The newest Apple smartwatch software program is known as watchOS 26. After months of beta variations, the largest free Apple Watch replace in years is now rolling out to the general public.
It’s designed to work completely with the brand new Apple Watch vary that features the Sequence 11 mainstream watch, extra inexpensive SE 3, and high-end Extremely 3. In addition to these new fashions, a complete bunch of older Apple Watches may also get the free software program replace – stretching again a number of years.
Word that Apple’s software program variations at the moment are named after the yr forward – ie: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and many others – to convey naming consistency. So for those who’re searching for the necessities to run what you thought was referred to as watchOS 12, you’re in the proper place!
However will your present Apple Watch get the replace? Right here’s our information to the watchOS 26 system necessities.
Will your Apple Watch get watchOS 26?
Final yr, watchOS 11 ditched help for the Apple Watch Sequence 5, making the Sequence 6 the oldest smartwatch that supported the replace. That watch is 5 years outdated now, because it was launched in 2020. watchOS 26 continues to help all the identical Apple Watches, together with Sequence 6.
In 2023 watchOS 10 ditched help for the Sequence 4, and earlier than that watchOS 9 lastly dropped help for the ageing Sequence 3.
Whereas Apple Intelligence rolled out to iPhone and Mac customers final yr in iOS and macOS Sequoia, it remained absent from the Apple Watch. However now not! watchOS 26 sees some further AI options lastly head in your wrist, with processing going down in your iPhone. Whether or not it’s a optimistic addition to the software program stays to be seen. Alongside Apple Intelligence, the glassy redesign from iOS 26 additionally makes its strategy to your wrist.
Right here’s a full listing of the gadgets anticipated to be suitable with watchOS 26:
- Apple Watch Sequence 11
- Apple Watch Extremely 3
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Sequence 10
- Apple Watch Extremely 2
- Apple Watch Sequence 9
- Apple Watch Extremely
- Apple Watch Sequence 8
- Apple Watch Sequence 7
- Apple Watch Sequence 6
- Apple Watch SE (all variations)
Associated: watchOS 26 lastly brings Apple Intelligence to the Apple Watch… for higher or worse
