How to Update Your Apple Watch to watchOS 26

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Key Takeaways:

Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26: Series 6 and newer, including Series 7–11, SE (2nd/3rd gen), and Apple Watch Ultra models, are compatible with the update.
iPhone and battery requirements: Your iPhone must run iOS 16, both devices need at least 50% charge, and they must stay connected over Wi-Fi nearby.
Updating Apple Watch without iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update on the watch itself after connecting to Wi-Fi and placing it on the charger.
Updating Apple Watch with iPhone: Open the Watch app, connect to Wi-Fi, and install updates from Software Update, entering device passcodes when prompted.
Why update to watchOS 26: The update adds features like Liquid Glass UI, Workout Buddy, and Live Translation while improving performance and fixing known issues.

Apple’s biggest watchOS update in years, watchOS 26, is finally here. The new update introduces the all-new Liquid Glass UI, Workout Buddy, Live Translation in Messages, and much more to your Apple Watch. If you’re ready to explore everything it has to offer, you must first ensure that your Apple Watch supports watchOS 26.

If yes, continue reading to learn how to install the latest watchOS 26 on your Apple Watch.

Is Your Apple Watch watchOS 26 Compatible?

While Apple typically provides 5 years of software updates for Apple Watch, breaking the pattern, watchOS 26 continues to support the Apple Watch Series 6, launched in 2020.

Here’s a complete list of Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26:

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Apple Watch Ultra (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

Requirements to update watchOS 26

Update your iPhone to the latest iOS 16.
Ensure the battery is at least 50% on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Connect your iPhone and Apple Watch to a Wi-Fi network.
Keep your Apple Watch within the connection range of your iPhone to prevent disconnection.

How to Update Apple Watch Directly

To update your Apple Watch without an iPhone, connect Apple Watch to Wi-Fi and plug it in to charge, then follow these steps:

Open Settings on your Apple Watch.
Tap General.
Navigate to Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Tap Proceed.
The Apple Watch will restart once the update is installed.

How to Update Apple Watch with Your Paired iPhone

You do not need the paired iPhone to update the Apple Watch. However, the paired iPhone will send you a notification whenever an update for the Apple Watch is available. If you intend to update through the iPhone, follow these steps:

Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are connected to Wi-Fi.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.
On the next page, tap Download and Install Now.
Enter your iPhone passcode.
Read the terms and conditions. Once you’ve read the terms and wish to proceed, tap Agree.
You might be asked to enter the Apple Watch passcode, after which the update process will begin.
A progress wheel will appear on the Apple Watch. Plug the Apple Watch into a charger to prevent it from dying during the update process.
Once the update is installed, the Apple Watch will restart and run the latest software version.

Note While the update is in process, please do not restart your iPhone or Apple Watch.

All Set with watchOS 26….

Updating your Apple Watch to watchOS 26 ensures it benefits from all the latest feature additions and stays away from software bugs, which could affect its performance. With just a few taps, you can have your watch running the newest version and enjoy everything Apple has packed into it this year.

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