This video provides an in-depth review of Apple's WatchOS 26 public beta, highlighting its new features and the real-world performance of the AI-powered Workout Buddy.
Key takeaways include:
Public Beta Availability: WatchOS 26 is now available in public beta for various Apple Watch models (Ultra 1/2, Series 6/7/8/9/10, SE 2nd Gen) and is expected to release in September.
New UI & Features: Introduces a "Liquid Glass" UI (most noticeable on the PIN unlock screen) and the Notes app on the watch for viewing and creating notes, though not editing existing ones.
Redesigned Workout Interface: The workout app has a new layout with categorized settings for data views, goals, music, and voice alerts.
Workout Buddy:
Functionality: Provides personalized encouragement and data updates during workouts, with two voice options modeled after Fitness+ trainers.
Requirements: Requires a compatible iPhone (15 Pro/Pro Max, 16+), the phone to be within Bluetooth range, a constant internet connection, and headphones connected.
Performance Issues: The Workout Buddy frequently "hallucinates," providing inaccurate data (e.g., incorrect streak lengths, wrong workout times) due to its reliance on cloud processing and AI limitations. Post-workout summaries are generally more accurate.
Streamlined Display: Instead of three blocks for workout types, only one is shown on the main page, requiring scrolling via the digital crown or finger to see other options. The reviewer has mixed feelings about this change, noting it can be "finicky" but has improved since earlier betas.
Categorized Settings: The workout settings are now organized into four distinct, logical categories, each accessible via a dot in the corners of the workout screen.
Upper Left (Workout Views): Contains settings for data pages, data metrics, and what is displayed on the workout screens.
Upper Right (Structured Workouts & Goals): Includes structured workouts, workout goals (distance, time, calories), pacer, and race route features.
Lower Left (Music):
Features a new "Picked for You" option that automatically starts a dynamic playlist based on the workout type (e.g., HIIT, yoga).
This feature does not consider interval details or workout content, only the general workout type.
Users can still disable this or select a specific playlist.
Reviewer's Experience: Generally works "pretty darn well," but sometimes misses the mark.
Missing Feature: No option to see a list of songs played after the workout is completed, which the reviewer would like to see added.
Lower Right (Voice Alerts): Controls spoken alerts, including the Workout Buddy and traditional pace alerts. All standard alerts are now spoken in the Workout Buddy voice if enabled.
Can be enabled on a per-sport profile basis (e.g., enabled for runs, disabled for cycling).
Offers two voices, "Voice 1" (modeled after Sam Sanchez) and "Voice 2" (modeled after Jamie Ray), both current Apple Fitness+ trainers. A "Voice 3" occasionally appears but is not yet clear.
1) Must own a compatible iPhone: Specifically iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or any iPhone 16 (or newer) device, as it leverages Apple Intelligence.
2) Phone within Bluetooth Range: The iPhone must be in constant Bluetooth range of the Apple Watch for Workout Buddy to function. It cannot be left behind.
3) Phone must have constant internet connection: A live internet connection is required for Workout Buddy to work, as it relies on cloud processing. Losing internet connectivity (e.g., during trail runs) causes Workout Buddy to cease all functionality, including spoken lap splits.
4) Must be using headphones: Workout Buddy will not use the watch's built-in speaker. Headphones must be connected to either the watch or the phone. Apple states this is for privacy, but the reviewer wishes for an opt-in speaker option.
Start of Workout Pep Talk: [8:17] Workout Buddy provides an encouraging message 8-16 seconds into a workout.
Problem: It often "hallucinates" or provides inaccurate data, especially regarding activity rings and streak lengths. For example, it claimed a 19-day move streak when the actual streak was 309 days, or claimed rings were closed early in the morning when they were not.
Longest Move Streak showing 310 days while Workout Buddy says 19 days
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Mid-Workout Splits: [8:54] Provides pace and heart rate data at kilometer markers.
Problem: Can also hallucinate workout times, stating incorrect durations.
Milestone Notifications: [9:24] Notifies users for various milestones, like closing activity rings ("Exercise ring closed") and achieving faster splits.
Generally, the summaries provided after a workout are quite accurate and detailed, including total distance, time, average speed, elevation gain, and heart rate.
The reviewer finds these summaries to be one of the best aspects of the feature.
AI Limitations: The "hallucinations" stem from AI's known tendency to fabricate information. Since Apple is not a leading AI company, solving these hallucinations might take time.
Guardrails: Apple has implemented guardrails to ensure Workout Buddy only provides positive feedback and avoids negative or dangerous insights. It will highlight achievements like faster paces but won't comment on slower performance.
Overall Impression: The reviewer appreciates the positive insights given before, during, and after workouts, noting no "horrific" misinformation.
Challenges: The hallucination issue remains a significant problem that Apple needs to address.
Future Hopes: The reviewer hopes that the Workout Buddy's AI processing can eventually be moved directly onto the Apple Watch itself, removing the need for constant phone proximity and internet connectivity. This would make the feature more practical for users who prefer to exercise without their phone or outside cellular range.
Beta Improvements: The tone, human-likeness, and smoothness of Workout Buddy's voice have improved between betas, though the hallucination issues have largely persisted.
