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WWDC 2025 is just around the corner. Apple uses the developer conference every year to showcase its upcoming software updates. This year's announcement includes watchOS 26, the next major update for the Apple Watch. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but there are some hints of what might be coming. The following overview summarizes all known information and rumors about watchOS 26.
Apple is changing the numbering of its operating systems this year. Instead of continuing the Apple Watch software with watchOS 12 as before, Apple is moving directly to watchOS 26. This will move all platforms to the same version number—iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. This is intended to reflect the annual cycle from fall 2025 to fall 2026 and ensure greater consistency.
New design for watchOS 26
Apple is revising its design system with iOS 26, which it internally calls "Solarium." This new design will also be introduced on the Apple Watch. The changes won't be as drastic as in iOS 26, but a new look is planned. The focus is on a glass-like appearance, inspired by visionOS. Buttons, menus, tab bars, and windows could appear in a translucent frosted glass style. Since the Apple Watch already uses round app icons, the rumored round buttons and floating menus fit in well. The app drawer, Control Center, and notifications could also be designed in the new style. The goal is a more consistent design across all devices.
New dials to match the new look
Apple typically releases new watch faces with a major design update. It's therefore very likely that watchOS 26 will include new watch faces that visually match the "tanning bed" theme. No further details are available yet, but this is usually standard with a new watchOS.
Apple Intelligence on the Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch is not technically capable of running Apple Intelligence directly on the device. Nevertheless, some functions could be available in conjunction with an iPhone. This includes, among other things, AI-supported battery management. With iOS 26, the iPhone should be able to analyze usage behavior and optimize battery life accordingly. A similar solution could also be available for the Watch. Other conceivable features include personalized health recommendations through AI coaching, as Apple is planning for the Health app. A planned function for logging daily food intake could also be easily integrated into the Watch – for example, via voice control or quick access. So far, there is no ChatGPT integration for Siri on the Watch. Summaries of messages or content are also still missing. However, it is not impossible that Apple will later add functions that run via the iPhone.
AirPods and sleep: Collaboration with Apple Watch
There are rumors of a new sleep detection feature for iOS 26 that will work in conjunction with the AirPods. Since the AirPods themselves can't detect sleep mode, the Apple Watch would provide the necessary data. If the watch detects that you've fallen asleep, the AirPods could automatically pause media playback. This feature would be obvious and technically feasible, but hasn't been confirmed yet.
Health app and health data
Apple plans to release a redesigned Health app with iOS 26. Among other things, it will include AI-powered coaching that will give you specific recommendations on fitness, nutrition, and health. All of these features are based on sensor data from the Apple Watch. It is unclear whether the new Health update will be presented at WWDC, as it may not be ready yet. Apple is also reportedly working on a new blood pressure monitoring feature for the Apple Watch. If it is ready for use by fall 2025, it will likely be integrated into watchOS 26 with its own app. The feature is intended to warn users of possible high blood pressure levels, but without exact systolic or diastolic readings. Whether the technology is already mature enough remains to be seen—it could even not be ready until 2026.
New fitness features: Focus on strength training
Apple adds new workouts to watchOS almost every year. Currently, there's no native way to track strength training with rep counting. Users have to rely on third-party apps for this. However, Apple has filed a patent that would count reps using the iPhone's camera detection. This suggests that watchOS 26 or a later version could finally get its own strength training tracking feature.
More safety: drowning detection conceivable
Apple filed a patent in 2024 describing drowning detection on the Apple Watch. The watch could detect when you're in distress in the water—a useful extension of existing safety features like fall detection and accident detection. It's unclear whether this feature will be included in watchOS 26. However, Apple is apparently working on it.
Date of WWDC 2025
The Worldwide Developers Conference 2025 keynote will take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM Central European Time. Apple will broadcast the presentation live on its website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. If you can't watch the keynote live, you can get all the important information directly and reliably at apfelpatient.de . Also, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Threads to make sure you don't miss anything during and after the event—we'll keep you up to date wherever you are.
watchOS 26 wants to be more than a simple update
watchOS 26 brings a new design, better integration with AI features via the iPhone, more health and fitness options, and potentially new security features. Many details aren't yet official, but the direction is clear: Apple wants to connect the Apple Watch more closely with the iPhone, enhance its appearance, and expand its functionality. We'll find out how much of this will actually be included in watchOS 26 at the latest at WWDC. (Image: Shutterstock / Gabo_Arts)
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