shuffle images on your watch screen.

To try out these updates, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or later, accompanied by Apple Watches Series 6-10, Ultra 2, or SE (2nd generation). Note that some features may require specific iPhone models with Apple Intelligence enabled.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-apple-watch-is-getting-a-big-upgrade-here-are-the-8-features-i-cant-wait-to-use-in-watchos-26