Apple Watch to Support Third-Party Control Center Widgets in watchOS 26
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Attention all Apple Watch users, get ready for a major update! Exclusive news from 9to5Mac reveals that Apple is prepping support for third-party Control Center widgets in the upcoming watchOS 6. This means that you will soon be able to customize your Control Center with widgets from your favorite apps.
According to sources, Apple has been working on this feature for the past few months and is aiming to release it in watchOS 6, which is expected to be announced at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. This update will open up a whole new world of possibilities for Apple Watch users, allowing them to access and interact with their favorite apps in a whole new way.
With this new feature, users will be able to add widgets from third-party apps to their Control Center, just like they can on their iPhone. This will allow for quick and easy access to essential information, such as the weather, news, fitness data, and more. It will also enable users to control their smart home devices, music, and other functions directly from their Apple Watch.
Introduction: Apple Opens Up Control Center in watchOS 26
Apple is preparing a groundbreaking update for its smartwatch operating system with watchOS 26, bringing third-party widget support to the Apple Watch Control Center for the first time. This change, expected to be announced at WWDC 2025, marks a significant shift in how users and developers interact with the Apple Watch interface.
Until now, the Control Center was a fixed space offering quick access to core system toggles like Airplane Mode, Battery Saver, Silent Mode, and Focus. But with watchOS 26, Apple is reimagining this area to become far more dynamic and customizable—allowing developers to place their own functional widgets right beside Apple’s default controls.
A First for Apple Watch: Third-Party Control Center Widgets
This new feature will allow app developers to build mini-widgets that users can pin to the Control Center. These widgets can:
- Trigger app-specific actions (e.g., lock smart doors, start workouts)
- Display real-time app data (e.g., hydration stats, weather alerts)
- Offer one-tap shortcuts to app screens or functions
Much like the Control Center on iOS and iPadOS, users will be able to reorder or remove widgets via the Watch app on iPhone. This means users can tailor their Apple Watch interface to better suit their lifestyle or app usage patterns.
Developers are already preparing for this enhancement with updated APIs expected to be released in the first watchOS 26 beta. Apple’s internal documentation reportedly includes widget design guidelines and integration protocols similar to those used in iOS 17’s Lock Screen widgets.
What This Means for Users
For Apple Watch users, the move to support third-party widgets unlocks a level of flexibility previously only seen in iPhone or iPad ecosystems. It bridges the gap between glanceable information and direct interaction, enabling a faster and more meaningful smartwatch experience.
Example Use Cases:
- Fitness apps like Strava or Nike Run Club offering real-time activity stats
- Smart home tools like Home+ or Eve for Apple HomeKit device toggles
- Productivity apps offering quick access to timers, checklists, or voice notes
- Finance apps displaying spending alerts or wallet balances
Apple’s Motivation: Personalization and Competitive Edge
The addition of third-party widgets reflects Apple’s broader push toward enhanced personalization across its product lines. With companies like Samsung and Google pushing forward in the smartwatch space, Apple is reinforcing its leadership by making the Apple Watch more functional and versatile.
Combined with rumored AI-powered features and updated health tracking tools, watchOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful software updates for wearables in years.
Developer Access and Rollout Timeline
Apple is expected to reveal watchOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 keynote on June 10. A developer beta will likely follow the announcement, with a public beta by July and full release alongside new Apple Watch models in September 2025.
Developers will gain access to widget APIs through the Xcode 17 SDK, which is anticipated to include:
- WidgetKit for watchOS
- New Control Center layout templates
- Enhanced performance APIs for glanceable data
Conclusion: Customization is the Future of Apple Watch
With the introduction of third-party Control Center widgets in watchOS 26, Apple is setting the stage for a new era of Apple Watch customization and utility. By giving developers and users more control over the interface, Apple continues to evolve its wearable platform in a direction that prioritizes functionality, personalization, and speed.
As we look ahead to WWDC 2025, all eyes are on how Apple will implement this feature and what it means for the growing ecosystem of watchOS apps.
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