Apple’s watchOS 26 keynote may not have been packed with groundbreaking announcements, but one standout feature did capture our attention—Workout Buddy. Powered by Apple Intelligence, it transforms your Apple Watch into an AI-enabled fitness coach that provides voice feedback to keep you focused and inspired throughout your workouts.
If you’re curious about how Workout Buddy works and how to set it up, this guide has everything you need to get started.
What is Workout Buddy in watchOS 26?
Workout Buddy is a new AI-powered feature baked into the Workout app in watchOS 26. It uses Apple Intelligence to analyze a combination of real-time workout data, your history, Activity Ring progress, pace, training load, and more, then delivers motivational voice feedback during your session.
Here’s everything Workout Buddy can do:
- Gives you a motivational boost at the start of your workout.
- Provides real-time spoken updates on your performance (distance, pace, heart rate, milestones).
- Delivers a customized spoken summary at the end of your session.
Apple has developed a new text-to-speech engine trained using the voices of real Apple Fitness+ trainers. The result? A voice that sounds more like your upbeat gym coach than a robotic assistant—personalized and energetic.
Requirements to Use Workout Buddy on Apple Watch
Before you get started, make sure you meet these conditions:
- A watchOS 26-compatible Apple Watch (available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later).
- As Workout Buddy is an Apple Intelligence-powered feature, the paired iPhone must be an iPhone 15 Pro or newer model with iOS 26 installed.
- Bluetooth headphones connected to your Apple Watch or iPhone to ensure you hear the audio feedback clearly during workouts.
- English language setting, as it’s currently the only supported language at launch.
How to Set Up Workout Buddy on Apple Watch
Before you start using Workout Buddy on your Apple Watch, you must first set it up:
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Select a supported workout: Running, Walking, Cycling, or Strength Training.
- Tap the Alerts icon in the top-left corner.
- Scroll and tap on Workout Buddy.
- Toggle the switch to Enable Workout Buddy.
- Connect your AirPods or Bluetooth earbuds to your Apple Watch or iPhone.
How to Use Workout Buddy During a Workout
Once everything’s set up, you don’t need to do anything, as Workout Buddy activates automatically as you start the workout. Here’s how it works:
- In the Workout app, select the workout you enabled Workout Buddy in and hit the Play (Start) button to begin your workout.
- Workout Buddy kicks in immediately with a motivational phrase like, “Let’s crush that 5K today!”
- During the session, it shares spoken updates on distance, pace, heart rate, and other milestones.
- At the end, you’ll get a custom audio recap—“You ran 3.5 miles at an 8:20 pace. Great job beating last week!”
Everything is processed on-device, ensuring your privacy while also allowing it to work offline—no internet connection is needed.
Customizing Workout Buddy to Match Your Style
Apple already knew that not all users may be thrilled about the prospect of having an AI cheerleader during a challenging run or other training sessions. Additionally, while some users may prefer the default AI voice, some may not. That’s why Apple hasn’t made Workout Buddy a one-size-fits-all feature. Here are some ways to make it work for you:
- Workout Buddy isn’t an opt-out feature; instead, it’s an opt-in. Thus, you can turn it on for certain workouts and keep it disabled for others if you prefer silence.
- Adjust the voice style: Similar to Siri, Workout Buddy offers you multiple voice styles you can choose from. To do so, open the Workout app → Select a supported workout → Tap Alerts → Workout Buddy → Choose Voice Style.
- Customize the on-screen data in your Workout app alongside the voice coaching. To do so, open the Workout app → Select a supported workout → Tap Workout Views → Select a Workout View.
Workout Buddy Not Responding on Apple Watch? Try These Fixes
If Workout Buddy isn’t working as expected—or not at all—try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check Device Compatibility: Check whether your Apple Watch supports watchOS 26 and runs it. Additionally, the paired iPhone is an iPhone 15 Pro or newer model with iOS 26 installed.
- Connect Bluetooth Headphones: Workout Buddy only works when AirPods or other Bluetooth earbuds are connected to your Apple Watch or iPhone. Press the Side button to open the Control Center → tap the AirPlay icon → ensure your headphones are selected.
- Keep iPhone Nearby: Workout Buddy requires Apple Intelligence processing to work. Since Apple Intelligence isn’t available natively on the Apple Watch, the paired iPhone must be within Bluetooth range during the workout.
- Enable Workout Buddy: The Workout Buddy feature in watchOS 26 isn’t enabled by default. Therefore, ensure that you have enabled it for the supported workout in the Workout app.
- Choose a Supported Workout: Workout Buddy doesn’t work with all activities. Supported types include Outdoor/Indoor Run, Walk, Cycling, HIIT, Strength Training. If you’re doing something unsupported (such as Yoga, Dance, or Mindfulness) or (such as yoga, dance, or mindfulness), you won’t find the option to enable it.
- Check Audio Volume: Ensure your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones aren’t muted.
- Restart Both Devices: If nothing works, there might be a bug affecting the functionality. Restarting your devices often eliminates such bugs and glitches.
No More Boring Workouts…
At first glance, Workout Buddy might seem like just another gimmick. But once you try it, you’ll realize it’s a powerful step toward personalized fitness. Whether you need a motivational nudge or real-time coaching, this AI fitness companion can help you push through that final mile or rep.
Are you excited to try Workout Buddy on watchOS 26? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear how it works for you.
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