In watchOS 26, the Apple Watch Workout app has received its biggest interface overhaul since it launched, introducing a redesigned layout that promises easier access to key features.
Four new corner buttons now provide quick access to popular workout customization tools including Workout Views, Custom Workout, Pacer, and Race Route. Apple has also integrated music and podcast setup directly into the Workout app itself. Users can now configure audio to automatically begin playing when they start exercising, eliminating the need to switch between apps mid-workout.
The update includes intelligent playlist selection through Apple Music integration (with a subscription). It can now automatically choose playlists based on both workout type and individual listening preferences, though users retain the option to manually select from suggestions.
For podcast listeners, the app will surface recommendations based on previous listening habits during specific workout types. A runner who typically listens to true crime podcasts during jogs, for instance, might see those suggestions prominently featured.
The corner button approach is a departure from the previous scrolling interface, and should hopefully make one-handed operation easier during exercise. watchOS 26 is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta expected to arrive next month.
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET.
Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
Friday February 13, 2026 2:01 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to launch a rebranded "Sales Coach" app on the iPhone and iPad later this month, according to a source familiar with the matter.
"Sales Coach" will arrive as an update to Apple's existing "SEED" app, and it will continue to provide sales tips and training resources to Apple Store and Apple Authorized Reseller employees around the world. For example, there are articles and videos...
Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have.
Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models
In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models:
Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...
Friday February 13, 2026 4:18 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple has a long list of new products rumored for 2026, including a series of home products that will see the company establishing more of a presence in the smart home space. Robots are on the horizon for 2027, but the 2026 releases will be a little tamer.
HomePod mini
We're expecting a new HomePod mini 2 to launch at any time. Apple isn't going to update the device's design, but we could...
They removed the "water" drop button in the control center. Now I can't activate it when I'm biking with gloves without the shortcut apps. Super annoying.
How about a fix for knowing when I started a walk or run? For example, I often forget to manually start an outdoor walk, when I say ‘Siri continue outdoor walk’ midway through it starts it at that moment, but not when I actually started - oddly sometimes it will prompt me ‘it appears you started an activity’ - so it does have some algorithm for sensing elevated heartbeat or pace… they need to finish refining their code.
Some good additions, but not where it counts. I wanted to come back to the AW for the ecosystem but the software still is years behind the Garmin with respect to useful reporting and tracking things like stress, body battery, and sleep. I guess given the sales of the AW, they don't really have to rush anything.
They removed the "water" drop button in the control center. Now I can't activate it when I'm biking with gloves without the shortcut apps. Super annoying.
*checks* Oh my gosh, they did; why?????
Unless I'm missing something, seems like there's no easy way to add it back either
Just tried doing so but wasn't seeing a water lock option front and center
It’s still an option. When you hit the add control button it’s an option under Settings.
oddly sometimes it will prompt me ‘it appears you started an activity’ - so it does have some algorithm for sensing elevated heartbeat or pace… they need to finish refining their code.
yeahhh... i can't be the only one who gets the "are you doing an elliptical workout" notification when i'm doing the five knuckle shuffle. it would be nice to have the algo more attuned to the motions involved when battling the purple headed yogurt slinger, but being able to select an option that makes it clear that i do not use an elliptical machine would be nice. or better yet, a "men's health" exercise that defaults to not being posted to shared activity with friends and family, unless you want to enable it to let folks know how many times you've liquidated the inventory for some reason. if cycle tracking is important enough to include in apple's apps, so should prostate health and male wellness. ignoring it and / or taking a puritanical approach about spanking the monkey is why so many guys have prostate issues later in life.
