Apple Watch adopts Liquid Glass design: all the visual improvements of watchOS 26

The arrival of watchOS 26 represents the biggest aesthetic facelift for the Apple Watch since its launch. Apple has opted for style in this version. Liquid Glass, a visual language that makes an immediate difference from previous versions, dynamically applying transparency and reflections to all menus, widgets and clock faces.

This profound change affects navigation, notifications, Control Center and applications of the device. The effect created by Liquid Glass refracts and reflects content in real time, providing a modern finish and a sense of depth that, according to Apple, seeks to make the experience more immersive without losing the ease of use the system has always offered.

Liquid Glass is not just an aesthetic trend, but rather a visual layer that reacts to wrist movement and adapts graphic elements—such as dial numbers or controls—to the background or context. This redesign, clearly inspired by visionOS, also unifies the visual appearance with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, as iOS, macOS, iPadOS and tvOS adopt the same language and are now jointly numbered as version 26.

This is what the new Apple Watch with Liquid Glass looks like.

The distinctive touch of the redesign lies in the naturalness with which the menus and widgets They seem to float above the screen, Showing transparencies that vary depending on the background and with reflections that change as we move the watch. Notifications and controls now have a polished, more "lively" look. Even the watch face gallery and the Photos app have been reconstructed to take advantage of the optical effects of Liquid Glass.

Apple has emphasized that the interface is not only more attractive, but also more functional: allows you to better see what is happening on the screen and gives priority to content over frames and menus. Internal navigation of the apps and the Control Center itself have become cleaner, with rounded corners and smooth animations. Integration with the dark mode or clear system is automatic.

Artificial intelligence and new training features

Along with the visual redesign, watchOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence features to the watch. The protagonist is Workout Buddy, a personal trainer that uses AI to motivate and guide you through workouts. Based on data such as pace, heart rate, and activity goals, it generates personalized voice messages, reminding you of achievements, milestones, and challenges to complete.

This new feature works with Bluetooth headphones and requires the Apple Watch to be paired with an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence. At launch, it will only be available in English and for specific workouts: running, walking, cycling, and strength, although support is expected to expand progressively.

The motivational phrases generated are based on the voices of Fitness+ trainers., seeking to convey a close message, although various analysts point out that its depth is still limited compared to more advanced sports training systems.

Redesign of the Entreno app and improved music experience

The Entreno app has been completely revamped in terms of design and navigation. Now you can more intuitively adjust key training parameters, such as target pace, exercise type, or shortcuts, by simply tapping the corners of the screen. In parallel, integration with Apple Music has been enhanced, so the watch suggests playlists and podcasts tailored to your physical activity and personal preferences.

These recommendations appear right at the start of your workout, adding extra motivation. The Workout app also displays more visual, easy-to-refer summaries once you complete an exercise.

Contextual suggestions, message translation, and new gestures

The proactive suggestion system at Grupo Inteligente has received a powerful AI boost. Now, based on the watch's location, time of day, or sensors, actions are suggested, such as starting a regular workout, showing return routes in areas with no coverage, or accessing useful features, all visually highlighted thanks to the Liquid Glass effect.

Another significant new feature is the automatic translation of messages in the Messages app. The watch can instantly translate incoming and outgoing texts, without the need for a mobile phone. For now, this option is limited to recent models and languages ​​currently supported by Apple Intelligence. Additionally, the wrist-twist gesture has been improved to dismiss notifications, silence alarms, or reject calls with a quick movement of your arm.

Gesture control works by combining information from the accelerometer and gyroscope, available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.

Other new features and improvements in watchOS 26

The Notes app finally arrives on the Apple Watch, allowing you to view, pin, or create notes from your wrist using dictation, Siri, or the keyboard. Tools such as Hold Assist (an alert of an available agent on calls on hold), Call Filter (identifies unknown numbers before answering) and a renewed accessibility system have also been added. subtitles live synchronized with the iPhone.

The watch face gallery has been reorganized, making it easier to explore and customize your watch. Sound options have also been improved, automatically adjusting the volume for notifications and alarms based on your environment.

Availability and requirements for the new system

watchOS 26 will be available starting this fall as a free update. for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, second-generation Apple Watch SE, and Ultra models. It is essential to pair the watch with an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26. Some features, such as Apple Intelligence or automatic translation, require newer models of both the phone and the watch.

The Liquid Glass redesign involves not only a visual change, but also a commitment to unifying the look of all Apple devices under a single design umbrella, ensuring familiarity and consistency in daily use, regardless of the product chosen.