I recently completed my first 10k running event following some heart health issues in recent years, and having an AI assistant tap into my heart rate data and advise me how much further I could push myself every now and again could have stopped the fearful questions I was asking myself, such as “am I going too fast?” or “am I pushing too hard?”

The next major Apple Watch software update is watchOS 26, and it will introduce a Workout Buddy feature designed to help motivate you to exercise. But will it work?

Commentary: The Apple Watch's new coaching feature in watchOS 26 taps your fitness data for live feedback, but don't expect detailed training plans just yet.