Apple Watch OS 26 Beta Unveiled: AI Focuses on Fitness and Connectivity

Subtle AI Enhancements Aim to Elevate User Experience

Apple has released the watchOS 26 public beta, offering users a preview of the upcoming software update for the Apple Watch. This new iteration introduces “Apple Intelligence” features, including a personalized workout assistant, enhanced messaging capabilities, and the intuitive “Wrist Flick” gesture.

Workout Buddy: AI’s Cautious Entry into Fitness

The integration of AI into watchOS 26 centers on refining the Apple Watch’s core strengths: fitness tracking and staying connected. David Clark, Apple’s senior director of software engineering for watchOS, emphasized the goal of adding “real value to an experience” beyond mere technical data.

While AI-driven fitness insights are gaining traction, the implementation of “Workout Buddy” appears more understated than initial demonstrations suggested. The feature aims to provide motivational cues during workouts, rather than acting as a conversational chatbot. During a run, it might announce pace splits or celebrate milestones like the 100th mile of the year. For lower-intensity activities like walking or HIIT, the AI’s participation is less frequent.

Initial testing reveals that Workout Buddy offers a pep talk at the start and a summary at the end of each session. Mid-workout, it might inform users of their progress toward closing activity rings or compare current performance to averages. The synthesized voices are trained on Apple Fitness Plus trainers, with users currently able to choose from three options.

While the concept of real-time audio feedback for fitness metrics is not entirely new, Workout Buddy’s integration of historical data and milestone notifications offers a more personalized touch. However, for seasoned athletes who don’t hit personal bests frequently, the motivational impact might be less pronounced. Some users have expressed a desire for greater customization options.

Smarter Interactions: Evolving the Smart Stack and Gestures

Beyond fitness, watchOS 26 enhances user interaction through a refined Smart Stack and new gestures. The Smart Stack, introduced in watchOS 10, now features a subtle indicator on the watch face when a relevant widget is available, increasing its discoverability.

This improved algorithm draws on multiple data sources, including Live Activities and environmental cues, to proactively surface useful information. For instance, a timely weather alert about a potential flood warning can prompt important decisions.

The “Wrist Flick” gesture, a novel addition, allows users to dismiss notifications with a simple wrist rotation. This intuitive control complements the existing “Double Tap” gesture, streamlining interactions and reducing the need to manually dismiss unwanted alerts. Clark described the motion as a way to acknowledge, “I’m kind of done with that, I’m dismissing that.“

The update also incorporates familiar “Apple Intelligence” features from the iPhone, such as Live Translations and Smart Actions within the Messages app. These extensions aim to provide a more seamless experience across devices. In the first half of 2024, Apple Watch sales saw a 15% increase year-over-year, highlighting the platform’s continued growth and user engagement (Counterpoint Research, 2024).

Overall, watchOS 26 appears to focus on subtle, yet impactful, improvements. Features that integrate seamlessly into daily routines, like the enhanced Smart Stack and the efficient Wrist Flick gesture, are poised to make the most significant impression on users.