Watchos 26: How Apple’s AI trainer Workout Buddy works

This time, the innovations that Watchos brings in the new version 26 from autumn are rather mixed. Apple also wants to implement its controversial liquid glass design on the computer clock and sharpens with some comfort functions such as the control center and the “smart stack”. Messages can now be closed using the wrist rotation and there is a translation function for chats. The announced new functions for the training app (workout) are much more interesting. Functions should be called up faster by changing the layout, which should be particularly helpful during training itself. But the actual revolution is a AI training assistant built into Watchos 26.

“Private and safe”

The so -called workout Buddy will initially be available in English. According to Apple, the system is based on Apple Intelligence and is intended to improve the “fitness experience with Workout Buddy through personalized motivation in spoken language”. According to Apple, this can initially be done with running (inside and outside), walking (ditto), HIIT (interval training), cycling (outside) and traditional and functional strength training. The workout Buddy can tap into data such as heart rate, pace, distance, activity rings, personal fitness milestones and others and then process what should be done “privately and safely”, explains Apple.

For example, if users start running training, they motivate Workout Buddy in a personalized manner and reminds of the route that has already been carried out this week or the progress with regard to goals for the activity rings, says Apple. As an example, the group mentions motivation: “Great that you continued your running training this Wednesday morning. You are 18 minutes away from closing your training ring. You have already run ten kilometers this week. Today it will be more.”

iPhone necessary

Since the Apple Watch is too weak for Apple Intelligence, the workout Buddy only works if you train with the iPhone nearby (for example in a pocket). The same must be ready for Apple Intelligence, i.e. at least one iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. The workout Buddy is focused on training itself and makes the announcements as soon as the training has ended. At first, it does not seem to be intended to understand the statements in the training app.

Apple relies on a new text-to-speech model with “dynamically generative voices”. They were developed based on the well-known fitness+trainers. “This is how your energy, your style and your tone fit the workout.” However, the use of Workout Buddy does not seem to be linked to a fitness+subscription (at least 80 euros a year minimally). The service only works with coupled Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth plugs.