At the highly anticipated WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a groundbreaking feature for fitness enthusiasts: the AI-powered Workout Buddy. This innovative tool, integrated into watchOS 26, aims to transform the way users approach their workouts by providing real-time, personalized coaching directly from their Apple Watch.
Workout Buddy leverages Apple Intelligence to analyze a user's fitness data, including current workout stats, historical performance, paces, miles logged, and activity rings. This allows the AI coach to offer real-time feedback on pace, reps, and progress, mimicking the energetic and uplifting tones of Apple Fitness+ trainers.
One of the standout features is the ability to choose from multiple voice options for the AI coach, ensuring a motivating and familiar experience. As reported from the conference, the tool uses on-device sensors to deliver spoken guidance, making workouts more interactive and tailored to individual needs.
While the current version of Workout Buddy offers impressive personalization, there is speculation about future updates. Tech experts hope it will evolve to automatically detect and adjust heart rate zones as a user's fitness level improves, taking personalization to the next level.
Alongside Workout Buddy, watchOS 26 brings additional enhancements like wrist flick gestures and Apple Intelligence features for Messages and relevant action suggestions. These updates underscore Apple's commitment to creating a more connected and active user experience across its ecosystem.
The introduction of Workout Buddy at WWDC 2025 signals Apple's continued push into health and fitness innovation, positioning the Apple Watch as an indispensable tool for anyone looking to sweat smarter. As this feature rolls out, it is expected to set a new standard for wearable fitness technology.
Alfred Lee
