Introduction to Workout Buddy
As a fitness enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for features that can help me stay motivated during my workouts. Apple's latest feature, Workout Buddy, claims to provide spoken feedback and motivation during exercise. But does it really work?
How to Set Up Workout Buddy
To use Workout Buddy, you'll need an Apple Watch running watchOS 26 or later, paired with an iPhone capable of on-device Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16. You'll also need Bluetooth headphones paired with either your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Enabling Workout Buddy
Open the Fitness app on your iPhone, tap the Workout tab, and scroll through the list of workout types until you find one you plan to use with Workout Buddy. Tap the waveform bubble icon associated with that workout, flip the toggle to enable it, and choose a voice from the available options.
Using Workout Buddy During a Workout
On your Apple Watch, open the Workout app, select the workout you want to do, and look for the Alerts button. Tap Alerts, scroll until you see Workout Buddy, tap Workout Buddy, and flip the switch to on. Workout Buddy will begin working as soon as the workout does, providing spoken feedback and motivation through your connected headphones.
Troubleshooting Workout Buddy
If Workout Buddy fails to activate, make sure your devices meet the requirements outlined above. Confirm that your iPhone with Apple Intelligence is nearby and that Bluetooth headphones are connected. If audio feedback is missing, ensure headphones are paired correctly and that the language is set to English.
Be cautious of potential issues with Workout Buddy, such as audio feedback not working or the feature not appearing for certain workout types.