Apple Releases watchOS 26.4 With Workout Shortcut and Emoji Update

Apple has released watchOS 26.4 for Apple Watch users, bringing a small but useful set of changes. The update adds a quicker way to start workouts, introduces eight new emoji, and includes support for AirPods Max 2, along with bug fixes and security updates.

watchOS 26.4 arrives about six weeks after watchOS 26.3. While this is not a major redesign, it does improve a few everyday parts of the Apple Watch experience, especially if you use the Workout app often or want the latest emoji on your wrist.

To get the update, your iPhone needs to run iOS 26.4. Your Apple Watch also needs at least 50% battery and must be placed on its charger during installation.

How to update to watchOS 26.4

Updating your Apple Watch is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
2. Tap General
3. Tap Software Update
4. Download and install watchOS 26.4
5. Keep your Apple Watch on its charger until the update finishes

You can also start the update from the Settings app on the Apple Watch itself if the option appears.

All the Changes

watchOS 26.4 does not bring a long list of new features, but the updates here are still useful for daily use.

• Faster workout start: Apple now lets you start a workout with a single tap on a workout type icon in the Workout app. This should make it easier to jump into a run, walk, cycle session, or other exercise without extra taps.
• Eight new emoji: The update adds eight new emoji to the Apple Watch keyboard, including an orca, trombone, treasure chest, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face.
• AirPods Max 2 support: watchOS 26.4 also adds support for AirPods Max 2, which is useful for users who listen to music, podcasts, or calls through Apple’s latest over-ear headphones.
• Bug fixes and security updates: Apple says the release also includes bug fixes and important security improvements, which makes it a recommended update for most users.

This update looks like a polish release more than a feature-packed one, but the Workout app change stands out because it improves something many Apple Watch users open every day.

Let us know in the comments if you have installed watchOS 26.4 and whether you noticed any other changes.