watchOS 26 to Finally Support Third-Party Control Center Widgets on Apple Watch: Report

Highlights

• The watchOS 26 update will let Third-Party Widgets in Control Center.
• Apple is finally allowing developers to integrate custom widgets, expanding functionality beyond Apple’s built-in toggles.
• Users will add, remove, and rearrange widgets via the Watch app on iPhone, making quick access to features like hydration tracking easier.
• Apple may unveil watchOS 26 alongside iOS 26, macOS 26 & iPadOS 26 at WWDC25 on June 9

Caption – watchOS 26 is set to introduce third-party widgets in Control Center. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is getting ready to make a long-requested change to the Apple Watch. According to an exclusive report by 9to5Mac, watchOS 26 will bring support for third-party widgets in the Control Center. It is something users have been asking for over the years.

As of now, Control Center on the Apple Watch has only included Apple’s own tiles and toggles. But with this update, developers will be able to integrate their own widgets directly into Control Center, allowing users to access more app features and shortcuts at a glance.

A trusted source reveals that the new layout will be fully customisable through the Watch app on iPhone. This means you’ll be able to add, remove, or rearrange widgets much more easily than the current method, which requires you to do it manually on the watch.

This opens up tons of possibilities such as a hydration tracker with a quick log button, a shortcut to lock your doors via a smart home app, or even one-tap access to your favourite workout. Essentially, it brings Control Center more in line with Apple Watch complications, giving users more power and flexibility over what they see and use most.

Of course, there’s always a chance this feature might get delayed or tweaked before the official rollout. Even though the source has been reliable in the past, it’s possible this feature could arrive later in the cycle if it doesn’t make it to the WWDC25 keynote.

Speaking of WWDC25, Apple is expected to announce iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26, with a focus on design upgrades and long-awaited features. With AI reportedly playing a smaller role this year, attention will likely shift to things like improved window management on iPad.

Apple’s keynote is set to kick off on Monday, June 9.

FAQs

Q1. What major change is coming to Apple Watch with watchOS 26?

Answer. Apple is introducing support for third-party widgets in the Control Center, allowing developers to integrate app shortcuts and features for easier access.

Q2. How will users customise Control Center widgets in watchOS 26?

Answer. Users can add, remove, and rearrange widgets through the Watch app on iPhone, making it more flexible and customizable than ever before.

Q3. When will Apple announce watchOS 26 and other updates?

Answer. Apple is expected to unveil watchOS 26 at WWDC25 on June 9, alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26, focusing on design enhancements and new features.