watchOS 26: Apple probably wants to open Control Center for developers
So far, only Apple can control the Control Center on the computer watch. This could change soon. Other new watchOS functions are also planned.
Apple Watch, here a Series 9: So far, developers have fewer options under watchOS than on the iPhone, for example.
(Image: Apple)
Apple is apparently about to make major changes to the operation of its Apple Watch computer watch. According to a report by the Apple blog 9to5Mac, the Control Center is to be redesigned with watchOS 26, which will be released in the fall. The most important new feature: for the first time, app developers will also have access to this area. They will be able to place widgets there to carry out relevant actions. Users would no longer have to navigate through an application themselves and could trigger app actions more quickly, as the control center is always accessible by clicking on the side button. Currently, only Apple itself can place widgets, i.e., switches and icons, here, for example for flight mode, volume, font size or sleep focus. The user can also configure this (somewhat), i.e., decide how the widgets are placed and where they appear.
Opening like on the iPhone?
On iOS, the Control Center has long been able to be loaded with widgets by third-party apps, and with iOS 18 the area has also become much more flexible, as there are entire widget collections that can be placed on multiple screens. Apple will probably not go quite that far with watchOS 26, if only because the Watch's screen is significantly smaller.
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According to 9to5Mac, which relies on “reliable sources”, data from apps will also appear in the watchOS 26 control center in addition to actions. To make configuration easier, Apple also wants to expand the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. The larger screen will then allow you to define what will be part of the Apple Watch Control Center.
Faster access to functions
As simple as opening the control center on the Apple Watch may sound, it could make it much easier to use. Apps can already place complications on the watch face to trigger quick actions or display data, but their number is limited. Navigating through individual apps is not always pleasant under watchOS, precisely because of the small screen.
watchOS 26, whose current predecessor is called watchOS 11, will otherwise come with a new look that shows glass effects – Apple will bring this UI, internally called “Solarium”, to all its operating systems, according to the rumor mill.
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