On Friday, Apple launched watchOS 26.2, which features improved sleep score categories and Enhanced Safety Alerts for Apple Watch users. This update comes about five weeks following watchOS 26.1 and necessitates an iPhone with iOS 26.2.
The key change in watchOS 26.2 focuses on refining the Sleep Score grading system. The highest score has been renamed from "Excellent" to "Very High," and several score ranges have been adjusted to more accurately reflect how users feel after their rest. This update aims to address previous concerns that the sleep scores were overly generous, providing a more realistic assessment of sleep quality.
The updated classification system expands lower scoring categories, while tightening the range for higher scores. Key adjustments include:
Very Low: Now covers scores from 0-40 (previously 0-29)
Very High: Now applies to scores of 96-100 (formerly “Excellent”)
Other categories: Adjusted ranges for Low, OK, High, and Very High sleep scores
Metrics: The underlying metrics—Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions—remain unchanged
Apple's watchOS 26.2 introduces vital new features, including enhanced safety alerts to notify users of imminent threats like floods and natural disasters, complete with maps and safety guidelines. Currently, the feature is available only in the U.S.
Additionally, Apple has addressed the long-standing bug in the Music app that prevented songs from advancing, providing a long-awaited fix.
To update, users can download watchOS 26.2 via the Apple Watch app on their iPhone by navigating to General > Software Update. The watch must be at least 50% charged and on its charger during installation. All compatible Apple Watch models can access this update.