WatchOS 26 has a fitness trainer Workout Buddy based on AI that will motivate users

By: Nastya Bobkova | 10.06.2025, 03:49

Apple has announced watchOS 26, a new version of the operating system for Apple Watch that will be released in autumn. The main innovation is the Workout Buddy function powered by artificial intelligence, as well as the updated design of the Liquid Glass interface.

Here's What's New About It

Liquid Glass is a transparent, multi-layered interface with rounded shapes, based on the same principles as the visionOS design.

Workout Buddy analyses your workouts and activity history to offer personalised fitness coach-style advice. The system voices tips in a motivational voice, adapting to the pace and type of workout.

The new style will appear in Smart Stack widgets, Control Centre, notifications, navigation elements, and the updated Photos watchface with fluid numbers.

The Workout app now has four new buttons in the corners of the screen for quick access to the functions you need. You can also set up automatic playback of music or podcasts during your workouts. Apple Music will be able to select the appropriate playlist based on your activity type and preferences.

Smart Stack is even smarter - it now takes into account context, sensor data and daily habits to provide relevant suggestions in the form of subtle visual messages.

Live Translation is available on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 when paired with an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. If the system language is set to English, Apple Watch will be able to suggest actions in Messages based on the content of the conversation, such as launching Check In or offering to transfer funds via Apple Cash.

Other innovations in watchOS 26:

  • Support for iPhone backgrounds with iOS 26.
  • Improved Smart Replies for English-speaking users thanks to a new AI model.
  • A new gesture - a twist of the wrist to turn off notifications, calls, or timers.
  • Automatic speaker volume adjustment based on ambient noise.
  • Notes app for creating, editing and locking notes with dictation and keyboard support.
  • Live Listen with subtitles for people with hearing impairments - you can control listening directly from the watch.
  • Updated watchface gallery, where Photos Face uses the Featured selection from the Photos app.

The beta version of watchOS 26 will be available in July through the Apple Beta Software Programme.

Source: Apple