
watchOS 26 preview: a subtler take on AI
Victoria Song
created: July 24, 2025, 5:14 p.m. | updated: July 24, 2025, 7:32 p.m.
Apple just launched the watchOS 26 public beta, which means everyone can now try the latest software heading to the Apple Watch this fall.
That includes new Apple Intelligence features, such as Workout Buddy, new messaging features, the Wrist Flick gesture, and more.
Apple Intelligence doesn’t arrive on watchOS 26 with a bang.
Even so, while watching the Workout Buddy sizzle reel during the WWDC keynote, I morphed into Tina from Bob’s Burgers.
While it’s on guardrails, it’s more overtly AI than the rest of watchOS 26’s Apple Intelligence features.
1 month ago: The Verge