Fast Facts
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Workout Buddy Overview: Apple’s iOS 26 and watchOS 26 introduce Workout Buddy, a feature that offers spoken feedback and motivation tailored to users’ workout performance metrics, helping users feel supported during their sessions.
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Setup Requirements: To use Workout Buddy, users need a compatible device (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16) running iOS 26 and an Apple Watch on watchOS 26, paired with Bluetooth headphones.
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Activation Process: Users can enable Workout Buddy for specific workouts through the Fitness app on their iPhone and can select voice options. For workouts on the Apple Watch, users simply choose the workout type and toggle Workout Buddy within the Alerts menu.
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Customizable Experience: The feature allows users to customize audio feedback per workout type, providing encouraging prompts during workouts and summarizing key metrics post-session, with options to mute feedback temporarily if needed.
How to Use Workout Buddy with Apple Watch and iOS 26
Apple’s latest updates, iOS 26 and watchOS 26, introduce an exciting feature called Workout Buddy. This fitness companion provides real-time spoken feedback during workouts. Essentially, it acts like a supportive training partner, offering motivation tailored to your activity history.
What Workout Buddy Offers
Workout Buddy does not replace a personal trainer. Instead, it enhances your workout experience by giving verbal cues based on your performance, such as pace and heart rate. Users can receive reminders about weekly activity totals and alerts for personal milestones. After your workout, it delivers a summary of key metrics, making it a valuable tool for tracking progress.
Getting Started
Before using Workout Buddy, ensure your devices meet certain requirements. Your Apple Watch must be updated to watchOS 26 or later and paired with an iPhone running iOS 26. Furthermore, you should have one of the newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16. Don’t forget to enable Apple Intelligence in your phone’s settings.
Bluetooth headphones are essential too, as the audio feedback does not play through the watch speaker. Also, set your device language to English initially to ensure compatibility.
Activating Workout Buddy
To turn on Workout Buddy via your iPhone, open the Fitness app and navigate to the Workout tab. Scroll through the list of workouts and select one you wish to use. Tap the waveform icon, enable Workout Buddy, and choose your preferred voice. This saves your settings for future workouts.
On the Apple Watch, open the Workout app and select your workout type, whether it be running, cycling, or HIIT. Tap the Alerts button, turn on Workout Buddy, and choose a voice if necessary. Your settings are now ready for your next workout.
During Your Workout
Once your session begins, Workout Buddy will provide audio feedback through your headphones. Expect encouraging updates related to your pace, milestones, and overall performance. If you need silence, swipe right on the Apple Watch and tap Mute to pause the audio without turning off the feature completely.
Customizing Settings
You can customize Workout Buddy for different workout types. If you prefer feedback for running but want silence for strength training, configure it accordingly in the Fitness app. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience to your needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Workout Buddy doesn’t activate, check that your devices are compatible and Bluetooth headphones are properly connected. Pairing headphones solely to the watch may interfere with feedback, so ensure they’re connected to your iPhone. In cases where functionality suddenly disappears, toggling the feature off and on or rebooting your devices often resolves the issue.
With these steps, you can maximize your experience with Workout Buddy. Embrace this innovative fitness companion to stay motivated and enhance your workouts.
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