Workout Buddy: Apple's AI Fitness Pal Arrives with iOS 26

Apple's latest software update, iOS 26, brings a new player to the fitness game: Workout Buddy. This AI-powered companion promises to inject personalized encouragement into your workouts using the smarts of Apple Intelligence. But how do you get this digital training partner up and running? Let's dive in.

What Workout Buddy Brings to the Table

Workout Buddy isn't designed to be a drill sergeant barking orders. Instead, think of it as your supportive friend who chimes in with helpful nudges during your exercise sessions. It analyzes data from your Apple Watch, like pace and heart rate, to deliver real-time feedback through your Bluetooth headphones. "Workout Buddy can remind you of your weekly activity totals, alert you to personal bests or performance milestones and provide an overview when you’re finished," reports Engadget.

The feature leans on a text-to-speech model with voices inspired by Apple Fitness+ trainers, adding a familiar and motivational tone to your workouts. Currently, Workout Buddy supports a range of activities including running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training. Keep in mind, however, that this feature requires on-device Apple Intelligence. That means you'll need a compatible iPhone, like the iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model, nearby to crunch those numbers.

Gearing Up: Requirements and Setup

Before you can enjoy Workout Buddy's pep talks, there are a few things to check off your list. First, make sure your Apple Watch is running watchOS 26 and paired with an iPhone packing iOS 26. Of course, you'll need a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled. Bluetooth headphones are non-negotiable since the audio feedback won't play through the Apple Watch's speaker. One more thing: at launch, Workout Buddy only speaks English.

To turn on Workout Buddy from your iPhone, head to the Fitness app. Tap the Workout tab, scroll to find a workout type, and tap the waveform bubble icon. Here, you can toggle Workout Buddy on and choose your preferred voice. You can also enable Workout Buddy directly from your Apple Watch. Open the Workout app, select your activity, tap 'Alerts,' and then toggle Workout Buddy to 'on.'

Troubleshooting and Customization

Having trouble getting Workout Buddy to work? Double-check that your devices meet all the requirements, including a stable Bluetooth connection and the correct language setting. As Engadget notes, some users have had issues when headphones are only paired to the Watch, and recommend pairing with the iPhone instead.

One of the best things about Workout Buddy is how customizable it is. You can enable or disable it for specific workout types, so you get voice feedback for runs but silence during strength training, if you prefer. The Fitness app on your iPhone lets you set a default voice for each activity. On your Apple Watch, you can quickly toggle the feature on or off right before starting a workout.

Workout Buddy is still in its early stages, but it shows a lot of promise as a way to make workouts more engaging and motivating. As Apple continues to refine Apple Intelligence, expect Workout Buddy to become even more personalized and insightful. This could be the start of a whole new era of AI-powered fitness, but for now, I suggest you go try it out on your next run!