You now have a new supportive buddy when you exercise, with Apple adding new features to the latest software update for its watch.
Apple’s Senior Director of watchOS Engineering David Clark said watchOS 26 had enhanced its Workout Buddy to provide more personalised, spoken motivation.
Mr Clark said the upgraded Workout app featured a new layout, and offered music to listen to, based on a user’s tastes and the workout type.
“The Workout app is one of the most popular apps on Apple Watch, and in watchOS 26, it debuts the biggest update to its layout and navigation since its introduction.”
He said four new buttons in the corners of the app made it easier for users to access their favourite features to customize workouts.
“To add inspiration, users can set up music and podcasts right in the Workout app to automatically play when they start a workout.
“For users’ convenience, Apple Music can now select the best playlist for a user’s workout based on the workout type and their personal tastes.
“Alternatively, users can see suggestions for playlists or podcasts based on what they’ve recently listened to during that particular workout type.”
Mr Clark said, overall, the watchOS 26 update offered a new design with Liquid Glass making many features more expressive.
“Across apps, this new design enables a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering, which brings even more focus to content and makes using Apple Watch even more delightful,”
He said Smart Stack widgets, Smart Stack hints, notifications, Control Center, and in-app controls and navigation would adopt the new design.
“The popular Photos watch face is enhanced with numerals made of Liquid Glass, allowing users to see even more of their photo.”
