Apple has announced several new features coming to its devices, including the Apple Watch, with the latest update being WatchOS 26. The best part? It’s free for all users. At WWDC, the tech giant showcased its upcoming updates, which touch everything from Fitness to Messages, and include a major design update across Apple’s platforms.
Here are eight exciting features you can expect on WatchOS 26:
1. **Liquid Glass Design Update**: Your Apple Watch interface is getting a sleek new look with Liquid Glass, inspired by VisionOS’s visual interface. This will change how your Smart Stack, notifications, icons, and more appear, giving them a transparent and glassy appearance.
2. **Apple Intelligence-Infused Fitness**: AI-powered Workout Buddy provides real-time insights during workouts, using your fitness data history to deliver feedback and encouragement ahead of, during, and after exercise.
3. **Smart Stack Improvements**: The prediction algorithm is improving, including more contextual data like sensor and routine data, to hint at certain apps or functionalities.
4. **Self-Aware Notifications**: Apple Watch Notifications are getting self-aware, interpreting the ambient noise of your environment to adjust your notification volume while delivering a text or app update.
5. **Live Translation**: AI-powered Live Translation is available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, supporting multiple languages like English, French, German, and more.
6. **Enhanced Messages**: The Messages app will use context clues to suggest relevant actions, like sending a Check-In when you’re on your way home, or an Apple Cash pop-up when a friend sends you the dinner bill.
7. **Wrist Flick**: A new hand motion just dropped for the Apple Watch – Wrist Flick allows users to dismiss notifications and calls by simply turning their wrist.
8. **More Updates Across the Board**: The Notes app arrives on Apple Watch, along with Hold Assist and Call Screening, two new iOS features that notify users to return to a call or screen unknown numbers.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-apple-watch-is-getting-a-big-upgrade-for-free-8-features-i-cant-wait-to-use-on-watchos-26