<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">watchOS 26 is considered underwhelming compared to other Apple software previews at WWDC 2025.Liquid Glass design in watchOS 26 will have a minimal impact on Apple Watch, unlike other devices.Five changes in watchOS 26 include updated Smart Stack, a refreshed Control Center, enhanced app controls, and improved watch faces.Smart Stack retains its functionality but features a sleeker design with Liquid Glass.The Control Center is simplified with Liquid Glass icons for quick access to features like Do Not Disturb.App controls are updated with Liquid Glass design to improve focus on displayed content.Certain watch faces are refreshed with a Liquid Glass look, making images stand out more.Five older watch faces, including Fire and Water, Gradient, Liquid Metal, Toy Story, and Vapor, are removed in watchOS 26.The impact of the Liquid Glass design on the Apple Watch experience is limited.The new design aims to enhance the visual experience by reflecting and refracting design elements.Despite the changes, watchOS 26 is expected to launch this fall with a relatively subtle impact on Apple Watch users.Apple Watch users may notice slight enhancements in user interface and design aesthetics with the new Liquid Glass design.The post covers the significant changes brought by Liquid Glass design in watchOS 26.Overall, the new design's effects on the Apple Watch are subtle although it aims to refresh the visual experience.Certain popular older watch faces will be removed in watchOS 26 to make way for the updated Liquid Glass design.