Apple Watch Users Now Gain Access to Note-Taking Functionality: A Simple Guide to Activate Notes
The latest watchOS 26 beta introduces a new feature to the Apple Watch - the Notes app. Here's a rundown of what you can expect from this new addition and how it affects note-taking on your Apple Watch.
Creating New Notes
You can create new notes on your Apple Watch using dictation. Simply say "Hey Siri, start a new note" and speak your content. These notes will automatically save to iCloud and sync with your iPhone or Mac.
Editing Existing Notes
Unfortunately, editing existing notes is not possible directly on the Apple Watch due to screen constraints. If you need to make changes, you'll have to do so on your iPhone or Mac, as changes will sync back to the watch instantly.
Viewing and Organising Notes
Existing notes can be viewed on the main screen in chronological order. They are arranged into time-based categories for easy navigation. The yellow down-arrow can be used to minimise notes within a category, while a swipe to the right and a tap on the trash can icon allows you to delete notes. Deleted notes will exist for 30 days in the "trash" before being permanently erased.
Inputting Text
There are three methods available for inputting text into the note: keyboard, drawing, or dictation. The keyboard+ellipsis icon can be used to change the note-writing method.
Installation and Compatibility
To install the Apple Watch Notes app, users need to download and install watchOS 26 beta on their Apple Watch. It's important to note that the iPhone also needs to be running the latest iOS beta release for the Apple Watch to function properly.
The public release of watchOS 26 beta is available for testing on the best Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 6 model or later, the Apple Watch SE (2022), and the Apple Watch Ultra series.
Design
The Notes app has been given a fresh new look, borrowing the updated "Liquid Aesthetic" design from the Apple Vision Pro and visible in the watchOS 26 beta.
Dismissing Notifications and Alarms
A new "Wrist Flick" gesture allows users to dismiss notifications or alarms on the Apple Watch.
In summary, the new Notes app on the Apple Watch allows users to view and create notes on their watch, with the ability to create new notes using dictation. Editing existing notes must be done on other devices, and deleted notes remain in the "trash" for 30 days before being permanently erased. The app is designed to be in view-only mode due to screen constraints, and it is compatible with the latest Apple Watch models running watchOS 26 beta.
While focusing on the latest features of the Apple Watch, it's important to note that the Notes app not only allows for creating new notes with dictation but also incorporates the latest technology, such as smartphones and gadgets, by seamlessly syncing notes to iCloud and accessing them on iPhone or Mac. Yet editing existing notes may need to be done on these devices due to screen size limitations on the Apple Watch.
