Inaccurate sleep tracking after updating Apple Watch to watchOS 26.0.2

Yes, I'm also seeing this on my Ultra 2 after the latest watchOS update. Sometimes it shows more than one hour of being awake, just because I checked the time of a a couple of seconds.

All users having the same issue should also report this to Apple directly by using the Feedback link.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

Did you use the feedback already to tell Apple about it?

I'm also using the 3rd party app AutoSleep to track my sleep, since I started using the Series 5 four years ago.

This app still shows better results than the new Sleep App on the Ultra 2 in watchOS 26.

And although it uses the same data from the watch, it does not show those completely wrong awake phases.

All users having the same issue should also report this to Apple directly by using the Feedback link, to make them aware of the issue, so that they can address this in an upcoming update.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

I prefer using the "Sleep Analysis" in AutoSleep, instead of the "Sleep Stages".

Sleep Analysis does not show the false being awake times that somehow showed up in the Sleep App in watchOS 26.

You can compare the settings to compare them by tapping on ->Sleep Session -> Sleep Analysis.

Then go back to the Clock View.

It’s important to note that any major update such as this latest iOS 26 might yield results that alter performance of key areas that will need proper adjustment. I’ve spent many years as a developer release beta tester, and can tell you with certainty that they take these issues very seriously, and fixes are for the most part addressed in an orderly, expedited fashion. That probably doesn’t help your frustration, but it is fair to say this issue won’t be left on the back burner indefinitely.

I’ve noticed some questionable results with my ultra 3, but since my sleep patterns are not consistent or like a typical persons- I’m not entirely surprised by my own numbers; that said there could be some that are not perfectly inaccurate.

I will report the issue as well and I do know they are aware of these forums and the issues presented here- often reaching out to those users who post experiencing such problems.

Switching to an Aura ring, in my opinion at least, might not be the best use of your money, but to each their own. Choose a store with a robust return policy in case you don’t get the accuracy or consistent performance you’ve come to expect.

With regard to new releases, I suggest waiting 1-3 months before updating after a major release to iron out these such issues. Long gone are the days where smartphones were minimalistic, basic app function devices. Today, they are the equivalent to a powerful computer. And as they continue to expand in design, ability and functionality, especially with external hardware and sensors, bugs and bug reporting and fixing are a very real part of the evolutionary process.

Again, these aren’t things  just ignores indefinitely. There is a robust beta testing community, and we too take that work as volunteers very seriously.

I do hope at least some part of this will help ease some part of the stress you (and others) might be experiencing. It may not be the reply you’d prefer to hear right now, but it is the truth. And that, in my mind, is a step in the right direction forward.

I am also having problems with my Auto Sleep data after the 26.0.2 update. The app records me being awake every time I move. It also under records my REM and Deep Sleep. I will be looking for another sleep app if this is not resolved. I did report the problem to Apple and Auto Sleep.

My experience since the latest (October 2025) watch update has been very similar to that reported by aport5. I've used my Apple Watch 7 to track my sleep since I bought it and have been generally happy. Since the latest updates, however, it has been recording quite frequently a high (15-20 at times) number awake times when my actual number has been around 4-7 (this includes my usual 3-5 trips to the bathroom). I've done all the suggested things (makes sure watch and phone are updated, restarted both, ensured watch band is snug, etc) yet the problem continues. Most recently, it told me I slept less than 6 hours when I am sure I slept over 8--something it has done more than once recently. Very disappointed as I have come to value my sleep tracking as a tool to track my overall health.

The plummeting of my deep sleep got me worried enough to try both an oura ring 4 for a few nights as well as my wife's Galaxy watch 7.

Both of those devices were pretty much in lockstep with deep sleep showing 1-1:20 minutes a night while Im lucky to get 30-35 minutes with my Apple Watch.

I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the recent iOS 26 update. Since the update, my sleep tracking has significantly deteriorated. I have been utilizing an Apple Watch for three years to monitor my sleep patterns, and it has proven to be an invaluable tool. However, with this new update, it indicates that I have been awake for approximately two to three hours each night, records minimal REM sleep, and virtually no deep sleep. It is disheartening to note that using other third-party sleep tracking applications does not yield improved results, as they all rely on data from the Apple Watch. I am at a crossroads, uncertain of how to achieve better sleep quality, given that I have been asleep for a considerably longer duration than previously, spending over 30 minutes in the REM stage each night. While I am a staunch advocate for the Apple ecosystem, I am now considering an Aura ring as an alternative solution. If given the opportunity to revert to iOS 18, I would likely do so, as I purchased the watch specifically to enhance my sleep. Regrettably, it has only exacerbated my morning anxiety.

I have an Apple Watch 7 and after the latest IOS update my sleep score shows weird metrics like less total sleep, several awake times during the night, and overall sleep patterns that are very different than before this update. I don’t know what Apple with their algorithms but it doesn’t appear to be tracking my sleep accurately. This is a problem as I wear my watch under the direction of my physician and sleep is important.

I have not had this problem with the updates. I have the series 9 Apple Watch . In fact my sleep stages have improved due to some changes I’ve made to my sleep hygiene . This is reflected in the health app and I have the data since the update as well as 6 months worth to compare since I do monitor this. My sleep stages have In fact it have improved .

In fact it was sleeping apnea alerts that led me to get a sleep study and then a cpap machine which unfortunately didn’t work for my apneas . But I’m getting to the root cause with numerous dr appointments all thx to Apple Watch whose dx of moderate to severe sleep apnea was more accurate than the sleep studies dx of mild apnea based on the cpap recordings . So I do follow this closely and was honestly shocked by the sleep apnea dx . So you all may be having more interrupted sleep than you realize . It’s not the update .

Since the latest update 26.0.2 the sleep app on my Apple Watch Series 9 is unreliable. It show much less total sleep and almost zero REM sleep even though I remember the vivid dreams I ha e jus t before waking up. The old sleep app worked well and seemed super accurate and track well with what my FitBit used to tell me. Guess I will just have to ignore it. Is there an update to fix this in progress?

This is an example of my data. My watch is a 7.