watchOS 2.6 Brings Smarter Sound, Notes App, and Accessibility Upgrades to Apple Watch

Apple’s latest watchOS 2.6 update introduces smart features designed to make Apple Watch more personal, accessible, and intuitive.

Smarter Sound Awareness

Apple Watch can now auto-adjust its speaker volume based on surrounding noise levels for notifications, timers, alarms, calls, and Siri — helping users stay connected without disturbing others.

Notes App on Your Wrist

The Notes app arrives on Apple Watch, allowing users to view, pin, unlock, and create notes using Siri, dictation, or the keyboard. Checklist support makes managing tasks even easier.

Call Features with iPhone Nearby

Two new features enhance phone call management:

• Hold Assist notifies users when a live agent joins a call.

• Call Screening captures the caller's name and reason before the phone rings, giving users more control over unknown calls.

Improved Accessibility with Live Listen

Users who are deaf or hard of hearing can now use Live Listen controls directly from Apple Watch. The update brings real-time captions and remote control for Live Listen sessions on a paired iPhone.

More Personal Photos and Faces

The Photos watch face now shuffles Featured images, showcasing meaningful moments each time the user glances at their wrist. A redesigned watch face gallery also makes it easier to discover and customize faces via grouped collections.

watchOS 2.6 is a thoughtful update that enhances everyday utility, accessibility, and personalization — all from your wrist.