watchOS 26 to Support Third-Party Control Center Widgets
▼ Summary
– watchOS 26 will introduce third-party widgets in the Apple Watch Control Center, a highly requested feature.
– For the first time, developers can integrate their widgets alongside Apple’s toggles, enabling quick access to third-party app actions or data.
– Users can customize the Control Center layout via the iPhone Watch app, adding, removing, or reordering widgets more easily than before.
– Apple may delay or modify this feature before release, and its debut at WWDC isn’t guaranteed despite reliable sourcing.
– WWDC25 will focus on design updates and user wishlist items like better iPad window management, with AI playing a smaller role this year.
Apple Watch users may soon enjoy unprecedented customization options with watchOS 26, as insider reports suggest third-party widgets will finally make their way to Control Center. This highly anticipated feature could transform how users interact with their devices by allowing quick access to app-specific functions without navigating through multiple screens.
For years, the Control Center on Apple Watch has been limited to Apple’s built-in toggles for settings like Wi-Fi, battery status, and Focus modes. Reliable sources indicate that watchOS 26 will break this barrier, enabling developers to integrate their own widgets directly into the interface. Users could soon add shortcuts for fitness tracking, smart home controls, or even one-tap workout starters alongside existing system tools.
Customization appears to be a priority, with the update reportedly allowing users to rearrange, add, or remove widgets via the iPhone Watch app. This streamlined approach eliminates the clunky on-device method currently in place, making personalization far more intuitive. The change mirrors the flexibility of watch face complications, offering developers new ways to enhance functionality while keeping essential features within easy reach.
While this upgrade addresses a long-standing user request, Apple’s plans could still shift before the official WWDC announcement. Historically, the company has refined or delayed features based on internal testing, so the final implementation might differ. Still, the move aligns with Apple’s broader push toward greater interoperability and user control across its ecosystem.
Beyond watchOS, WWDC 2025 is expected to showcase sweeping updates for iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, with design refinements taking center stage. Reports suggest AI enhancements will play a secondary role this year, making room for improvements like enhanced iPad multitasking and system-wide interface refreshes. The keynote, scheduled for June 9, will reveal whether these rumors hold true.
For those considering an Apple Watch upgrade, several models are currently discounted on Amazon:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular): $734 (8% off)
- Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS): $299 (25% off)
- Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS): $329 (23% off)
- Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm, GPS): $218 (27% off)
As the event approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of Apple’s most user-focused updates in years. Whether third-party widgets debut as planned or arrive later, the potential for a more versatile Apple Watch experience is undeniable.
(Source: 9TO5MAC)
