watchOS 26 makes Apple Watch smarter with Apple Intelligence, 64 bit apps, WhatsApp, and new accessibility

watchOS 26 brings the Apple Watch a noticeable step closer to being a smart, go anywhere companion. Apple Intelligence lands on the wrist, a new 64 bit architecture powers richer apps on newer models, WhatsApp finally ships a full watch app, and accessibility gets a boost with live captions. The Notes app also makes its Apple Watch debut.

• Smarter everyday help: Apple Intelligence delivers features like a generative voice Workout Buddy and proactive app suggestions that fit your routine.
• More muscle for apps: Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 run a full 64 bit architecture so apps load faster and do more.
• WhatsApp arrives: A full featured, standalone WhatsApp app lets you keep up with chats and voice messages right from your wrist.
• Accessibility upgrades: Live Listen adds real time captions, and the new Notes app lets you capture ideas without reaching for your phone.

What is Apple changing for apps in watchOS 26?

The Apple Watch has always been a great sidekick. With watchOS 26, it grows into a sharper coach and a more proactive assistant. Apple is weaving Apple Intelligence into the core experience so the watch feels more personal and more helpful throughout the day. As David Clark, Apple’s senior director of watchOS Engineering, put it, the Apple Watch is an indispensable companion and watchOS 26 uses intelligence to make it even more personalized.

One highlight is Workout Buddy, a generative voice coach that gives tailored motivation and feedback while you exercise. It is a small example of how Apple’s AI is reshaping app experiences across the ecosystem.

Why does the new 64 bit architecture matter?

Under the hood, Apple is shifting the latest watches to a full 64 bit arm64 architecture on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. For users, that means snappier performance and apps that can handle more complex tasks. For developers, it opens the door to broader memory use and advanced computation that was tougher to achieve before.

Moving away from arm64_32 lets developers rethink app designs with fewer constraints. Older apps still run, but Apple is urging developers to recompile for the new target to unlock the benefits. The change was detailed during WWDC sessions and covered by outlets like MacRumors. Apple has also set a date to cement the transition, which we will get to in a moment.

What can you actually do with the new WhatsApp app?

After years of requests, WhatsApp now has a full watch app for Apple Watch. It is a big step up from simple notification replies. You can browse complete chat threads, listen to and record voice messages, and view images and stickers without pulling out your phone.

WhatsApp says Apple Watch users can continue conversations with a rich, consistent experience. Coverage notes you can even handle voice messages end to end on your wrist, which makes quick back and forth chats feel more natural when you are on the move. Read more in recent reporting here.

How does Apple Intelligence change what you see on your watch?

Apple Intelligence also powers smarter moments of help. The Smart Stack now suggests apps based on context like location and time of day. Headed to the gym and, you know, your workout app just shows up when you need it.

Health and fitness apps can personalize more elements, including music suggestions tailored to your tastes and the type of workout you are doing. Developers get new Smart Stack Relevance APIs to surface the right information at the right time. Apple outlines these capabilities in its watchOS 26 developer documentation.

What new accessibility features stand out?

watchOS 26 makes the watch more inclusive. Live Listen now supports real time captions so speech appears as text on your wrist. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, that is a meaningful improvement for everyday conversations and independence. As Apple accessibility engineer Michelle Cheung explained, Live Listen transcribes speech instantly and brings it to where it is easiest to glance.

The Notes app is also coming to Apple Watch. You can create notes, pin the important ones, and unlock protected notes and checklists without reaching for your iPhone. It is a small change that makes the watch better at quick capture moments.

When do developers need to move to 64 bit?

Apple has set April 2026 as the date after which new watchOS apps must target the full 64 bit architecture. That deadline should speed up the shift to more capable apps, especially those that lean on on device intelligence, richer health metrics, and deeper integration with the Apple ecosystem. Industry watchers expect 2026 to be a pivotal year for apps that feel more contextual and responsive.

Recommended tech

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What does this mean for Apple Watch owners?

Expect your watch to feel faster, more helpful, and more independent. With watchOS 26, Apple Watch looks less like an accessory and more like a mini platform for communication, fitness, and getting things done. As Apple’s David Clark told Apple Newsroom, watchOS 26 supports users in staying active, healthy, connected, and safe throughout the day. And with tools like Aura helping keep you safe online, the Apple Watch is settling into an even bigger role in daily life.

How do you install watchOS 26?

To update, make sure your iPhone is on the latest iOS, keep your Apple Watch on its charger with at least 50 percent battery, then go to the Watch app on iPhone, choose My Watch, tap General, and select Software Update. Download and install watchOS 26, and keep the devices close together until it finishes.

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