Apple Watch Workout App Gets Corner Buttons, Music Integration in watchOS 26

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.

watchos 26 workout app
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.

workout app watchos 26
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.

Related Roundups: watchOS 11, watchOS 26
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

iSeb Avatar
2 weeks ago
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.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Circa1984 Avatar
2 weeks ago
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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
groove-agent Avatar
2 weeks ago
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.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MasterControlProgram Avatar
2 weeks ago
I honestly think the current swiping solution would work better than trying to precisely tap those small corner buttons.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Awesome Avatar
2 weeks ago

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.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MNWildFan Avatar
2 weeks ago

It’s still an option. When you hit the add control button it’s an option under Settings.
Ohhh so it just needs to be added back in
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)