Apple unveils watchOS 26 with new design, wrist-flick gesture, and AI Workout Buddy feature

At WWDC 2025, Apple announced watchOS 26, a significant update for the Apple Watch featuring a redesigned interface based on the new Liquid Glass operating system. This redesign aims to unify the user experience across Apple devices. A notable new interaction is the wrist-flick gesture, which allows users to dismiss notifications, mute incoming calls, and silence timers or alarms with a simple flick of the wrist. The update also introduces the AI-powered Workout Buddy, which leverages Apple Intelligence to analyze workout data in real-time and provide personalized encouragement through a dynamic text-to-speech voice. The Workout app has been streamlined for easier access, and Workout Buddy offers motivational pep talks at the start of runs. Additionally, watchOS 26 brings the Notes app to the Apple Watch for quick note-taking and viewing, enhanced ambient noise detection to automatically adjust call and notification volumes, and new Messages features like Live Translation, aligning the watch’s capabilities more closely with the iPhone.