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.
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.
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.
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
"I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
yeahhh... i can't be the only one who gets the "are you doing an elliptical workout" notification when i'm doing the five knuckle shuffle. it would be nice to have the algo more attuned to the motions involved when battling the purple headed yogurt slinger, but being able to select an option that makes it clear that i do not use an elliptical machine would be nice. or better yet, a "men's health" exercise that defaults to not being posted to shared activity with friends and family, unless you want to enable it to let folks know how many times you've liquidated the inventory for some reason. if cycle tracking is important enough to include in apple's apps, so should prostate health and male wellness. ignoring it and / or taking a puritanical approach about spanking the monkey is why so many guys have prostate issues later in life.
