Apple has launched watchOS 26 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 26 for Apple TV. Both are major new software updates for those devices with the Liquid Glass interface update, and include a variety of new features and improvements, making them compelling updates to those in the Apple ecosystem.
watchOS 26 Features, Compatibility, & How to Install
watchOS 26 brings the Liquid Glass interface to Apple Watch, which basically means things are shinier and more translucent, and brings the design language to match the other freshly released OS 26 updates. Aside from the newly brushed up appearance, there are some significant new features too for Apple Watch.
Hypertension Alerts are available on Apple Watch Series 9 and newer, along with Sleep Score metrics, a wrist-flick dismissal gesture, improvements to workouts, new Messages features, Notes app for Apple Watch, and more.
watchOS 26 Compatible Apple Watch Models
watchOS 26 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, all Ultra models, and the second-generation SE or newer.
Keep in mind that you will also need an iPhone with iOS 26 update installed to be able to install and use watchOS 26 on Apple Watch.
How to Update Apple Watch to watchOS 26
To update your Apple Watch, go to your paired iPhone and first update that to iOS 26. Then be sure your watch has 50% or more charge on the battery, place it on the charger, then…
Open Watch app on iPhone. Go to General > Software Update, and install watchOS 26 as requested.
Installing watchOS updates can take a while, so just leave it plugged in and be patient.
tvOS 26 Features, Compatibility, & How to Install
Apple TV gains tvOS 26 which also introduces the Liquid Glass interface to the television with more shininess and translucency and updated animations.
There aren’t a ton of new features for tvOS 26, so other than the revamped interface look you’ll find a karaoke feature called Sing that puts lyrics on screen while you can use iPhone as a microphone, and AirPlay speakers can be used for audio output automatically. You’ll also find new aerial screen savers including imagery from Lake Tahoe and India, which rounds out the appearance revamp.
tvOS 26 Compatible Apple TV models
tvOS 26 requires Apple TV 4K 2nd generation or newer for Liquid Glass, but all Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K models and newer will support tvOS 26.
How to Update Apple TV to tvOS 26
Installing tvOS 26 on Apple TV is easy, just go to Settings > System > Software Update, and install tvOS 26.
Many people have auto-updates enabled on tvOS so this may take care of itself if you leave your Apple TV turned on frequently.
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While iOS 26 for iPhone, iPadOS 26 for iPad, and macOS Tahoe 26 for Mac gain the majority of attention, these updates to tvOS 26 for Apple TV and watchOS 26 for Apple Watch are significant too, so don’t forget to check out the new features and install these new versions on your devices. And if you have other Apple hardware you’re going to want to update that too, because Apple dumped out sixteen new updates to system software versions including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, MacOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, homePod updates, AirPod updates, iOS 18.7, iPadOS 18.7, iOS 15.8.5 and iPadOS 15.8.5, iOS 16.7.12 and iPadOS 16.7.12, MacOS Sequoia 15.7, MacOS Sonoma 14.8, and visionOS 26. Quite a list, so enjoy installing software updates!