Apple's upcoming watchOS 26 update could introduce support for third-party shortcuts in the Apple Watch Control Center, according to a new report from 9to5Mac. This change would allow users to access shortcuts from third-party apps alongside Apple’s default system toggles.
Currently, the Control Center on Apple Watch—accessed by pressing the Side button—is limited to built-in options like Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, and Ping iPhone. But with watchOS 26, Apple appears to be bringing some of the customization options introduced in iOS 18 to the Watch.
In iOS 18, iPhone users gained the ability to personalize the Control Center with third-party app shortcuts. That same level of flexibility may soon be available on Apple Watch.
This could open up new possibilities, such as:
Starting specialized workouts via third-party fitness apps
Quickly launching a streaming music service
Logging water or food intake
Accessing smart home controls and more
In addition to shortcut support, watchOS 26 may allow full layout customization of the Control Center through the Watch app, enabling users to add, rearrange, or remove tiles to suit their needs.
Apple is expected to unveil watchOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, alongside other major software updates like iOS 26 and macOS 15.