Apple has released the public beta of watchOS 26, featuring new Apple Intelligence functionalities. Key additions include Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness coach providing real-time feedback and encouragement during workouts; enhanced messaging features with Live Translations and Smart Actions; and Wrist Flick, a gesture allowing users to dismiss unwanted notifications with a wrist twist. David Clark, Apple's senior director of software engineering for watchOS, stated the update focuses on enhancing the Apple Watch's core competencies: fitness and connectivity. While Workout Buddy uses AI to personalize feedback based on user data and historical performance, its impact on motivation varies depending on individual fitness levels and goals. Other AI-driven features include improvements to the Smart Stack widget system, which now incorporates various signals from apps and environmental cues to offer more relevant information.

The impact of watchOS 26 is expected to enhance user experience through improved fitness tracking, streamlined communication, and more efficient notification management. The subtle yet effective integration of AI features aims to seamlessly improve the overall usability of the Apple Watch.