Apple finally took the wraps off the next-gen operating system for the Apple Watch. As expected, the version is called watchOS 26 instead of watchOS 12. The new OS features advanced health monitoring capabilities, AI-powered insights, and enhanced fitness tools. But the big question remains: Does your Apple Watch support watchOS 26? We’ve got you covered.
Breaking the usual pattern, watchOS 26 continues to support the Apple Watch Series 6, which was introduced in 2020. This marks the sixth major software update for the device—extending its support beyond the expected timeline
Apple Watch Models That Support watchOS 26 (Complete List)
Here’s a list of all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26 as per Apple:
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st and 2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, launching in September 2025, will ship with watchOS 26 pre-installed.
Apple Watch Models that Won’t Support watchOS 26
Apple typically provides five years of watchOS updates for its wearables. In 2024, with the release of watchOS 11, the company dropped support for the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5.
watchOS 26 release timeline: Developer beta, Public beta & stable rollout
Here’s when you can expect to try watchOS 26:
- June 9, 2025: Apple has already seeded the watchOS 26 developer beta immediately after the WWDC keynote.
- July 2025: The public beta of watchOS 26 will be available. (Note: You’ll need the iOS 26 beta installed on your iPhone to install the watchOS 26 beta.)
- September–October 2025: The stable watchOS 26 release will roll out to all compatible devices alongside the official launch of iOS 19.
Signing off…
If you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, you’re in the clear and will get to enjoy everything watchOS 26 has to offer. Otherwise, it might be time to consider an upgrade to take advantage of all the new features coming in 2025.
Did your Apple Watch make the cut? Drop a comment below and let us know!
