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Apple Says watchOS 26 is Compatible With These Apple Watch Models

Apple today announced watchOS 26, which introduces a new Liquid Glass design, a new Workout Buddy feature, and much more.

watchOS 26 Apple Newsroom
Apple says that watchOS 26 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 or later, paired with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.

That means watchOS 26 supports the following Apple Watch models:

  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Series 10
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2

The first watchOS 26 developer beta is available starting today, and a public beta will follow next month. The update will be released later this year.

Related Roundups: watchOS 26, WWDC 2026

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Top Rated Comments

12 months ago
Any new watchfaces?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
so dumb that's all the new features coming to new watchOS. Zero innovation for years already.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
12 months ago

I would never buy an Apple Watch again the obsession with fitness which I have zero interest in. Where is the watch face store 🤷🏻‍♂️ 10 years to add different ringtones from the ones your iPhone 😂.
I only have an interest in fitness and workout tracking, hence why I'm working my way over to Garmin.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
watchOS update is underwhelming
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
Such boring updates for watchOS. And that fitness buddy or whatever chatting to you the whole time you’re exercising sounds like the most annoying experience I could imagine
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago

Does anyone know which models support the new wrist flick gesture?
Based on their press release ('https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/watchos-26-delivers-more-personalized-ways-to-stay-active-and-connected/'), there are just a few.

“Notifications are even easier to manage with a simple wrist flick gesture on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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