Experienced 24 hours with watchOS 26 on the Apple Watch, uncovering pros, cons, and all in-between features
Apple has unveiled its latest software update for the Apple Watch, watchOS 26. The new operating system introduces several key features and improvements, significantly enhancing fitness, usability, and AI capabilities, particularly on the newer Apple Watch models like Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Key Features and Improvements in watchOS 26
Workout Buddy
One of the standout additions is the Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness coach that provides real-time personalized audio feedback during workouts. Utilizing data such as heart rate, distance, and pace, the Workout Buddy offers motivational pep talks and progress updates, featuring voices from Apple Fitness+ trainers. This feature requires Apple Watch Series 10 paired with iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Live Translation
Another notable improvement is Live Translation, available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, which automatically translates text messages in the Messages app to the user’s preferred language, facilitating multilingual communication directly on the watch.
Wrist Flick Gesture
watchOS 26 also introduces a new gesture called Wrist Flick, where turning your wrist over and back dismisses notifications or incoming calls, improving hands-free interaction.
Smart Stack Enhancements
Smart Stack widgets receive contextual intelligence improvements, suggesting relevant apps or information based on location, time, or user behavior, such as suggesting the Workout app when arriving at the gym.
AI-Powered Messages
The watch now understands message context to suggest actions like Apple Cash payments or Check-ins, making messaging more interactive and convenient.
Liquid Glass UI
A redesigned, visually refined interface called Liquid Glass offers better clarity and sunlight visibility, enhancing navigation and overall user experience. This new UI is part of Apple’s integration of on-device AI, called Apple Intelligence.
Workout App Redesign
The Workout app has been redesigned for easier navigation during exercise, with quick-access buttons for features like Custom Workouts, Workout Views, Pacer, and media controls. The app can also launch music or podcasts automatically tailored to workout type.
Device Compatibility
watchOS 26 supports a broad range of Apple Watch models from Series 6 onward, with some AI-powered features exclusive to the Series 10 paired with newer iPhones due to hardware requirements.
Comparison to Previous Versions
watchOS 26 marks a significant leap forward by integrating on-device AI ("Apple Intelligence"), enabling contextual, real-time workout coaching and intelligent messaging features. The Liquid Glass UI and Wrist Flick gesture refine the user interface and interactions, offering a smoother and more intuitive experience compared to previous versions. The Workout app's redesign and addition of Workout Buddy provide a more dynamic and interactive workout experience versus watchOS 25's relatively simpler workout tracking.
Overall, watchOS 26 enhances Apple Watch functionality by blending AI-driven smart features, UI improvements, and expanded contextual responsiveness, especially benefiting users of the latest hardware. It distinguishes itself as a more intelligent, user-friendly update compared to earlier versions.
watchOS 26 is now available in public beta.
[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/09/apple-introduces-watchos-26/ [2] https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple/apple-watch-os-26-features-3765400/ [3] https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23350049/apple-watch-os-26-workout-buddy-ai-fitness-coach [4] https://9to5mac.com/2022/09/07/watchos-26-features/
In the new software update, watchOS 26, Apple offers the Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness coach available on Apple Watch Series 10. This feature allows for real-time personalized feedback during workouts, utilizing data like heart rate, distance, and pace. (smart-home-devices, gadgets, technology)
Another significant enhancement in watchOS 26 is Live Translation, which automatically translates text messages into the user's preferred language on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, promoting multilingual communication directly on the watch. (smart-home-devices, gadgets, technology)
