Watchos: Apple switches to ARM64-but not in all watch models

Apple changes the technical platform on which Watchos apps run. Modern variants of the computer clock will use the ARM64 architecture instead of ARM64_32 in the future, Apple shared in one Developer video With that the group put online for its World Wide Developers Conference 2025 last week. For creators of Watchos apps, this means that in the future you will have to deliver two Binaries to cover all supported devices.

So far: 64-bit with 32-bit conversions

The change will take place in autumn (presumably in September) when Watchos 26 officially comes onto the market. A beta phase for developers is currently underway, and one follows from July Public beta for the interested public. The new system architecture is supported by three model series of the computer clock: Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, the first variant of the Ultra, which was presented together with the Series 8 and SE of the second generation, was presented in 2022. The said second binary is accordingly important.

ARM64 promises a number of performance improvements and can access larger memory areas-it is a full 64-bit architecture that is compatible with all general arm standards of this type. This also makes more complex and performance-hungry watchos applications. Apple had previously relied on ARM64_32, which combined a 64-bit architecture with 32-bit converter. Among other things, this should take into account the restricted storage conditions of wearables.

ARM64 promises more powerful apps

Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE of the second generation, all of which will also support Watchos 26, remain on ARM64_32. Xcode has been adjusted so that suitable binaries are automatically spit out when Watchos 26 is the target platform and the project settings are correct. All previous ARM64_32 apps should also continue to run on the ARM64-capable watches, and Apple has integrated a compatibility layer.

However, the manufacturer calls on developers to optimize their watchos apps for ARM64 or at least to compile them in order to use the better opportunities. It can be assumed that ARM64_32 will be fully buried in a few years – ARM64 is also the standard on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It becomes interesting whether ARM64 really get better watchos apps on the devices. Currently, the watch treatments feel rather powerful.