Apple releases watchOS 26.2 with refined sleep scores
What's the story
Apple has released the latest watchOS 26.2 update for its smartwatches. The new software comes with a more realistic sleep score system and Enhanced Safety Alerts, among other features. The update was launched about five weeks after watchOS 26.1 and requires an iPhone running iOS 26.2 to install it.
Sleep tracking
Enhanced sleep score system
The most notable change in watchOS 26.2 is the improvement of the Sleep Score grading system. The top score has been changed from "Excellent" to "Very High," with different ranges also being modified. These changes make the classifications more representative of actual user experiences after sleep, tackling previous complaints about overly generous scoring.
Score adjustment
New scoring ranges and metrics
The updated ranges have expanded lower scoring categories. For instance, "Very Low" now covers 0-40 points instead of 0-29, while "Very High" applies to scores between 96 and 100. The update keeps the same underlying metrics—Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions—but alters ranges for "Very Low," "Low," "OK," "High," and "Very High" sleep score results.
Feature additions
Enhanced safety alerts and music fix
The watchOS 26.2 update also introduces Enhanced Safety Alerts, which can warn users about imminent threats such as floods or natural disasters. The alerts come with detailed information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance. However, this feature is currently available only in the United States. The update also fixes a long-standing bug where the Apple Music app wouldn't play the next song, something users had been requesting for quite some time now.
Installation guide
How to install watchOS 26.2 update
To download the new update, users have to go through the Apple Watch app on their iPhone under General > Software Update. The watch should have at least 50% battery and stay on its charger while installing. All Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 26 are eligible for this update, namely, Series 6 and newer (including Series 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11), the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and newer, and all Apple Watch Ultra models.