Apple WatchOS 26 & Workout Buddy: Real Life Test Thoughts!

Apple has released WatchOS 26 to the public beta, after roughly six weeks of developer beta access. I’ve been using it since the announcement last month at WWDC, and have a pretty good feel for the new features, both minor tweaks, as well as the larger tweaks. This includes the new glass-like UI (called Liquid Glass), the ability to sync Notes, as well as fitness-focused features like Workout Buddy and the redesigned user interface. Now obviously, it’s still in beta (just expanding availability from developer beta to public beta), with the ultimate release slated for this September, likely alongside new watches. As always, except that the new features introduced in the WatchOS 26 beta are only a portion of the new things that ultimately end up in WatchOS 26 when it hits both new and old watches this fall. That’s because Apple always holds back certain features to announce at their September event, and many times these features are available across more than just the newly announced watches. Note that WatchOS 26 is available for Apple Watch Ultra 2, Ultra 1, Series 10, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, and SE (2nd Gen). In any case, let’s get into it.