Summer’s (almost) here, which means two tragedies and one adjustment…
The tragedies are real:
No more secret stash of chocolate in my car - it would melt before I could say, “milk chocolate with almonds is the best.” You could also file this “tragedy” under the, “blessing in disguise” category.
I have to iron my shirts again - jackets keep wrinkly shirts hidden in the winter, and lab coats at work keep wrinkles hidden all year long, but stepping out and touching some grass would require me to iron my shirts again.
One tech adjustment I’ve noticed so far:
I need to add one more link to my link bracelet to get a comfortable fit due to heat-induced wrist expansion. Do note - Apple only sells extra links for the larger 46mm link bracelet, so don’t lose your links if you use the smaller 42mm bracelet.
The European Union gets major features with iOS 26.5 Beta 1
Juli Clover at MacRumors mentions all the new features as part of her iOS 26.5 Beta 1 coverage:
European Union Third-Party Wearable Changes
Apple is working on new interoperability features in the EU to comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act. Apple has tested these features in prior betas, but the Live Activity sharing feature is new.
Proximity pairing - Devices like earbuds will be able to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like way by bringing the accessory close to an iPhone or iPad to initiate a simple, one-tap pairing process. Pairing third-party devices will no longer require multiple steps.
Notifications - Third-party accessories like smart watches will be able to receive notifications from the iPhone. Users will be able to view and react to incoming notifications, which is a capability normally limited to the Apple Watch. Notifications can only be forwarded to one connected device at a time, and turning on notifications for a third-party device disables notifications to an Apple Watch. Notifications from select apps can be forwarded, or from all apps.
Live Activities - Live Activities are able to sync to a third-party wearable, similar to other notifications. This is a feature that appears to be new to iOS 26.5.
There's no word on when the EU third-party wearable features will launch, and Apple also tested them in the iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 betas before removing them when the software was released to the public.
Proximity pairing sounds neat and convenient, but Notifications and Live Activities on third-party smart watches sounds like a huge mess:
What if the manufacturer of a 3rd-party smartwatch releases an update that accidentally breaks iPhone notification compatibility?
With Apple Watch, you can pair up to 5 Apple Watches with one iPhone and easily switch them out to activate them, simply by wearing the other watch. Notifications only go to the Apple Watch you’re wearing. How smooth will the transition be when going from a 3rd-party watch to an Apple Watch or vice versa?
What 3rd party devices will be supported and for how many years? iPhone and Apple Watch compatibility already has a lot of tiers depending on how far back you go, but you almost need a Doctorate just to figure out if an iPhone and Apple Watch are compatible. I can’t even imagine how that will be for 3rd party devices.
Smart Stack on Apple Watch needs this cool upgrade for older watch faces.
If you notice all of Apple’s newer watch faces, they have a mini version of said watch face in Smart Stack. It’s a nice little touch that Apple cares about, but not enough to back port it to older watch faces.
At least, not yet…📓
Apple releases updates for watchOS 5 and watchOS 8 in order to keep core functions alive.
Juli Clover from MacRumors:
watchOS 5.3.10 is available for the Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, and Series 4, while watchOS 8.8.2 is available for the Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, and original Apple Watch SE.
According to Apple's release notes, the updates extend the certificate that features like device activation, iMessage, and FaceTime need to function. The certificate update ensures that these apps and features will continue to work after January 2027, which is when the existing certificate was set to expire.
watchOS 8 is the final version of watchOS that's supported on the Apple Watch Series 3.
watchOS 5 is the final version of watchOS able to be installed on an Apple Watch Series 1 or Series 2 using an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus. The Series 1 and Series 2 do support watchOS 6, but installing watchOS 6 requires an iPhone 6s or later.
To add to Juli’s bit:
Series 4, Series 5, and the original Apple Watch SE can be updated to watchOS 10, but watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XR, XS, or later, and relearning the controls.
Series 6 and Series 7 can be updated to watchOS 26, but watchOS 26 requires an iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE 2nd generation or later.
Update to Series 5 Ceramic Apple Watch hands-on.
Posted in my official hands-on, but just in case you want the “line notes” of what was updated:
Series 5 Smart Stack only holds 6 widgets. The Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 can have 10 widgets. I’m sure the SE 3 can also support 10 widgets since it has the same S10 processor (what qualifies as a widget?).
Added some photos with the neon yellow band.
Apple corrected its spelling mistake for turmeric.
Updated my watch to the latest watchOS 26.4 Developer Beta, and lo and behold, they spelled it right. Maybe someone at Apple does read my posts? I’m quite flattered.
New updates for old Apple Watches says a lot about what people are really using.
Apple just released new software updates for older iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, but let’s just focus on Apple Watches for now. From Aaron Perris (reported by 9to5Mac):
Apple has released the following new software updates:
watchOS 10.6.2 (build 21U594)
watchOS 9.6.4 (build 20U512)
watchOS 6.3.1 (build 17U224)
These releases are all for older versions of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch software. […]
Per Apple’s online support documents, they appear to be focused on extending iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation certifications on older devices.
From Apple’s website regarding the Big Sur update:
“This update extends the certification required by features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after January 2027.”
watchOS 10 is actually smoother than watchOS 26 in a lot of ways, partly because Liquid Glass has made watchOS more buggy and even my iPad Pro 4th generation isn’t as speedy as it was on iPadOS 18. This update isn’t much of a surprise, but I’m glad they have extended compatibility for these older watches, especially the Series 5.
watchOS 9.6.4 is a “black hole” version of watchOS because all watches compatible with watchOS 9 (Series 4, 5, SE 1st gen), are able to upgrade to watchOS 10, but if it is synced to an iPhone 8 or iPhone X, it won’t upgrade to watchOS 10.
That means we still have a lot of iPhone 8 and iPhone X users out there. Phones released in late 2017.
WatchOS 6.3.1 is compatible with, wait for it, the Series 1, released back in September 2016. It featured the same dual-core processor as the Series 2, while the original Apple Watch was too slow for its own good.
The main reason for all these updates: to extend device functionality past January 2027.
Wow.
It’s great that they released the update now because it might take till January 2027 to sync your iPhone 6S Plus with your Apple Watch Series 1. And yes, there are still people using an iPhone 6S Plus.
Will Apple make another Ceramic Apple Watch?
Apple Watch Series 5, released in September 2019, was the last time Apple made a Ceramic Edition watch, and it will probably be their last as they push towards Apple 2030. Most of the minerals used in ceramics need to be mined, which goes against Apple’s environmental goals:
Recycled and renewable materials often have a lower carbon footprint than mined materials. By sourcing more recycled and renewable content, we aim to one day end our reliance on mining.
It also requires a lot of energy to make the casing for the Ceramic Apple Watch as stated in their booklet when you purchased one in the past. Details straight out of the Series 3 Ceramic Edition booklet:
Apple's advanced material development team created a custom ceramic powder made from zirconia, yttrium oxide, and alumina. This combination gives the ceramic its unique color and ensures that it maintains its beauty and strength.
To create the blank from which the case will be machined, the ceramic powder blend is mixed with a binder and formed in a precision-engineered compression mold.
After the blank is machined into the case form, it is sintered at 1500 degrees Celsius for 35 hours. This isotropically reduces its size by 20 percent.
More than 70 diamond-grit CNC cutters machine every Apple Watch Edition case—a process that takes up to six hours. Each case then undergoes two hours of polishing to increase strength and achieve its characteristic depth and lustre.
If you were to ask me, the sintering process, where the powder is transformed into a hard, durable, solid, is the deal-breaking process that put the kibosh on Ceramic Apple Watches, at least from an environmental perspective. I’m sure it also had something to do with sales numbers since $1,299 for an Apple Watch that has the same software and performance as the $399 watch is ludicrous. At least with Apple Watch Hermès, you are buying a reputable brand that demands a high price tag.
Aluminum is very recyclable and Apple has increased the efficiency of making Titanium Apple Watches with 3D printing, so I wouldn’t hope for a Ceramic comeback. In the meantime, see for yourself if you think getting a used Series 5 Ceramic Edition is worth it.
Apple Watch Series 5 Ceramic Edition - is it worth buying in 2026? Full hands-on.
There’s only one 6 year old Apple Watch worth buying, and even then it’s only for the die-hard Apple fan:
Apple Watch Edition, Series 5 Ceramic. 📓
How I got a free replacement for my Series 5 Ceramic Apple Watch.
The closest Apple Store to me was an hour away, so I made the next logical move:
Fly cross-country to Cupertino myself to get this resolved. 📓
Dear Apple: It’s turmeric, not tumeric
I will not acquiesce to such deviance. Turmeric is a miracle spice that deserves respect and has a right to be spelled with dignity. I typed “tumeric” in Docs, Pages, and even on Squarespace, and sure enough, it was flagged as a misspelled word.
Five “Fahadx” observations I made when at the hospital.
Baby girl got sick again this past week, making a total of 8 days at the hospital over a one month period. A few observations I noticed:
Almost every healthcare worker wears an Apple Watch.
This particular Modular Compact configuration with no bottom widget is more common than I would like.
The chapel is occupied by Muslims 99% of the time.
Sushi is great, and cheap. You can literally park at the hospital and get cheaper sushi at the cafeteria than the grocery store.
Masimo blood oxygen sensors are a real thing. A wrap-around for the foot, using the big toe as the sensing point. Thank you Masimo - now please (Apple and Masimo), make a deal and give us proper Apple Watch blood oxygen capability.
The best watch band for your new Space Gray Apple Watch Series 11.
The new Space Gray color on the Series 11 is not as exciting as Jet Black was when announced for the Series 10, but the subtle gray does have nostalgic iPhone 5S and SE vibes. The perfect band to pair with it is undoubtedly the Black Titanium Milanese Loop. You will have to purchase the larger 46mm size for band compatibility. Both the band and the watch have a brushed finish, and the contrast between the two works well.
I know it’s a $199 dollar band for a $429 watch (crazy deal on Amazon right now for $329!), but the band will outlast the watch and really looks good.
Make sure you pick the right size for your wrist. (pics inside)
Smart Stack on Apple Watch - how many widgets can you really have?
The tricky thing is determining what actually is a widget, because you would think each rectangular block is a widget..📓
Bonus calendar widget in Smart Stack is back.
Apple added it, took it away, and now brought it back again:
New quality of life update - you can click on the date in Smart Stack to enter your calendar. Now you can free up a widget if you had a dedicated “Your Schedule” widget set up.
You can also click on the time to go back to your watch face.
I’m currently running watchOS 26.2 Developer Beta.
Apple needs to squash this 3-year old bug in watchOS 27.
Mark Gurman in his latest Power On Newsletter:
After the sweeping design overhaul of iOS 26 and the debut of Liquid Glass across its platforms, Apple is working on a Snow Leopard-style update. For iOS 27 and next year’s other major operating system updates — including macOS 27 — the company is focused on improving the software’s quality and underlying performance. […]
Aiming to improve the software, engineering teams are now combing through Apple’s operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality.
watchOS 27 wasn’t mentioned by name and doesn’t have the brunt of software complaints, but don’t worry, I’m here to speak up for the silent majority.
watchOS 27 has a few bugs here and there, but nothing major. However, there is one feature that is still broken, and calling it a bug is being kind.
You can call it a minor infestation.
What am I talking about? I’m talking about, once again, the hidden toggle that is “Swipe to Switch Watch Face.” This mess started with watchOS 10 and its retooling of all the buttons and swipes.
I’ve tooted my horn about this several times in the past, but attention to detail is what makes Apple, Apple. When I’m swiping between watch faces, literally right now, with my Apple Watch Ultra 3, the best Apple Watch on the market, it still feels clunky and looks bad when compared to a Series 3 Apple Watch, a watch that has mastered the swipe between watch faces even though it crawls at a snails pace in every other function.
In fact, watchOS 26 has worse animations than my Series 10 on watchOS 11. At least the complications didn’t disappear and reappear like they do on watchOS 26.
Take a look for yourself:
Series 3 on watchOS 8 - notice the smooth transitioning of the seconds hand when swiping between analog faces, and how the time is always correct.
Series 10 on watchOS 11 - each swipe has to load the time and complications from scratch, but complications don’t disappear and reappear.
Ultra 3 on watchOS 26 - even worse than watchOS 11, with complications disappearing and reappearing.
Swiping to switch the watch face was a core feature from the beginning of Apple Watch, and even though swiping between watch faces is a transitionary software feature that doesn’t need to be reinvented, it does need to be fixed. Liquid Glass is proof that Apple does care about these small details - they literally reinvented every transition with Liquid Glass.
Apple Watch had a great run under their now-retired COO Jeff Williams, but I think he had too much on his plate, putting these optimizations on the back burner.
In addition to serving as Apple’s COO, Williams had also been overseeing the company’s customer service and support, the design team, software and hardware engineering for the Apple Watch, and Apple’s overall health initiatives.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that some of Williams’ responsibilities would be split, with the health and fitness teams reporting to Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue, watchOS shifting to Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi, and Apple Watch hardware engineering being handed to Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus.
The tag-team combo of Federighi and Ternus leading software and hardware engineering for Apple Watch is a great sign, and I’m confident we’ll get a more optimized watchOS experience that runs as fluid as the Liquid Glass moniker it carries.
Apple shows off its 3D printing capabilities for Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Titanium Apple Watch Series 11.
Nothing short of visual ASMR for the nerdy.
I’ll be rewatching the clips from Apple’s post when I leave my current location - my current, bluish-gray tinted monitor with its 1024 x 768 resolution isn’t doing it justice.
The perfect midlife crisis watch face for Apple Watch Ultra.
You’re backpacking in the Alps, trying to get some fresh air and a fresh perspective on life. In your mind, you’re trying to prove your self-worth and let yourself know that you still, “got it.”
“I’m not getting old,” you say to yourself.
I’m still young, strong, and have the stamina to keep up with life’s challenges.
You delude yourself and start thinking, “I’m not getting old, I’m getting optimized.”
You’ve built up some wealth, are able to stay in shape, started a family, got a good calcium score, all with God’s blessings, and are wondering:
What is the next path in my life?
But before you get too existential, you realize that you’re way too deep into the cavernous mountains, and need some assistance getting back to base. Fortunately, you have the latest and greatest Apple Watch Ultra, and you’re using your favorite watch face: 📓
The Modular Ultra watch face is reason enough to buy an Apple Watch Ultra.
Ryan Christoffel from 9to5Mac, describing why he loves Apple Watch Ultra:
But overall, my favorite Apple Watch Ultra 3 feature is something not exclusive to the Ultra 3 at all: it’s the Modular Ultra watch face.
After years spent using the standard ‘Modular’ face on my previous Apple Watch models, Modular Ultra has been the single biggest upgrade in going ‘Ultra’ this year.
And in a way, that spotlights what I’d call the Ultra line’s unfair advantage.
Despite Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10 having very “Ultra-like” screen sizes in their 46mm models, Modular Ultra is exclusive to the more pricey Ultra line.
Is there a hardware reason for this limitation? No, it’s entirely a software decision by Apple.
To be honest though, I have a hard time faulting Apple for this move.
Modular Ultra and the other Ultra-exclusive faces are fantastic differentiators for the Ultra line.
Since the watch face is the primary interface for Apple Watch, getting the ideal face for your needs could itself make upgrading to an Ultra model worthwhile.
I think it has been for me.
I agree wholeheartedly. All the other upgrades are nice year over year, but the exclusive watch faces for the Ultra are worth it, something I can’t say about the exclusive Hermès watch faces. I currently have 3 different Modular Ultra watch faces that I use daily with 3 different layouts, and a 4th one setup for testing purposes to see if Apple (hopefully) allows complications to update every second in always off mode.
Apple Watch Ultra Titanium Milanese Loop - why you might want to go for a larger size.
Normally I just follow Apple’s sizing before picking a watch band, but this time I was able to try out the larger size, and I liked it better. My wrists are 160mm, and I chose the large size band which is supposed to be for wrists measuring 180-210mm. In theory the medium band is ideal with a range of 155-185mm, but I’ll tell you why I went with large. 📓