watchOS 26 to Support These Apple Watch Models
Apple's upcoming watchOS 26 software update will support all Apple Watch models that are compatible with watchOS 11, according to a private account on X with a proven track record for upcoming software updates.
If this rumor is accurate, and we believe it is, watchOS 26 will be compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and beyond:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- 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
Rather than naming the next-generation version watchOS 12, Apple is going to call it watchOS 26, our source confirmed. All of the software updates coming this year will be numbered "26," reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle.
The overhauled design that Apple is introducing for iOS 26 will also extend to the Apple Watch, though the changes to watchOS may not be as dramatic as the iOS 26 refresh. Apple will likely add new watch faces that are designed with the new style.
Apple's upcoming watchOS 26 update could also introduce support for third-party shortcuts in Control Center. For more details on what to expect for Apple Watch at WWDC next week, check out our roundup.
Popular Stories
With the Apple Watch Series 12 now just two months away, we have created a recap of rumored new features, with some more likely than others.
Below, we have outlined everything rumored so far for the Apple Watch Series 12.
More Likely
New Chip After One-Year Hiatus
While the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all contain the same S10 chip as the previous...
Apple today highlighted the SOS feature in the Apple Watch, publishing a short video featuring a man named Phil, who crashed while mountain biking.
Phil was biking with his two young children when he had an accident and was knocked unconscious. His Apple Watch detected the fall, calling emergency services and alerting his wife.
He ended up breaking his collarbone and seven ribs, but was...
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this year. Spoiler alert: not very much.
While it was rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch Series 12, Gurman said he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. Touch ID probably counts ...
