Apple today introduced Workout Buddy, a new fitness feature coming with watchOS 26 later this year. This experience is powered by Apple Intelligence and is designed to provide personalized support during workouts.
Workout Buddy uses a user’s real-time workout data and fitness history to deliver tailored and motivational insights. Apple explained that by analyzing information such as heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, and personal milestones, Workout Buddy offers help that feels personal and unique.
For example, when a user starts a run, Workout Buddy may offer a customized pep talk. It might say: “Way to get out for your run this Wednesday morning. You’re 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring. So far this week, you’ve logged 6 miles. You’re about to add more.”
During the workout, Workout Buddy highlights important moments like mile splits or new records. It could say: “Mile four. You picked up the pace and ran that last one in 8 minutes and 28 seconds.” Or: “Hey, check this out. Your total running distance for the year just crossed the 200-mile mark! That’s a lot of running!”
After the session ends, Workout Buddy summarizes the workout with stats and encouragement. For example: “Nice work! You went 4.3 miles in just over 38 minutes, with an average pace of 8:58 and heart rate of 128 BPM. That was your longest run in 28 days. What’s next?”
All insights are delivered in real time using on-device Apple Intelligence. This helps keep the user’s data private and secure. Apple also created a new text-to-speech model. It converts the insights into a lively voice, inspired by Fitness+ trainers, to bring the right energy and motivation.
Workout Buddy will be available on Apple Watch and works with Bluetooth headphones like AirPods. It requires a nearby iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. At launch, Workout Buddy will support English and popular workout types, including Outdoor and Indoor Run, Outdoor and Indoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, HIIT, and both Functional and Traditional Strength Training.
