About six weeks after releasing the next-generation watchOS 26, Apple has released watchOS 26.1 as a maintenance update focused on stability and refinement. This update is expected to improve performance and battery life for users running previous versions. Apple has also emphasised that watchOS 26.1 majorly focuses on bug fixes.
Apple’s watchOS 26.1: New features, how to download
Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, which debuted in watchOS 26, now has improved animations and readability with watchOS 26.1, reducing jitter and contrast issues some users noticed. However, unlike the iPhone version of this update, where users can adjust transparency, the watchOS 26.1 still provides the same default translucent look of Liquid Glass.
However, watchOS 26.1 arrives as a maintenance update approximately only after watchOS 26's major visual overhaul. Apple's release notes also indicate the update includes unspecified improvements and bug fixes focused on stability and refinement, as no new features were discovered in beta testing as well. Hence, with watchOS 26.1, Apple aims to deliver what users need most: a faster, safer, and more reliable Apple Watch.
To download the watchOS 26.1 update, Apple Watch users can use an iPhone running iOS 26.1 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. The update can also be downloaded by initiating it through the Settings app on the watch. However, do note that the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50% battery, and it needs to be placed on a charger for the watchOS 26.1 update to be successfully installed.
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