**watchOS 26: Automatic Volume Adjustment and More New Features**
watchOS 26 brings a host of improvements to your Apple Watch, including helpful additions like watch face hints, a brand new Notes app, and much more. One standout feature in this update is “automatic volume adjustment,” designed to keep notification, Siri, and system sounds at just the right level—never too loud, never too quiet—wherever you are.
### What Is Automatic Volume Adjustment in watchOS 26?
Since the Apple Watch’s debut in 2015, many users—including myself—have relied heavily on Silent Mode, preferring haptic-only alerts to avoid unexpected sounds. My iPhone stays silenced all the time, too! However, Apple’s new automatic volume control might encourage some to rethink how they handle notifications.
According to Apple’s press release:
> “Apple Watch can also now automatically adjust the speaker volume based on the ambient noise in a user’s surroundings for notifications, timers, alarms, incoming calls, and Siri, allowing them to stay connected without worrying about disturbing those around them.”
If this works as intended, it could be a game-changer—especially for those who like getting audible alerts from their wrist. In quiet settings, your watch will keep things discreet. In noisy environments, your notifications will be more prominent, so you won’t miss important alerts.
### Will You Give Up Silent Mode?
Personally, I still prefer keeping all my alerts haptic-only, so I won’t be disabling Silent Mode anytime soon. However, for those who enjoy audible notifications, watchOS 26 could make your Apple Watch much more considerate in public and noise-sensitive environments. Plus, you get the added benefit of louder sounds when you’re in busy or noisy places.
### Device Compatibility
There’s one key limitation: automatic volume adjustment is only available on select models. According to Apple, the feature works with:
– Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and 11
– Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3
If you’re unsure whether your Apple Watch supports this feature, here’s how to check:
1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Go to **Sounds & Haptics**.
3. Look for the toggle labeled **Automatically Adjust Volume**.
Toggle it on or off as you wish!
### Have You Tried Automatic Volume Adjustment?
Are you using this new feature in watchOS 26? If so, how has it worked for you? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
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**Further Reading:**
– [Best Apple Watch accessories](#)
https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/10/psa-watchos-26-might-keep-changing-apple-watch-volume/
