New Delhi: The Apple Watch’s fitness features have been consistently improving in recent years, with new running metrics, the recent addition of Training Load, and integrations with third-party applications such as TrainingPeaks. And yet, despite having these advanced tools at my fingertips and, as someone who tests the best Apple Watches as part of my job, they’re still lacking in the running department.
This week at WWDC 2025, watchOS 26 will offer a Workout Buddy, a first-of-its-kind fitness experience with Apple Intelligence that incorporates a user’s workout data and fitness history to generate personalized, motivational insights during their session based on data like heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, personal fitness milestones, and more.
It’s the word ‘motivational’ that piqued user interest, and while they’re wary of the use of AI, a few helpful words of encouragement in their ears when they’re pushing themselves out the door for a 5K could make all the difference. Users recently completed their first 10K running event, following some heart health issues in recent years. With the help of an AI assistant, they were able to tap into their heart rate data and advise and receive advice on how far they could push themselves.
The watchOS 26 developer beta is now available through the Apple Developer Programme, with a public beta scheduled for the next month and a general rollout expected this autumn. Apple watches that are eligible for this software update are:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch SE 2nd generation
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
This watchOS 26 debuts a vibrant new design language called Liquid Glass, bringing a dynamic, refractive effect across the interface. The Smart Stack, Control Centre, ina-pp navigation, and the Photos watch face now adopt this look, creating a more immersive visual experience while retaining the familiar watch layout.
