watchOS 26.5 available now for Apple Watch, here are the new features

Apple has just released watchOS 26.5, the latest software update for Apple Watch. Here’s what’s new in today’s update.

New Apple Watch face and bug fixes added in watchOS 26.5

Apple Watch users, a new update is available to install today. watchOS 26.5 is available now, you can find it in the Watch app on your iPhone.

The main addition of the update is a brand new dial: Pride Luminance.

Similar to the new iPhone wallpaper in iOS 26.5, Pride Luminance comes with an impressive amount of customization options to make it your own.

According to my colleague Zac’s detailed explanation:

Customization options include color, dial shape, style and corner complications for the circular dial shape. Apple offers 11 pre-configured color schemes. You can also choose from over 70 colors, choosing any combination of one to 12 colors at a time.

The new watch face can be installed from the faces gallery.

In addition to the new face, watchOS 26.5 also includes bug fixes and performance improvements. Apple specifically highlights these two fixes:

Fixes an issue where messages on Apple Watch may use SMS instead of iMessage when paired with a dual-SIM iPhone
Fixes an issue where workout app audio alerts could fail if the phone was not near the Apple Watch

Bigger changes will come to the Apple Watch in watchOS 27, which will be revealed next month. To learn more about this upcoming update, check out our coverage here.