Apple Watch Gains Native Notes App in watchOS 26
New Feature Brings Note-Taking and Viewing to Your Wrist
Apple is expanding the functionality of its smartwatch with the introduction of a dedicated Notes app for the Apple Watch, starting with the upcoming watchOS 26 release. This allows users to access and even create notes directly from their wrist, enhancing on-the-go productivity.
Seamless Note Access and Creation
With watchOS 26, users can now view existing notes on their Apple Watch. New notes can be dictated using Siri
, or composed using the on-screen keyboard. All notes synchronize automatically with the user’s iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud, ensuring consistent access across all devices.
Beyond basic viewing and creation, the app supports essential features like pinning important notes, unlocking secured notes, and marking checklist items as complete. These additions aim to make the Apple Watch a more versatile tool for managing information.
Beta Availability and Wider Release
The watchOS 26 beta is currently available for developers, with a public release planned for later this year. The update will be compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later models, the Apple Watch SE 2, and all Apple Watch Ultra versions. According to Statista, smartwatch shipments worldwide are projected to reach 280.8 million units in 2024, highlighting the growing market for these devices and the increasing demand for enhanced functionality. Statista
WWDC 2025 Announcements
The Notes app is just one of several updates unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The event showcased a significant design overhaul across Apple’s platforms, dubbed Liquid Glass
, alongside updates to iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other operating systems. Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, described the new design language as a universal approach for the first time.
Apple announces all-new ‘Liquid Glass’ software redesign across iOS 26 and more 💧https://t.co/qJq9wJqX9V
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) June 10, 2025
Other announcements included new features for the Messages and Phone apps in iOS 26, such as the ability to create polls and customize conversation backgrounds. The upcoming iPhone 17 Air
is also generating buzz with rumors of an ultra-thin design, though some compromises in battery life are anticipated.
Apple’s continued investment in watchOS demonstrates its commitment to making the Apple Watch an increasingly integral part of users’ daily lives, offering greater convenience and functionality directly on their wrists.
