Alongside iOS 26.5, Apple also released the watchOS 26.5 RC yesterday. The update includes a new Pride Luminance watch face with a ton of customization options, as Zac covered earlier today. There are also two key bug fixes that Apple Watch users will appreciate.

Apple says that watchOS 26.5 fixes a bug affecting iMessage, as well as a problem impacting the Workout app. The company explains:

• Fixes an issue where Messages on Apple Watch may use SMS instead of iMessage when paired with a dual SIM iPhone
• Fixes an issue where Workout app audio alerts could fail to play if the phone was not nearby Apple Watch

Now that the watchOS 26.5 RC is available, we expect the update to be released to everyone as soon as next week. Attention will then shift to watchOS 27, which will be announced at WWDC on June 8.

Have you faced either of these bugs on your Apple Watch? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite Apple Watch links:

• Apple Watch Series 11
• Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1
• Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station for iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch
• Nomad Titanium Apple Watch Band
• My favorite Apple Watch band

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