Yes, 26 — Apple has skipped a few version numbers since last year’s watchOS 11.
by Dominic Preston
Apple just announced watchOS 26, the latest version of its Apple Watch operating system, at WWDC 2025. It’s been updated with Liquid Glass, Apple’s new transparent design language; a new wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications; and an AI-powered “Workout Buddy” that gives you pep talks as you exercise.
watchOS 26 is the follow-up to last year’s watchOS 11 release, but Apple has jumped its numbering up to match the upcoming year in a bid to standardize its operating system names, so that the watchOS numbering now matches iOS, macOS, and Apple’s other software platforms. As in previous years, developer access starts today, with a public beta to follow next month. The full release is coming this fall alongside the new Apple Watches.
Liquid Glass, the new design language Apple is introducing across its software this year, applies throughout the OS. The new transparent aesthetic will apply to widgets, notifications, the Control Center, in-app controls, and more. It’s also coming to the Photos watch face, which will now display transparent numerals that won’t block your view of the photos.
