WO

watchOS 26.5

Get release alerts
26.4β†’26.5SecurityFeatureBug fix
πŸ“… May 11, 2026πŸ—‚ Operating SystemsπŸ“¦ watchOS β†—πŸ“œ Full changelog β†—
✦ Editor's summary

watchOS 26.5 introduces the new Pride Luminance watch face, fixes messaging issues affecting dual SIM users, and delivers important security updates and stability improvements for Apple Watch.

⚠ Security impact
  • Addresses multiple security vulnerabilities across Kernel, LaunchServices, SceneKit, Spotlight, and other system components.
  • Fixes issues that could allow unexpected system termination, kernel memory modification, information disclosure, or denial-of-service.
  • Apple recommends installing this update on all supported Apple Watch models.

What's new

  • Updated Apple Watch to watchOS 26.5.
  • Added the new Pride Luminance watch face with dynamic color effects.
  • Fixed an issue where Messages could send SMS instead of iMessage on paired dual SIM iPhones.
  • Included multiple security fixes across core operating system components.
  • Improved overall system stability, reliability, and performance.
  • Recommended for all supported Apple Watch devices.
More from watchOS
watchOS 26.6SecurityBug fixPerformanceJul 27, 2026
Latest in Operating Systems
iPadOS: iPadOS 26.6.1Aug 18, 2026
macOS: macOS 26.6.2SecurityAug 18, 2026
iOS: iOS 26.6.1Bug fixPerformanceAug 17, 2026
Windows Server 2025: Windows Server 2025 26100.33296SecurityBug fixAug 12, 2026
Windows Server 2022: Windows Server 2022 20348.5499SecurityBug fixAug 12, 2026

πŸ’¬ Comments (0)

Have you installed this watchOS update?

Share any installation issues, compatibility changes, or fixes you noticed.