Apple is bringing big changes to the Apple Watch with its new software update, watchOS 26. One of the most exciting updates is the ability to use your iPhone’s Control Center controls right from your Apple Watch.
Earlier, Apple Watch only showed basic controls like Wi-Fi, Flashlight, Airplane Mode, and Theater Mode. Now, with watchOS 26, users will see custom controls from their iPhone too—even if the app doesn’t have a watch version.
Here’s how it works: if a control is available in your iPhone’s Control Center, it will also show up on your watch. When you tap that control on your watch, the action will happen on your iPhone. This gives users more power and ease without picking up the phone.
Also, app developers can now create custom controls just for the Apple Watch. These special controls will run actions directly on the watch itself.
If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can even assign these new controls to the Action button, making it faster to use.
These features are similar to the changes made in iOS 18, which updated the iPhone’s Control Center last year.
You can open the Control Center on the Apple Watch by pressing the side button. The layout may look different now, with more icons and choices depending on the apps you use.
Currently, watchOS 26 is in beta testing and is available for developers. It works on Apple Watch Series 6 and newer. The final version is expected to launch in September 2025, around the same time as the next Apple Watch model.
This update will make it easier to control both your iPhone and Apple Watch from your wrist.
Also Read: OnePlus Pad Lite Design and Features Leaked Ahead of India Launch
