Apple Watch is widely considered the best wearable for tracking workouts and general health, and with the watchOS 27 update announced at WWDC 2026, you will get several new features that could further improve this experience. This guide is for Apple Watch users who want to get more out of their workouts using the updated Workout Buddy and Siri AI on watchOS 27. For the uninitiated, Workout Buddy is an AI-powered coach built into the Workout app that speaks to you during and after a session based on your personal fitness history. And Siri AI is Apple’s upgraded voice assistant that can now hold longer conversations, answer open-ended questions, and help you plan or adjust your workouts on the fly. Let’s see how you can use both to exercise better.
We have not tested watchOS 27. This article is based on features and information officially announced by Apple.
Step 1: Make sure your devices are up to date
Workout Buddy and Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later iPhone models paired with an Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later models. These devices must be running on the latest iOS 27 and watchOS 27, respectively.
Previously, the iPhone and Apple Watch needed to be close for Workout Buddy to work, but with watchOS 27, that limitation has gone.
Step 2: Turn on Workout Buddy before you start exercising
Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch and start a session. Workout Buddy uses Apple Intelligence and your fitness history to motivate you. It supports workout types like running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training. For the unversed, Workout Buddy is supposed to be a supportive coach/training partner-like feature.
Also Read: Apple iOS 27’s most powerful on-device AI comes with a limitation: Is your device supported?
Step 3: Let it track what matters mid-workout
Workout Buddy will automatically share real-time, personalised, contextual and motivational insights based on live metrics like heart rate, pace, distance, your Activity rings, and historical data.
Workout Buddy gives more accurate miles covered data for indoor runs and walks.
Step 4: Ask Siri AI to help plan or adjust your workout.
Siri AI is available on watchOS and is powered by Apple Intelligence. On the watch, you can ask open-ended questions and brainstorm ideas for workout routines.
Additionally, you can also use the new single-tap gesture to access any workout widget quickly. Also, the Smart Stack on the watch can show relevant widgets.
Apple has also shared that with this update, step count data will be synced between the Apple Health and Fitness app.
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Also Read: WWDC 2026: 10+ new features coming to tvOS 27 and watchOS 27