We’re nonetheless counting down the times till the 2025 Worldwide Builders Convention, and Apple’s huge occasion is creeping nearer. We have not heard an excessive amount of about what we’d see in watchOS 26, however there are a number of hints primarily based on rumors, data about different updates, and options that Apple usually provides to on a yearly foundation.
Naming
Fairly than naming the next-generation model watchOS 12, Apple goes to name it watchOS 26. All the software program updates coming this yr will likely be numbered “26,” reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 launch cycle.
watchOS 26 will launch alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, all of that are being renamed.
Design Replace
The overhauled design that Apple is introducing for iOS 26 may even lengthen to the Apple Watch, although the adjustments to watchOS is probably not as dramatic because the iOS 26 refresh.
With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a design referred to internally as “Solarium.” Because the identify suggests, it focuses on a glass-like look that is truly impressed by visionOS. Buttons, search interfaces, tab bars, and home windows may undertake a translucent design paying homage to frosted glass.
Floating menus, rounder buttons, and simplified navigation have been rumored, too. watchOS already makes use of spherical app icons and buttons, so it is going to match proper in. Apple may undertake the Solarium search for issues just like the app drawer, notifications, and Management Heart.
Apple’s goal is a extra constant design throughout all of its software program platforms.
New Watch Faces
If watchOS is getting a design replace to match iOS 26, Apple will seemingly add new watch faces which are designed with the brand new fashion.
Apple Intelligence
The Apple Watch does not have the processing energy to run Apple Intelligence on-device, however it’s rumored to be getting some “powered by Apple Intelligence” options that might depend on its hyperlink to the iPhone.
There are rumors that Apple will add an AI-powered battery administration function to iPhones working iOS 26, and related performance would make lots of sense for the Apple Watch. On the iPhone, the function will analyze machine utilization and make optimizations to maximise battery life.
Proper now, options like ChatGPT Siri integration and Writing Instruments do not lengthen to the Apple Watch, however these are choices that Apple may add. The Apple Watch additionally does not help notification summaries or content material summaries usually.
AirPods Sleep Detection
The Apple Watch may combine with the AirPods to pause content material that is enjoying when the wearer falls asleep. It is a rumored function for iOS 26, however the AirPods haven’t any sleep detection performance, so the choice would wish to make use of Apple Watch information.
Well being App
Apple is creating an up to date model of the Well being app for launch in iOS 26, however it’s not clear if we’ll see it on the keynote occasion as a result of it is not going to be prepared straight away.
Apple needs so as to add AI-powered well being teaching options that may present customers with personalised well being suggestions, and any function like that may depend on Apple Watch information and options.
Teaching may embody skilled data on well being circumstances, health ideas, and methods to make optimistic life-style adjustments.
Apple can also be mentioned to be creating a meals monitoring function that may let customers log what they eat all through the day, and the Apple Watch could be a handy manner so as to add meals to a each day consumption checklist.
Well being Options
Apple has been creating a blood strain monitoring function for the Apple Watch, and if it is able to go for the 2025 fashions, there could possibly be a brand new blood strain app in watchOS 26. The function will alert customers if hypertension is detected, however it will not present particular systolic and diastolic readings.
It isn’t but clear if blood strain monitoring is able to launch on account of developmental issues, so it is one thing that we’d not see till the 2026 Apple Watch fashions.
Health
Apple sometimes provides new exercise varieties and options with new watchOS releases. One space that is missing is energy coaching, and Apple Watch customers must obtain third-party apps for counting reps. That is one thing that the Apple Watch may get sooner or later. Apple has patented a technique for rep monitoring that makes use of the iPhone’s digital camera.
Security
In 2024, Apple submitted a patent for an Apple Watch function that may be capable of decide when the wearer is drowning, which might be a logical addition to crash detection and fall detection. There is no phrase that Apple has plans to launch this function in watchOS 26, however it’s one thing that is within the works behind the scenes.
WWDC 2025 Occasion Information
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote will start on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will stay stream the occasion on its web site, on YouTube, and within the TV app.
In case you’re not capable of watch stay, we’ll have a stay weblog and protection of the bulletins right here at MacRumors, plus we’ll be stay tweeting the occasion on the MacRumorsLive account.
