Apple announced the new version of Watchos during the WWDC 2025. But which Apple Watches can install the Watchos 26-Update?
Watchos 26: New update for your Apple Watch
Instead of Watchos 12, Apple will skip a number of versions this year. The next version of the operating system for the Apple Watch will be Watchos 26. This does Apple to equalize the versions of all devices (so the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch).

With Watchos 26 your Apple Watch will get a number of new features. But the most striking is the ‘glass’ design that Apple Liquid has called Glass. But which Apple Watches get the new appearance and can the Watchos 26 update install later?

These Apple Watches get the update
When rolling out a new update, it often happens that older devices lose weight and no longer receive the update. This year we are lucky, because all Apple Watches that have support for Watchos 11 can also make the switch to Watchos 26.
The Apple Watch Series 6 and Nieuwer Watchos 11 is currently supporting the next Apple Watch models, which can install the Watchos 26 update.
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE 2022
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 (expected)
- Apple Watch SE 2025 (expected)
- Apple Watch Series 11 (expected)
Just keep in mind that not every Apple Watch gets all the new functions. For example, there is a new position with which you can push incoming conversations by turning your wrist. This function is only available on Apple Watch Series 9 (and newer) and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This is when you can install the update to Watchos 26
Watchos 26 is currently available as a beta (for developers). The final version will be downloaded for everyone from September. This is also when the new iPhones and Apple Watches appear. In addition to Watchos 26, iOS 26, iPados 26 and MacOS 26 can therefore be installed.