watchOS 26 adds AI-powered personal trainer; AirPods, Apple TV, Vision Pro receive updates
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Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has placed a focus on user health applications for his company’s products, and the updates from this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference follow that with the introduction of an Apple Intelligence-powered personal trainer, dubbed Workout Buddy, on the watchOS 26 update.
“Combined with Apple Intelligence, it keeps track of all your workouts,” said David Clark, Apple’s senior director of watchOS Engineering. “You can get the voice you want that is right for you. Workout Buddy starts out with a pep talk as soon as you start your workout and plays music for you based on your preferences.”
It also helps users celebrate accomplishments, such as when one hits 200 miles of total running over a certain time period or completes their first 10K. It covers Outdoor and Indoor Run, Outdoor and Indoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, HIIT, and Functional and Traditional Strength Training. It requires a nearby Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone nearby to function.
watchOS 26 will be generally available this fall. It is available for testing today by developers.
AirPods
Apple previewed studio-quality audio recording and camera remote features for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2, at WWDC.
“Interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators can record their content with greater sound quality, and even record while on the go or in noisy environments with Voice Isolation,” Apple said.
Users can also connect to an iPhone or iPad with “camera remote” for photos and videos with a click on the AirPods stem.
New AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 2 features will be available this fall as a free firmware update with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.
Vision Pro
Apple’s Vision Pro will provide new shared experiences through the visionOS 26 update.
The shared spatial experience allows users to connect remotely with other Vision Pro users as if they are in the same room. Users can play spatial games or collaborate with coworkers
“With brand-new ways for Vision Pro owners to connect, explore, work together, and enjoy content, we’re incredibly excited for users to enjoy features like apps and widgets that they can arrange in their spaces, spatial scenes that offer a brand-new viewing experience for their photos, and dramatically enhanced Personas on Vision Pro,” said Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group.
visionOS 26 is available for testing by developers today and will be generally available this fall.
Apple TV
The tvOS 26 update will bring Apple’s Liquid Glass to the television.
“The new design introduces a new material called Liquid Glass,” Apple said. “It brings a vibrant look to Apple TV, delivering a fresh and expressive design that beautifully reflects and refracts its surroundings using real-time rendering. Interactions with the Apple TV app are also enhanced to create a more delightful and engaging experience while watching shows and movies.”
The update will be generally available this fall.