Apple is adding Spanish to Workout Buddy, but it could have used more fitness upgrades

While fitness seemed to be a big missing element in the new updates revealed by Apple on Monday at Worldwide Developers Conference 2026There are some new additions expected for iPhoneBuilt-in workout tools when iOS 27 launches later this year.

Workout Buddy, Apple’s motivational feature that provides real-time feedback during your workouts, will now be available in Spanish, the company announced during its conference. Main developer conference. You’ll also be able to use the feature on your Apple Watch, even when your phone isn’t nearby.

To use Workout Buddy, you must give your Apple Watch permission to use it. Your watch can also connect to Workout Buddy via Bluetooth headphones.

Senior writer at CNET Vanessa Hand Oriana has previously tested Workout Buddy in WatchOS 26 and found that the feature was promising as a potential fitness coach, but it’s not quite there yet. Instead, it’s more about having a cheerleader by your side during workouts than a coach guiding you through a session.

Read more: Apple hasn’t really said what’s coming in iOS 27, so I guess I’ll take that

I was hoping for some advanced fitness features during today’s keynote, especially with all the Apple Intelligence developments. Apple’s competitors like Samsung and Fitbit They are really at the forefront in this space. Apple has a dedicated audience for the Apple Watch, and this would have been the ideal scenario where Apple could have curated the ultimate workout or health coach.

This seems like a missed opportunity at a time when many fitness and wellness wearables are vying for the most advanced features in technology.