watchOS 26.1 is Out! - What's New?

watchOS 26.1 is a public release primarily focused on security updates and bug fixes, with minor new features like expanded Translate app languages and customizable workouts, while some performance issues persist.

• watchOS 26.1 offers significant security updates and crucial bug fixes.

• New features include expanded Translate app languages and customizable workouts.

• Some performance issues like Control Center lag are still present post-update.

watchOS 26.1 has been released globally, a significant 4.6GB update that includes important security patches across various system components. Key new features consist of additional languages for the Translate app directly on the Apple Watch and enhanced customization options for workouts via the iPhone's Fitness app. While addressing some notification bugs, the update still exhibits performance issues like lag in the Control Center.

Installation and Build

• 00:00:05 watchOS 26.1 is a global public release for all supported devices, featuring a substantial 4.6 gigabyte installation size. Users can access the update through the watch settings under General > Software Update, with a tip to turn off Bluetooth during installation to force Wi-Fi for faster download speeds. The public build number for this version is 23S37.

New Features and Updates

• 00:01:30 The watchOS 26.1 update introduces a few new features, notably expanding language support in the Translate app to include Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, and many more directly on the Apple Watch. Additionally, users can now tap the date in the smart stack to open the Calendar app, and workouts can be customized on the iPhone's Fitness app to set specific metrics like distance, duration, and calories based on activity type.

Bug Fixes and Remaining Issues

• 00:03:00 This update primarily functions as a bug fix and security release, resolving an 'always on display' bug on Apple Watch Ultra 1 and most notification issues, ensuring phone notifications carry over to the watch. However, some performance problems remain, including a laggy Control Center animation and unresolved issues with swiping down to mark messages as read or inconsistent email notifications for some users.

Security Updates and Performance

• 00:04:07 watchOS 26.1 includes numerous critical security updates addressing vulnerabilities across components like the neural engine, Find My, installer, kernel, mail drafts, and phone. A notable fix addressed an authentication issue allowing physical access attackers to view live voicemail on a locked Apple Watch. While general performance is fast, the Control Center lag persists, and battery life is performing well, with some stabilization expected over a few days post-installation.