Apple plans to open its Apple Watch Control Center to third-party developers for the first time with watchOS 26, according to multiple reports surfacing ahead of next week's Worldwide Developers Conference. The update will also extend support to all Apple Watch models currently compatible with watchOS 11, spanning devices from the Series 6 through the latest Ultra 2.
The move represents Apple's continued effort to expand customization options across its ecosystem, following similar changes introduced to iPhone Control Center with iOS 18.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, watchOS 26 will allow developers to integrate widgets directly into the Apple Watch Control Center, appearing alongside existing system toggles for Wi-Fi, battery status, and Focus Mode123. Users will be able to customize the layout through the Watch app on iPhone, adding, removing, and reordering widgets more easily than the current on-device method243.
The widgets could enable quick access to hydration tracking, smart home controls, workout presets, and other third-party app functions24. MacRumors noted that shortcuts could prove useful for "activating specialized workouts in third-party apps, launching streaming music apps, logging food and water intake, and more"2.
The software update will support all Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 11, including the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6 through 9, and both Ultra models1. This maintains Apple's current compatibility range rather than dropping older devices.
Apple is also abandoning its traditional sequential numbering system, jumping from what would have been watchOS 12 to watchOS 2612. The change reflects the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle and aligns with similar naming updates across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS12.
The update may incorporate design elements from Apple's "Solarium" aesthetic coming to iOS 26, featuring translucent elements and a glass-like appearance inspired by visionOS12. However, MacRumors suggests changes to watchOS "may not be as dramatic as the iOS 26 refresh"1.
Additional rumored features include AI-powered battery management, potential blood pressure monitoring capabilities, and integration with AirPods for sleep detection12.
Apple will unveil watchOS 26 at WWDC 2025, beginning with a keynote on Monday, June 93. The Control Center enhancement addresses what one source described to 9to5Mac as "one of the most requested Apple Watch usability features to date"4.
