Apple Watch Is Getting a Visual Makeover Inspired by visionOS

Apple is preparing a fresh new look for watchOS, and it’s taking design cues from visionOS—the sleek interface used in Apple Vision Pro. According to a new report from The Verifier, this visual update is currently in development and will roll out alongside broader software updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

While this redesign may not be as sweeping as what’s rumored for iOS 19 and macOS 16, it still promises to give the Apple Watch a more modern, refined feel.

Floating Buttons and a New App Layout

One of the standout changes is a shift toward a more “glassy” aesthetic. Buttons across the system will feel a bit more elevated—described as “slightly more floating”—and will include a touch of transparency. These updates are expected to appear throughout the operating system, from menus to icons, giving the Apple Watch a cleaner, more futuristic vibe.

Apple is also exploring changes to the app drawer. That familiar honeycomb layout may soon be replaced with something new and potentially more intuitive. While final designs haven’t been confirmed, the company seems focused on making the interface more user-friendly and aligned with its broader software ecosystem.

AI Comes to Apple Watch

Alongside visual changes, Apple is bringing more artificial intelligence features to the wrist. Some of the enhancements in the works include:

• Notification summaries directly on the lock screen

• Genmoji, a feature that creates personalized emojis

• A smarter Siri with a new look and deeper awareness of user behavior

The updated Siri could help track your fitness goals, medical data, sleep patterns, and heart rate trends—making it more useful in daily health monitoring. These features are expected to build on Apple’s ongoing push into personal health and AI.

Ultra First, Then the Rest

Apple is reportedly planning to roll out these AI-driven features to the Apple Watch Ultra first. The Ultra model will get a new processor designed to handle these capabilities, while the rest of the lineup may follow a year later.

In addition, Apple is testing new gesture controls that go beyond the current double-pinch or fist-clench gestures. These could allow users to perform actions using more natural hand or body movements, improving accessibility and adding convenience.

What to Expect at WWDC 2025

We’re likely to see all of these updates announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, where the company typically debuts major software upgrades. That means watchOS 12 could take the stage alongside iOS 19, showcasing Apple’s evolving vision for how all of its devices work together—visually and intelligently.

It’s clear Apple is aiming to bring the Apple Watch even closer to its other platforms, both in appearance and functionality. With AI and visionOS-inspired design on the horizon, the watch experience is about to feel a lot more futuristic.