watchOS 26: New Wrist Flick Gesture & On-Wrist Notes
▼ Summary
– Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language updates UI elements with a transparent glassy appearance, though the change is subtler on the Apple Watch compared to other devices.
– A new wrist flick gesture allows users to dismiss notifications and silence timers by rotating the watch away, and volume now automatically adjusts based on ambient noise.
– Hypertension notifications use the optical sensor to detect high blood pressure signs over 30 days, available on Series 9 and later models including Ultra 2 and 3.
– New health features include a sleep score evaluating sleep quality and an AI-powered Workout Buddy providing motivational messages based on fitness history.
– Other upgrades include configurable widgets, automatic message translations, new watch faces, and integration of iPhone’s Hold Assist and Call Screening features.
Apple’s latest watchOS 26 update introduces a suite of new features designed to make the Apple Watch more intuitive and capable than ever. While the new Liquid Glass design language brings a subtle visual refresh across the interface, the real excitement lies in the practical enhancements to how users interact with their device and manage daily tasks.
A standout addition is the new wrist flick gesture, which offers a natural way to dismiss notifications, silence timers, or mute incoming calls by simply rotating your wrist away from your body. This motion aims to be more intuitive than the previous double-tap gesture, streamlining common interactions. The update also introduces intelligent audio adjustments, allowing the watch to automatically lower the volume of alerts and Siri responses when background noise decreases.
For the first time, the Notes app arrives on Apple Watch, enabling users to create and view notes directly from their wrist. Siri can assist by dictating new entries, making it easier to capture thoughts or reminders on the go. Messaging becomes more powerful too, with automatic translations integrated into conversations, breaking down language barriers seamlessly.
Health monitoring takes a significant step forward with the introduction of hypertension notifications. Using the watch’s existing optical sensor, this feature analyzes vascular response to heartbeats over a 30-day period to identify potential high blood pressure. Available on Series 9 and later, as well as Ultra 2 and 3 models, it provides valuable early warnings without additional hardware.
Sleep tracking is enhanced with a new sleep score that evaluates rest quality based on duration, interruptions, and consistency. Another wellness innovation is the AI-powered Workout Buddy, which delivers personalized encouragement and insights during exercise by drawing on your fitness history.
Additional upgrades include configurable Smart Stack widgets for prioritizing frequently used tools, new watch faces, and the integration of iPhone features like Hold Assist and Call Screening. These allow the watch to manage incoming calls by gathering context or waiting on hold, notifying you when a representative is available.
Together, these features reinforce the Apple Watch’s role as both a health companion and a productivity tool, blending smarter design with meaningful functionality.
(Source: The Verge)
