Apple is taking a significant step forward in its health and fitness strategy with the introduction of Workout Buddy, a new AI-powered feature in watchOS 26. While not a full-fledged coach yet, Workout Buddy signals Apple’s evolving vision for intelligent, personalized fitness tools powered by Apple Intelligence. And this could be just the start.

Announced at WWDC 2025 and now available in the public beta of watchOS 26, Workout Buddy uses real-time AI to deliver dynamic, context-aware encouragement during workouts. Unlike traditional training apps that offer fixed coaching scripts, Workout Buddy generates personalized feedback on the fly — not to replace your trainer, but to boost motivation mid-exercise.

“When we think about the future, all the ways with which we can push this feature to be even more personalized, we think it's really, really exciting,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s VP of Fitness Technologies, in an interview.

More Than a Hype Man

At first glance, Workout Buddy may sound like a glorified cheerleader. But under the hood, it’s driven by a fusion of AI voice modeling, real-time fitness data, and over a decade of user insights gathered through Apple Watch. The AI voices are modeled on 28 real Fitness+ trainers, giving it a uniquely human-like tone and delivery that adjusts to your performance.

Users can choose from different voice styles, and Workout Buddy supports eight workout types including walking, running, HIIT, outdoor cycling, and strength training. While it doesn’t yet build structured training plans, the feature surfaces relevant stats mid-workout, like heart rate zone changes or progress toward fitness goals — all in a conversational, accessible tone.

Built for Everyone, Not Just Athletes

Apple’s design philosophy here is inclusivity. “We didn’t want it to be just a pro tool,” Blahnik noted. “We wanted it to be accessible to as many people as possible.” That’s reflected in its setup, voice tone, and gentle motivational prompts — making it less intimidating and more inviting for casual users or fitness beginners.

Workout Buddy does require headphones, which may be a small barrier for minimalist exercisers, but Apple says music integration and smarter playlist suggestions are coming soon.

Powered by Apple Intelligence — With Privacy Intact

Workout Buddy is a prime example of Apple’s approach to AI: subtle, seamless, and private. Real-time responses are generated using a combination of on-device processing and private cloud computation. Apple emphasizes that no personal fitness data is shared externally, in keeping with its longstanding privacy-first stance.

“This is your most personal data,” said Deidre Caldbeck, Senior Director of Apple Watch Product Marketing. “So we wanted to treat it appropriately, but still give you powerful insights.”

That trust factor is critical. While other tech companies roll out aggressive AI assistants, Apple is deliberately building the infrastructure to make personalized coaching feel natural, safe, and secure — rather than invasive or overly technical.

Apple’s Long Game in AI Coaching

Workout Buddy might not be a full training coach yet, but it’s clearly a foundational move toward that future. Much like Apple took its time with sleep tracking — waiting until it could launch features like sleep apnea detection backed by research and clinical accuracy — the company appears to be taking a similarly thoughtful approach with AI coaching.

With the new watchOS 26, Apple has also redesigned the Workout app UI to bring key features like interval training and heart rate zones to the forefront. It’s a signal that the Apple Watch is evolving into a smarter, more capable fitness companion.

Importantly, Workout Buddy is only available on devices with Apple Intelligence, which currently means supported iPhones and Apple Watch models with sufficient processing power. But even users on older watches will benefit from other watchOS 26 improvements.

What’s Next?

Apple hasn’t confirmed what lies ahead, but the direction is clear: personalized, intelligent coaching that adapts to your goals, recovery, and routine — not just your pace or calories. Think insights that go beyond workouts, tapping into sleep, stress, and overall well-being, delivered in real-time and in your own voice.

If Apple gets it right, Workout Buddy could evolve into a deeply personal AI health coach — not just a workout motivator, but a true companion in your wellness journey.

For now, Apple’s message is clear: this is just the beginning.