Apple Introduces AI-Powered Workout Coach for Apple Watch

Apple unveiled watchOS 26 at its developer conference, introducing Workout Buddy, an AI-driven coaching feature that provides personalized encouragement during exercise sessions. The update represents Apple's most significant fitness-focused software enhancement since launching its health platform.

Workout Buddy leverages on-device Apple Intelligence to analyze heart rate patterns, distance metrics, pace data, and historical performance to deliver contextual motivation. The feature operates through spoken feedback, adjusting its approach based on real-time biometric readings and past workout achievements.

The broader watchOS 26 update includes a complete redesign of the Workout app, featuring four new corner buttons that provide quick access to Custom Workouts, Pacer, Race Route, and Workout Views. Apple has also enhanced audio integration, enabling automatic music playback when workouts begin and suggesting playlists based on exercise type and user preferences.

Apple Fitness+ subscribers gain access to Ready-made Custom Plans, which automatically generate workout schedules based on individual preferences including favorite activities, session duration, preferred trainers, and music choices. The service now offers three distinct plan types targeting different fitness approaches.

Stay Consistent builds schedules around existing workout habits to maintain routine adherence. Push Further increases intensity or frequency for users seeking progression. Get Started provides gentle introduction programs for fitness newcomers. All plans are housed in a dedicated Plans page for streamlined access.

The Workout Buddy feature addresses a key challenge in fitness technology: sustaining motivation during solo workouts. By processing personal data on-device, Apple maintains privacy while delivering increasingly personalized feedback as users build workout histories.

This update positions Apple Watch more directly against dedicated fitness wearables from companies like Garmin and Polar, which have traditionally offered more sophisticated training insights. The AI-powered coaching element could help Apple retain users who might otherwise graduate to more specialized fitness devices.

The timing coincides with growing competition in wearable fitness coaching. Samsung's Galaxy Watch offers similar motivational features, while startups like Whoop focus heavily on personalized training guidance.

Apple's approach integrates coaching functionality into its existing ecosystem rather than requiring separate subscriptions or hardware. The Ready-made Custom Plans feature particularly targets users who want structured programming without hiring personal trainers or researching workout plans independently.

watchOS 26 will be available in public beta next month, with full release expected this fall alongside new Apple Watch hardware. The update continues Apple's strategy of deepening health and fitness capabilities to drive hardware upgrades and service engagement.