How to train smarter with Workout Buddy in iOS 26 & watchOS 26
If you're tired of working out alone, Workout Buddy gives you real-time coaching from your Apple Watch running watchOS 26. Here's how it works.
Workout Buddy is a new feature in watchOS 26
Workout Buddy is a new feature in watchOS 26 that brings voice coaching to your Apple Watch. It gives you real-time feedback and encouragement during workouts, using your fitness history and live stats to keep you going.
If you've ever wanted a workout partner who talks to you while you run or lift weights, this is it.
Apple announced Workout Buddy at WWDC 2025 as part of its broader Apple Intelligence rollout. The feature uses on-device processing to protect your privacy, and it works with several popular workout types right out of the gate.
What you need to use Workout Buddy
Workout Buddy has two levels of functionality, depending on your hardware. To use the basic tracking and workout integration, here's what you'll need.
- An Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, or Apple Watch Ultra models
- An iPhone 11 or newer, both running the latest versions of watchOS 26 and iOS 26
To hear voice coaching during your workouts, you also need Apple Intelligence. That feature is only available if your iPhone supports on-device AI processing. Currently, that includes iPhone 15 Pro and later.
You'll also need Bluetooth headphones. Workout Buddy doesn't use the Apple Watch speaker, so make sure your AirPods or other earbuds are paired and connected before you start moving.
How to start a workout with Workout Buddy
During the workout, the voice will check in with updates like your current pace, split times, or heart rate. It might say, "You're halfway there, keep it up," or "You just ran your fastest mile this week." The feedback is positive and based on your own performance.
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Choose a supported workout.
- Tap the settings icon in the top-left corner.
- Turn on Workout Buddy.
- Choose a voice. You can pick from two options that sound like real Apple Fitness Plus trainers.
- Hit Start. Once the workout begins, you'll hear a short greeting and motivational message.
When you're done, you'll hear a summary of what you accomplished, like your total time, distance, and any records you hit. The Fitness app on your iPhone will have all the full stats, but the voice wrap-up gives you an instant sense of progress.
Use it with a real workout buddy
Even though the coaching is virtual, you can still team up with friends. Share your Activity rings with someone else, agree to use Workout Buddy during your runs or training sessions, and check in with each other after.
Friendly competition or shared goals can keep you more consistent. The Apple Watch even lets you challenge friends to Activity contests, so you can cheer each other on or keep each other honest.
Before each workout, set a clear goal. You can choose a distance, time, or calorie target right from the Workout app by tapping the three-dot button next to a workout.
Features like Pacer and Race Route can help you stick to specific benchmarks. Workout Buddy knows what your goal is and will say something when you're getting close or when you hit it.
If you're working toward a weekly or monthly goal, keep an eye on Trends in the Fitness app on your iPhone. These graphs show if you're improving or need to switch things up. You'll also hear your Buddy mention new records or personal bests, which can give you a little extra motivation.
Use your Activity rings and notifications
Workout Buddy ties into your Move, Exercise, and Stand rings. If you're close to closing a ring during a workout, it might tell you. If you're 10 minutes away from finishing your Exercise ring, that might be the push you need to keep going.
If you've ever wanted a workout partner who talks to you while you run or lift weights, this is it.
Your Apple Watch will also nudge you if you're falling behind. Don't ignore those prompts. Even a short walk or stretch can help you stay on track.
You can also set reminders in the Calendar or Reminders app to schedule workouts. Over time, watchOS will learn your habits and suggest workouts at the right time. If you usually run at 7 AM, your Watch may offer a reminder with the Workout app already front and center.
Let the data keep you motivated
Workout Buddy uses your fitness history to point out things you might not notice. If it says, "You've climbed 2,000 feet this week" or "That was your longest workout this month," that means you're making progress.
You can check your full stats in the Fitness app. Look at your weekly mileage, average heart rate, VO2 max, or how often you close your rings. These numbers can help you plan your next goal and adjust your workouts.
Some people may find the voice annoying during yoga or meditation walks. You can turn it off for specific workouts or change the voice in settings.
You can also set up playlists or let Apple Music suggest music that fits your workout. The new Workout app design in watchOS 26 lets you configure your workout screen to show pace, heart rate zones, or other metrics that matter to you.
And if you get a notification mid-run, just flick your wrist. The new one-handed gesture dismisses alerts so you can stay focused.
What workouts are supported
Workout Buddy is Apple's most interactive fitness tool yet. It adds a human-like voice to your workouts, giving you feedback that feels personal and helpful.
Paired with your Activity rings, goal tracking, and Apple's fitness ecosystem, it creates a loop of reminders, motivation, and rewards.
- Outdoor Run
- Indoor Run
- Outdoor Walk
- Indoor Walk
- Outdoor Cycle
- HIIT
- Functional Strength Training
- Traditional Strength Training
Workouts like swimming or yoga still track normally, but they won't have voice coaching, at least not yet. Apple may expand support in future updates.
AI won't replace personal trainers, but
First, AI took aim at spreadsheets and meetings. Then it moved into writing and design. Now it's showing up in places we once thought were too personal to automate, like encouragement, motivation, and coaching.
Workout Buddy speaks like a coach, tracks your progress, and offers encouragement based on your own history. It doesn't know who you are, but it knows just enough to sound like someone who does.
Companies are introducing AI through small, helpful features that quietly take over tasks we used to do for each other. Personal trainers aren't going away anytime soon, but Apple Intelligence is starting to fill some of the same roles.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I suppose a lot of that doesn't really matter to me since I can't see myself enabling this "feature", but it would be nice to be able to easily get at the same sort of stats quickly and easily without a "buddy".
Most of the time I have to be aware of my surroundings before looking at the Watch. I have to stop or wait until I stop to view it. Hearing it in real time literally without breaking stride seems handy. Can I listen to music and have Breaking Info! interrupt? I'd rather not have to choose one or the other.