Some people work out for the endorphins, some for the health perks, and some for its aesthetic benefits. Whatever your reason, Apple has decided that your solo grind could use a little company—in the form of a ‘Workout Buddy’ feature. In simple terms, it’s an AI-powered fitness pal introduced in watchOS 26 to cheer you on during workouts.
The feature will be available on Apple Watch when paired with Bluetooth headphones, but it does need an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone nearby to work. It will initially speak only English and support some of the most popular workout types—including outdoor and indoor runs, walks, cycling, HIIT, and both functional and traditional strength training.
Functioning as an equal parts coach, cheerleader, and slightly over-involved friend, Workout Buddy feature is a first-of-its-kind fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence. It combines your past workout history, current data (including heart rate, pace, distance, and more), and fitness milestones to give you personalized, audio motivation during your workout sessions. Not just a “well done” at the end, but real-time encouragement when you start a run, hit a milestone, or smash through your weekly goals.
Is it encouraging? Sure. Is it intrusive? Possibly. Is it something that everyone wants? Don’t know about that! Was it really needed? Well, that’s the question we ask every time Apple introduces a new feature.
See, if you’re the kind of person who thrives on encouragement and chatter mid-workout—then this feature is basically your dream gym buddy. However, for those of us who prefer to suffer in relative silence (aside from our carefully curated workout playlist), the idea of having a watch whisper motivational sweet nothings in my ear while I exercise, feels… unsettling. Even if the watch means well.
However, beyond the real-time voiceovers that may or may not be the most attractive feature for everyone—Workout Buddy does a solid job of analyzing your workout data and serving up insights to help make each session a little more effective and productive. So, if you are someone who appreciates a little cheerleading during workouts, Apple Watches with their Workout Buddy feature might just have a place in your fitness routine.
