WWDC 2025 has given us our first look at Watchos 26, brought new features including training buddy, playlists tied to your training plans and a long awaited UI audit. Watchos 26 probably won’t arrive until September, but we’re already happy to get hold of it.
However, it will not be for everyone, and we do not believe in terms of users who choose not to upgrade – some simply will not be able to.
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Watchos 11 supports devices from the Apple Watch Series 6 onwards as well as the second generation SE and both Ultra models.
We are pleased to confirm that Watchos 26 supports the same models as long as they are paired with an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26. Below you can find the full list of models that will receive ongoing support and be eligible for Watchos 26.
- Apple Watch see (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Which models are missing out on?
Of course, if you have the first Apple Watch View or an Apple Watch Series 5 or earlier, you are stuck on the Watchos update you’ve installed right now.
Fortunately, all Apple Watch Ultra models are still supported, which is just as well given the price tag.
So what do owners of older units miss?
Apple’s new UI changes are felt in each operating system, but Watchos 26 will see changes in Smart Stack -Widgets, Tips, Messages, Control Centers and more.
When it stays with Smart Stack, it becomes smarter than before, “Improving its prediction algorithms by incorporating multiple contextual data, sensor data and date from a user’s routine”.
Apple Watches also gets a feature that Apple says is driven by Apple Intelligence: Workout Buddy.
Apple says this will generate insight during a workout based on data from the Fitness app and the sensor data. It even gives you a PEP speech while also staying on track with feedback about your workout.
