
watchOS 26 is coming this fall, with new options like the Notes app, watch face ‘hints,’ Management Heart upgrades, and extra. However not like most watchOS releases, there are a number of tentpole options that may solely be accessible on very current Apple Watch fashions.
Apple Watch Collection 10, Collection 9, or Extremely 2 required for a number of watchOS 26 options
When you’re wanting ahead to getting Liquid Glass in your Apple Watch, and quite a lot of different new watchOS 26 options, all you want is an Apple Watch Collection 6 or newer, Apple Watch SE 2, or any Apple Watch Extremely.
However for sure tentpole options, {hardware} necessities are far more strict.
4 new options with restricted Apple Watch assist embody:
- Wrist flick, a brand new hands-free gesture for dismissing notifications, silencing, timers, and extra
- Stay Translation, which helps you to message with individuals who don’t share your language
- Automated quantity adjustment, which ensures that notifications, incoming calls, and different noises are an acceptable quantity to your surroundings
- Updates to Sensible Replies, which make the prompt replies you see in Messages extra related and contextual than ever

Every of those options has the identical, very restricted system assist.
They’re solely accessible on three present Apple Watch fashions:
- Apple Watch Collection 10
- Apple Watch Collection 9
- Apple Watch Extremely 2
Primarily, solely Apple Watch fashions that launched in 2023 or later are supported.
So if you happen to’re considering any of those upcoming watchOS 26 options and have been contemplating new Apple Watch {hardware}, this is perhaps the 12 months to improve.
Are you wanting ahead to those watchOS 26 options, and do any make you extra inclined to improve? Tell us within the feedback.
Finest Apple Watch offers and equipment
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