What would've been watchOS 12 is now watchOS 26, since the company decided to stop labeling its operating systems sequentially and instead name them according to the fiscal year they are released. WatchOS 26 has new Apple Intelligence features, which are small and measured rather than big and sweeping—but for Apple Watch fans, the fact that there is now Apple Intelligence on your wrist at all might be enough. Here, I'll walk through some of the new tips and tricks you can now see on your Apple Watch. Updated September 15, 2025: WatchOS 26 is now out. The Apple Watch now also supports Live Translation in Messages (again, you will need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone).