watchOS 26 Brings Your iPhone's Control Center to Your Apple Watch

June 16, 2025 June 16, 2025

Apple Watch Gets a Major Control Center Upgrade with watchOS 26

Apple Watch Control Center Gets a Huge Boost with watchOS 26

Apple Watch users are in for a treat! watchOS 26 introduces a significant enhancement to the Control Center, bringing a level of customization previously unseen. This update bridges the gap between your iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing for a more seamless and personalized user experience. Let's dive into the details of this exciting new feature.

Apple Watch Custom Control Center in watchOS 26

Seamless Integration with Your iPhone's Control Center

One of the most notable improvements in watchOS 26 is the automatic synchronization of Control Center controls from your iPhone. Previously, the Apple Watch's Control Center was limited to a handful of Apple-provided controls like Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, Theater Mode, and Flashlight. Now, controls available in your iPhone's Control Center gallery are automatically mirrored on your Apple Watch. This happens even if the iOS app providing the control doesn't have a corresponding watchOS app.

When you tap one of these mirrored controls on your Apple Watch, the action is performed directly on your paired iPhone. This means you can quickly access and manage many of your iPhone's settings and features directly from your wrist without needing to reach for your phone.

Creating Custom Controls for Your Apple Watch

Beyond the automated integration with your iPhone, watchOS 26 empowers app developers to create entirely new custom controls specifically for the Apple Watch. Unlike mirrored controls, these custom controls perform their actions directly on the watch itself, offering a more responsive and localized experience.

Imagine a fitness app offering a custom control to quickly start a workout, or a music app providing a custom control for skipping tracks. The possibilities are endless and will significantly enhance the functionality of many existing and future apps.

Action Button Integration on Apple Watch Ultra

For users of the Apple Watch Ultra, the custom controls take on an extra layer of convenience. These custom controls can now be assigned directly to the Action button, providing instant access to frequently used functions with a single press. This makes accessing essential features even faster and more intuitive.

This streamlined access via the Action button is a significant improvement for those who rely on their Apple Watch for quick actions during workouts, outdoor activities, or any situation where speed and efficiency are key.

Accessing the Control Center on Your Apple Watch

Accessing the enhanced Control Center remains simple. Just press the side button on your Apple Watch to reveal the expanded list of controls, now including your iPhone's controls and any newly created custom controls from your apps.

Mirroring iOS 18 Innovations

The improvements introduced in watchOS 26's Control Center closely mirror the enhancements made to the iPhone's Control Center with the release of iOS 18 last year. This consistency across Apple's operating systems ensures a smoother user experience and easier transition between devices.

Availability and Future Release

Currently, watchOS 26 is available in beta for Apple Watch Series 6 and later models. You can find more information about the beta program at this MacRumors article. A public release is expected in September, making these exciting features available to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The enhancements to the Apple Watch's Control Center in watchOS 26 represent a substantial leap forward in functionality and customization. The integration with the iPhone's Control Center, the ability for developers to create custom controls, and the Action button integration on the Apple Watch Ultra, all contribute to a more intuitive and efficient user experience. This update is a testament to Apple's commitment to refining and improving its products to meet the evolving needs of its users.