Apple has officially unveiled watchOS 26 at its WWDC 2025 keynote, marking a major leap in design, performance, and integration across the Apple ecosystem. If you’re wondering whether your Apple Watch will get the upgrade, we’ve got you covered.
But first—no, you haven’t missed 14 years of updates. In a bold move to synchronize its product lineup, Apple has skipped from watchOS 11 in 2024 to watchOS 26 in 2025 to match iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and the newly branded visionOS—all now labeled version 26.
What’s New in watchOS 26?
While Apple is keeping many of the new features under wraps until the full release, early developer previews point to enhanced health tracking, smarter widgets, improved Siri responsiveness, and more personalized watch faces. Seamless integration with iOS 26 and AI-driven features are also expected to make your Apple Watch feel more intuitive than ever.
Supported Apple Watch Models
If you already updated to watchOS 11, you’re in luck—your device will support watchOS 26. That includes Apple Watch models released as far back as 2020. Here’s the full list of supported devices:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, 2022)
Keep in mind that watchOS 26 requires an iPhone 11 or later (or iPhone SE 2nd Gen and up) running iOS 26 to function properly. So if you’re still rocking an older iPhone, you might need to upgrade your phone before you can enjoy the latest watch features.
When Will watchOS 26 Be Available?
Apple says the final public release of watchOS 26 is scheduled for Fall 2025, likely in September, aligning with the expected launch of the iPhone 17. As usual, the rollout will be automatic via the Apple Watch app once iOS 26 is installed.
For early adopters, a public beta will be available in July, but caution is advised. Beta builds can be unstable and may not be suitable for daily use, especially if you rely on your watch for fitness, health, or essential notifications.
Bottom Line
If your Apple Watch made it through the watchOS 11 cycle, you’re safe for now. With watchOS 26, Apple is setting the stage for a smarter, more unified ecosystem experience. Just be sure your iPhone is also ready to make the leap.
