Apple to Reveal Major watchOS 26 Update Exclusively for Select Apple Watch Models

On June 9, during the highly anticipated WWDC event, Apple will unveil the latest iterations of its software: iOS 26 and watchOS 26. For those with older Apple Watches, it’s important to determine if your device will support the forthcoming watchOS 26 update. Apple has shown a commendable commitment to providing software compatibility for older devices, and this year is no exception.

Compatible Apple Watch Models for watchOS 26

This year marks a notable change in how Apple names its software, as the company transitions from a numerical, order-based approach to a year-based naming convention. This shift is likely to simplify naming for customers and developers alike. Initially expected to be called watchOS 12, the update will instead be referred to as watchOS 26, aligning it with iOS 26. Importantly, this new naming scheme does not alter the exciting features anticipated in the update.

For each new update, Apple typically discontinues support for a segment of existing devices. However, watchOS 26 remains compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later models. Insights shared through a reliable account on X, corroborated by MacRumors, highlight the compatibility landscape, ensuring users know which devices will benefit the most from this latest update. All watchOS 26 compatible devices also support watchOS 11, which is a significant indicator of their technological capability.

Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

Users can look forward to an extensive redesign with watchOS 26, featuring a cohesive visual upgrade that reflects the company’s broader software aspirations. This update aims to harmonize the user interface design across all Apple products, drawing inspiration from the visually striking elements of visionOS. It’s expected that aspects such as the transparency and glass-like aesthetics seen in the Vision Pro will be integrated into the Apple Watch experience.

Alongside visual enhancements, improvements aimed at boosting productivity and enriching the overall user experience are also on the cards. For further insights, we will provide comprehensive coverage of the WWDC event as it unfolds, so stay tuned for detailed analyses and updates from the conference.

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