Apple has taken the next step for those who want to explore the new features of its smartwatch operating system: The watchOS 26 beta is now available.This preview version can be downloaded by both developers and users who are willing to risk installing it on their primary device—although it's always best to do so on a secondary device, as it's still a testing software.
The new iteration of watchOS arrives in parallel with the betas of the rest of Apple systems and represents a Significant advancement in customization, visual integration, and AI-assisted featuresThe new features are especially noticeable for those with the latest Apple Watch models, but there are also general improvements across a good portion of the current catalog.
The commitment to the Liquid Glass interface and intelligent system management These are the central pillars of the renewal. Apple has worked to unify the visual style of its products and make the watch experience much more intuitive, faster, and, above all, consistent with what users expect from the brand's ecosystem.
The watchOS 26 beta can be installed on the Apple Watch Series 6 or later, second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the entire Apple Watch Ultra family, although some exclusive features are reserved for the most recently released models. To access the beta, you must register for the official beta testing program and accept the associated risks, as the software may contain errors and affect the watch's normal operation.
New gestures and smart features only for the latest models
One of the main new features of this update is the Wrist Flick gesture, which allows you to perform quick actions such as clearing notifications, pausing alarms or returning to the home screen without having to physically interact with the screen. This feature, along with the automatic volume adjustment Depending on the environment, it seeks to make everyday use of the watch much more comfortable and less intrusive.
Using these innovations requires advanced hardware, so They will only be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.Older models will receive other improvements, but will not be able to use these gestures or dynamic volume control.
Furthermore, the system smart answers Messages has been enhanced with more precise and context-aware suggestions, though again, full functionality is reserved for newer watches.
Liquid Glass and a new look: a complete redesign of the interface
With watchOS 26 Beta appears Liquid glass, a design change that focuses on transparencies, fluid shapes, and an aesthetic more aligned with visionOS, the system of the Apple Vision Pro. The new interface affects both icons and menus and widgets, seeking a homogeneous, modern, and elegant visual experience.
This redesign It is not exclusive to the latest models: will be available on all Apple Watches compatible with the beta, from Series 6 onwards and SE 2, allowing most users to enjoy this new look. You can also check out More details on Apple's operating system betas.
In parallel, Apple has migrated the most advanced watches to an arm64 architecture, which translates into a improved performance, the ability to run more complete applications and a global system optimizationFor developers, it will be advisable to recompile their apps to take advantage of this new environment.
Interactive widgets, revamped watch faces, and more control
Another of the pillars of the jump to watchOS 26 is in the interactive widgets and advanced management of the Smart stackFrom this section, you can perform quick actions, receive smart recommendations, or activate relevant apps based on time and location. For example, the watch can suggest starting a Pilates workout when you arrive at your usual gym or suggest using Backtrack if it detects you're in an area with poor coverage.
The Photos watch face has also been revamped, now displaying full-screen images and better integrating with the overall system design. The Notes app makes its debut on Apple Watch, allowing you to create and view notes right from your wrist, and expanded integration with third party controls in Control Center and the Smart Stack, allowing for much deeper customization.
Other features, such as live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, also appear on compatible models, expanding the watch's range of uses and making your everyday life more versatile and useful.
Precautions and how to access the beta
Installing the watchOS 26 beta comes with certain risks. This is a test version. This can cause compatibility issues, unexpected crashes, or increased battery consumption, so it's not recommended for a watch you use daily. Before you begin, it's a good idea to back up your data and make sure you know the process for rolling back to a stable version in case the experience isn't satisfactory.
To try the beta you just need to register at the Apple's official testing program and follow the prompts from the Settings app on the paired iPhone. However, the update will only appear if your model is compatible and meets the minimum requirements.
The arrival of watchOS 26 Beta Not only does it update the look and feel of the Apple Watch, but it sets the tone for the rest of the devices in the Apple ecosystem in the coming months, laying the groundwork for an increasingly natural integration between hardware and software.