Did watchOS 26 remove 'Speech to Text' function on Apple Watch Series 10?

So WatchOS 26.2 did not fix this. Before updating to 26.2, I contacted Apple Support and they acknowledged that this is a known issue and that I should expect a fix in a future software update.

They did give me a workaround that has given me back the ability use dictation, but it is a bit clunky. You need to set your region in the AppleWatch app on your iPhone as the United States even if you do not live there. Then make sure that the top language is "English (US)". For this to work, the top setting on the region page needs to be "Custom", not "Mirror My iPhone." After doing this, I could get dictation to work in apps like Messages, but only if I manually choose "English (US)" from the swipe-up menu on the keyboard. After doing that, the mic icon shows up as an option. If I go into another app or close the app, then I have to repeat this process. It works, but you have to go through these unnecessary steps.

I do not live in the US, and I do not know if setting the watch region to US will cause other problems. So far, no issues have arisen from that.

I hope an OS fix is coming soon.

Just figured it out. Have to set the language to English US

If you see this screen on your watch when trying to use the microphone:

Tap on the scribble icon in the right corner to get back to the icons for all input options:

After that tap on the microphone icon to bring up the dictation option.

And the watch should remember your input method for the next time.

Thank you for figuring it out, 410djtj !

Apple support confirms dictation is not available in all languages on Apple Watch

Article for iOS 26: Enter text on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Eg: says:

When the input method is set to dictation (not available in all languages), you can do the following:

• Speak punctuation: For example, say something like “Did it arrive question mark.”
• Speak emoji: For example, say something like “Thumbs up emoji.”
• Edit: To move the cursor, turn the Digital Crown.
• Select a word: Tap the word. To replace the word, say a different word.
• Select all: Double-tap the screen.
• Erase: Tap .

Hi there, I’m having the same issue on my new watch 11 with IOS26. Have tried numerous troubleshooting steps with no luck. Interestingly, I have dictation available for notes but not messages.

This did not help - I have done all the troubleshooting, turned everything on and off on both watch and phone, unpaired and repaired the watch. I hate this update

No matter how many times I have turned the dictation toggle off and on, I cannot get the dictation input option to appear. Only the keyboard and scribble options appear.

I am also having this issue. Thought I was losing my mind. Is this a bug or something?

Same here. Is this a bug?

I'm also having this issue.

Thank you kindly for sharing your experience with the community.

It will likely be quite helpful to others who look for answers. Cheers :-)