Apple is all set to announce watchOS 26 at its annual WWDC 2025 event on June 9. The update could include some of the visual changes that are part of iOS 26 and there's now a possibility that it'll also include Control Centre shortcuts support for third-party apps.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple's upcoming watchOS 26 will offer developers a way to add their shortcuts to the Control Centre. This way, users will be able to access more toggles by pressing the Side button on their Apple Watch beyond just Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Airplane Mode shortcuts.
To put it into context, the company added support for third-party shortcuts on the iPhone Control Centre with iOS 18 last year. The report also notes that the layout of this Control Centre can be personalised as per requirement. So, users will have the option to rearrange shortcuts and delete the ones they don't want, similar to how one would on iOS 18.
By adding support for third-party apps in the Control Centre, Apple opens up a world of customisable options on the Apple Watch. Some of the use cases include launching third-party fitness apps, streaming music, smart-home controls beyond Apple devices.
