Apple Watch Control Center Gains Major Customization in watchOS 26 Update
Apple significantly expanded customization options for the Apple Watch Control Center with the release of watchOS 26 today, allowing users to rearrange controls and add functionality from third-party apps.
The update, rolled out on 2025-11-03 15:38:00, builds upon previous customization features – previously limited to rearranging icons or adding shortcuts from Apple’s own apps – by introducing the Control Widget API. This API enables iPhone developers to create custom controls accessible directly from the Apple Watch Control Center, even if the associated iOS app doesn’t have a dedicated watchOS counterpart. When activated, these controls execute actions on the user’s paired iPhone.
Users can access the Control Center editing mode by pressing the side button on their Apple Watch, scrolling to the bottom, and selecting “Edit.” A new “Suggested” section helps streamline the process, and a dedicated “From Your iPhone” section displays available third-party controls. For Apple Watch Ultra models, these controls can also be assigned to the Action button and the Smart Stack widget. This increased flexibility gives users more direct access to the apps and features they use most often. For more information on Apple Watch features, visit Apple’s official watch page.
Users who wish to revert to the original Control Center layout can do so through the Settings app on their Apple Watch or via the Watch app on their iPhone. Detailed instructions on managing Apple Watch settings are available from Apple Support. Apple officials stated they anticipate wider adoption of the Control Widget API as more developers integrate the functionality into their applications.
In watchOS 26, Apple made the Control Center more customizable than ever. You can rearrange it and add third-party app controls, and if you don’t like your changes, you can revert to the original design. Here’s how it works.
With watchOS 26, the Apple Watch Control Center got a major upgrade. It still offers instant access to default functions like turning on the flashlight, toggling Low Power Mode, or pinging your iPhone when it’s lost, but now it does much more.
From Your iPhone
Previously, Apple limited customization to rearranging icons or adding shortcuts from Apple’s built-in apps. In watchOS 26 though, thanks to the Control Widget API, iPhone developers can create custom controls to be added to the Control Center. This is the case even if the iOS app offering the control lacks a corresponding watchOS app.
When you tap on one of these controls, the action is performed on your paired iPhone. These custom controls can also be assigned to the Action button on Apple Watch Ultra models and to the Smart Stack widget. Support is currently sparse, but hopefully we’ll see more developers make use of it in the future.
Customize Control Center on Apple Watch
To rearrange, add and remove Control Center buttons, press the side button, scroll to the bottom, then tap Edit. There’s a new section of “Suggested” controls at the top of the screen, which can help you avoid having to scroll through long lists, and a new “From Your iPhone” section at the bottom of the editing menu. Note that third-party app developers have to have created a control using the Control Widget API for it to show here.
If you don’t like your changes, you can easily revert Control Center to the original layout with default controls: open the Settings app, tap Control Center, then tap Reset Control Center layout.
You can also revert Control Center via your iPhone – go to the Watch app, tap My Watch, tap Control Center, then tap Reset Control Center.
