Since the arrival of watchOS 26, it is now possible to use the Notes app on your Apple Watch. This app is mainly intended for viewing notes, but you can also create new notes with it.
This makes it easy to check off checklists, making the Notes app perfect for shopping lists and quick notes. We explain how you can use the app on your Apple Watch.
Notes for Apple Watch
The Apple Watch receives new standard apps from Apple with every update. Since watchOS 26 you can use the Notes app. So you can finally view, create and manage notes straight from your wrist.
View and manage notes
The Notes app on Apple Watch is mainly intended for viewing existing notes. You get access to the same notes that are synced on your iPhone, iPad and Mac via iCloud. This way you always have important information, checklists or quick ideas within reach.
With the Notes app for Apple Watch you can:
- Browse and open notes
- Checking off checklists
- Pin notes at the top for quick access
- Unlock locked notes with your Apple Watch passcode
- Lock notes
You can easily view and access your notes in the app of the same name, and checking off checklists is a piece of cake. Want to pin a note to the top of the list? Then swipe from left to right on the note in the overview to confirm it with the pin.
Locked notes can be unlocked with your Apple Watch passcode. Once they’re open, you can tap the lock at the top to lock them again.
Create new notes with your voice
While the Watch version of Notes is limited to reading and small actions, you can create new notes via Siri, dictation, or even the built-in keyboard on recent Watch models. Useful for quick thoughts or shopping lists: say for example Hey Siri, make a note: buy oat milk and apples. You can also create a new note via the app by tapping the square with pencil symbol.
No attachments or text editing yet
Notes for watchOS is purely rumor for small actions, which is why there are still some limitations in the app. For example, you cannot view tables or attachments (such as images, documents or links) on the Apple Watch. You also cannot edit text after creating a note.
Still, the app makes it super convenient to jot something down or complete a list on the go without taking out your iPhone. Thanks to the integration with iCloud, all notes remain seamlessly synced with your other Apple devices.