Episode 285, watchOS 26 delivers more personalized and productive ways to stay active, healthy, and connected

Mac Minutes

In this episode, we will discuss watchOS 26 delivers more productive and personal ways to stay active, healthy, and connected. A new software design makes using Apple Watch even more helpful, Workout Buddy brings a first-of-its-kind workout experience with Apple Intelligence, and the Smart Stack and Messages are more intelligent. We will cover these new features and a lot more.

watchOS 26 offers a new look and even more intelligence for a more personalized experience.

A new software design enables a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering, which brings even more focus to content.

The Workout app debuts the biggest update to its layout and navigation since its introduction, with four new buttons in the corners that make it easier for users to access their favorite features to customize workouts.

Apple Music can now select the best playlist for a user’s workout based on the workout type and their personal tastes. Alternatively, users can see suggestions for playlists or podcasts based on what they’ve recently listened to during that particular workout type.

Smart Stack hints offer a proactive prompt for actionable suggestions that are immediately useful. For example, a hint for Backtrack may appear when a user is in a remote location with no connectivity.

Apple Watch now supports Live Translation in Messages with Apple Intelligence, allowing incoming texts to be automatically translated into a user’s preferred language.

Notifications are now even easier to manage with a simple wrist flick gesture. When a user raises their wrist to check a notification but isn’t ready to respond, they can quickly turn their wrist over and back to dismiss the notification.