Latest news with #WatchOS26
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
How to Uninstall the iOS 26 Beta If You Want to Go Back to iOS 18
The iOS 26 public beta opens up the next version of the iPhone's system to anyone willing to install it, not just developers. You can try features such as the Liquid Glass interface, the redesigned Photos app, the AutoMix feature in the Music app and much more. But that access comes with a risk. Due to the nature of prerelease software, the iOS 26 beta includes bugs and performance snags that can disrupt your everyday use, which is why you shouldn't install it on your main iPhone. As another example, if you also want to test the new WatchOS 26 beta, be warned that you will not be able to roll back to WatchOS 11, as my colleague Blake Stimac unexpectedly discovered last year, unless you don't mind parting with your Apple Watch while it goes back to Apple for repair. If you find the current iOS 26 beta to be too brittle, you can roll back to iOS 18 by following these steps. Read more: Everything coming to your iPhone in iOS 26. Do you have the right kind of backup? Reverting to the previous system version isn't a matter of replacing a few key files here and there -- you'll need to erase the phone and install the current release version. This is why it's important to back up your iPhone before installing the beta (or, honestly, updating any version of iOS). The best approach is to create an archive on your computer that you can fall back to. Creating an iCloud backup (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) would seem to be the easiest option, but there's a catch: if the most recent iCloud backup is made under the iOS 26 beta, you can only restore the iPhone to iOS 26. That means when you restore the phone to iOS 18, you'll have to do it from an archive or set it up as a new phone. Data synced via iCloud will eventually arrive, but you will need to reinstall apps manually. Instead, create a local backup: Connect the iPhone to your Mac, select it in a Finder window sidebar, and click the Back Up Now button. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app, select the iPhone there, and click Back Up Now. What if you didn't make a backup before installing iOS 26 beta? If your excitement got the best of you and you skipped making a backup, you should still attempt to sync your important data, such as contacts, photos and notes to iCloud. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Next, in the Saved to iCloud section, tap See All. Tap the categories for items saved to iCloud, such as iCloud Mail, iCloud Drive and Contacts, and make sure they're set to sync. Make sure your MacOS or Windows software is up to date First, if you're restoring from a Mac, make sure you're running the latest version of MacOS: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, and choose System Settings. Select General in the sidebar. Click Software Update. If an update is listed -- and you have a current backup -- go ahead and install it. Under Windows, open the Apple Devices app, which replaced iTunes as Apple's conduit for managing its devices. Turn off Find My If you've enabled Find My for that device, you'll want to turn it off before you revert back to iOS 18. Find My is key to the Activation Lock security feature that requires the Apple ID and password of the person who set up the phone. When you finish reinstalling iOS 18, you can turn it on again. To turn off Find My, Go to Settings, tap your name and tap Find My. Then tap Find My iPhone and turn it off. (If the option is grayed out, you may need to disable Stolen Device Protection first.) Put the iPhone into recovery mode Next, plug your iPhone into your Mac and do the following button dance on the iPhone to enter recovery mode: 1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.3. Press and hold the sleep/wake button, and keep it held, past the point where you see the Apple logo and until you see the recovery mode screen -- a black background with a cable indicating a connection with the computer. Restore the iPhone to go back to iOS 18 The computer will ask if you want to update or restore the iPhone; don't be alarmed if the dialog makes it sound as if something is wrong with the phone. Click Restore. In the confirmation dialog that appears, click Restore and Update. Or, if you don't see that dialog, open a new Finder window (MacOS) or the Apple Devices app (Windows) and select the phone in the sidebar. Click Restore iPhone and follow the directions that follow. The release version of iOS, currently 18.5, will download and be installed on the iPhone. During the normal iOS setup process, you're asked if you'd like to transfer settings and data from another device: 1. On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, tap From Mac or PC.2. On the computer, select the iPhone in the sidebar (of a Finder window on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows).3. Select Restore from this backup and choose the most recent backup from the pop-up menu.4. Click Continue. If you chose to encrypt the backup, enter the password you made. The computer then restores the data from the backup.
CNET
24-07-2025
- CNET
I Underestimated Workout Buddy. Apple's Playing the Long Game for AI Coaching
I didn't think I needed a "buddy" to cheer me on during a workout when Apple first announced its new Workout Buddy feature in WatchOS 26. Despite it being an AI-powered voice that extols you with positive feedback as you run (or as you do any number of activities), I was envisioning a non-nonsense trainer that would push me out of my comfort zone and into peak performance. But after testing it myself and talking in-depth with Apple about how it works, I'm starting to think the company undersold it on purpose. Workout Buddy is much more than just a hype man, and it represents a crucial turning point in Apple's health journey. Workout Buddy turns your Apple Watch into a friendly voice that lauds your achievements during workouts. The WatchOS 26 feature isn't a full-blown fitness coach that can guide your training plan, but that doesn't mean Apple isn't headed there. In fact, Workout Buddy may be the clearest signal yet that Apple is laying the groundwork for something much bigger in terms of fitness tools and AI. At a time when investors and enthusiasts are critical about the company's AI efforts, especially compared to competitors like Samsung and Google, Apple has a chance with Workout Buddy to show how its approach is different in a meaningful way. After the lukewarm debut of Apple Intelligence on the iPhone, Workout Buddy is the first time we're seeing what Apple can do with AI on the watch. I recently tested Workout Buddy in the developer beta of WatchOS 26 and was genuinely surprised by how it made me feel after a walk. I spoke with Jay Blahnik, Apple's vice president of fitness technologies, and Deidre Caldbeck, senior director of Apple Watch product marketing, to get more clarity around the feature, and unpack the tech and philosophy behind it. And the sense that I got from them is that Apple's marathon toward personalized, intelligent coaching is only getting started. Don't call it a coach… yet When Apple introduced Workout Buddy at WWDC in June, many Apple Watch fans (including myself) were quick to critique Workout Buddy for being more of a hype man/woman, than a trainer. Compared to competitors such as Fitbit, Garmin and recently Samsung, all of which already offer some form of AI-powered adaptive coaching plan, Workout Buddy with its real-time feedback, is more like a cheerleader than a strategist. It's easy to overlook what Apple set in motion, by focusing on what Workout Buddy isn't. The feature is designed to be a motivating presence during your workout, not a drill sergeant. It delivers contextual, personalized encouragement that's dynamically generated in real time across eight supported workout types: indoor/outdoor walks and runs, outdoor cycling, HIIT, Functional Strength Training and Traditional Strength Training. "We didn't want it to be just a pro tool," Blahnik told me. "We wanted it to be accessible to as many people as possible." Workout Buddy requires you wear headphones. I'm a no-frills runner, who'd rather use 2 extra minutes to work out than spend them searching for a headset and choosing the perfect playlist (WatchOS 26 will soon take care of this too). So I wasn't sold on the idea of using Workout Buddy rather than just tracking my regular pace and heart rate alerts on the wrist with my Apple Watch. And while I'm still not fully onboard with the whole audio gear requirement, I didn't mind having the Workout Buddy version of my alerts in my ear reminding me that I'd reached my cruising range (that is, my target training zone). Enabling Workout Buddy in the developer's beta of watchOS 26. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET When I launched my first walk workout, I toggled Workout Buddy on and was greeted with a quick summary of my week so far. "This is your fourth walk this week," it reminded me, and framed it in the context of how close I was to closing my rings. It wasn't groundbreaking, but it was surprisingly helpful to have that context delivered in a conversational tone, rather than buried in a graph somewhere. "It's not a coach, but it is designed to take your data and try to deliver it to you at the right time," explained Blaknik, "in a way that inspires you and doesn't get in the way." My Workout Buddy did start to get a little too chatty though when I hit some hills during my walk and my heart rate started spiking. Because my HR was constantly teetering above and dipping below my target, the alerts were hitting my ear every few seconds. Luckily, you can tweak or disable HR alerts entirely for each individual workout. My personal sweet spot just involved removing the high HR alert. A decade of sweat equity and a team of trainers Workout Buddy was not just Apple's whimsical creation made to prove that the company can do AI for health and workouts. It's the result of a decade of fitness data, an inspiring team of Fitness Plus trainers, and the technical lift of Apple Intelligence, Caldbeck told me. "This was such a great time for it to happen because three things came together," Caldbeck said. "Ten years of sweat equity, your personal fitness data. Our Fitness Plus trainers. And Apple Intelligence, which gave us the technical capabilities to push it forward." I could feel all three in the final product. The voice I heard isn't just some generic audio prompt, which is what I was used to from these types of features on other devices. It's a generative model trained on the voices of 28 actual Fitness Plus trainers. The tone, energy, and phrasing feels intentional and personal. "It's not a recording," Caldbeck emphasized. "There was no script. It's generated in the moment using your workout data and the voice model, and it will sound different every time." When I first set up Workout Buddy on my Apple Watch Series 10, I was prompted to choose from one of three distinct voices. They weren't the tough-love trainer I'd envisioned would whip me into the best shape of my life, but they did sound like someone I'd trust to help me get there. Authoritative, energetic and strangely human. A far cry from the telemarketer-style robo-coach voices I've encountered in other programs. There was a moment when Workout Buddy tipped its hand as something being less than human. It came during a mile-mark check-in, right after I'd crested what I considered a steep hill. It reported my stats: "One mile in, 230 feet of elevation gain." Then it paused and declared, "That's a mild elevation gain!" The tone was so emphatic, you'd think I'd just scaled Everest. It wasn't the message that stood out; it was the delivery. A real person would've said "mild" matter of factly. But this was delivered with such over-the-top cheer that it almost felt like sarcasm. But the mismatch between tone and achievement made it sound like my wrist was gently roasting me for doing the bare minimum. Personalization, with privacy at the core The personalization isn't just about your data, it's about how it's delivered. Workout Buddy can adapt to your habits, preferences, and even time of day. "There's something really remarkable about knowing that whatever they're saying is unique to that moment, and that you're not just going to trigger that same sentence on your run again the next day, even if you've done the same thing." said Blahnik. At the end of the walk, Workout Buddy summarized my stats, distance and calories. And it shared one meaningful nugget: My walk was my fastest pace in four weeks. That hit me harder than I expected. I've been coming off a knee injury that's kept me from running for five weeks, and hearing that small gain was the moment I realized I might be on the mend. It was the kind of contextual insight I'd usually have to dig out on my own, in this case surfaced in my ear without having to think about it. Under the hood, Apple is balancing Workout Buddy's intimacy with its long-standing privacy approach. The feature uses a combination of on-device processing (on both your watch and iPhone) and private cloud computation to generate responses in real time. None of your personal fitness data is shared externally. "We know this is your most personal data," said Caldbeck. "So we wanted to treat it appropriately, but still give you powerful insights." This cautious approach matters. Trust will be the foundation for any future health coaching Apple delivers through AI. Apple's got a new AI-powered training partner for you. Apple/CNET A vision that's just at the starting line While Workout Buddy is only available to those with Apple Intelligence-supported iPhones, all Apple Watch users will still benefit from other updates in WatchOS 26. The limitation isn't about exclusivity, it's about processing power. Generating real-time, personalized voice feedback requires the kind of on-device performance that current Apple Watch hardware alone can't handle. At least not yet. The Apple Watch's Workout app has the biggest navigation overhaul since it launched in 2015. Core features like interval training and pace alerts, previously buried in menus, are now front and center. Media integration also improved, with dynamic Apple Music suggestions based on your typical workouts that will play as soon as you start your workout. "We kept our focus on making these features as personal and easy to use as possible," Blahnik said. "Pushing the workout app further than it's ever been." That framing; focused on simplicity, accessibility, and personalization, is key to understanding Apple's strategy. While other companies rush to launch full-blown AI fitness coaches, Apple is taking a more deliberate path: It's building the infrastructure to handle your data and translate it into meaningful, real-time guidance. Apple's been here before with adding native sleep tracking to the Apple Watch. The company waited until it had a clinical reason and subsequently a trustworthy implementation with Sleep Apnea alerts, even while competitors had long offered basic sleep tracking features. "We almost always start our features to be really welcoming and inclusive and simple to use. We think that there's a really bright future for where this can go as well," Blahnik told me. Apple's long game Of course Apple will never tell us where its sights are set next, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to draw the connections of where this is all headed. "When we think about the future, all the ways with which we can push this feature to be even more personalized, we think its really, really exciting," Blahnik noted. Workout Buddy may seem lightweight now, but it proves that real time data analysis is already a possibility on the Apple Watch, and it can deliver them in a way that feels motivating and deeply personal. More importantly, it's testing the waters. It's accessible, friendly, and non-threatening; something even a beginner might be inclined to use. It's setting the stage for what could be next: an AI-powered coach that helps you make sense of all your data beyond just the Workout app to help motivate you and lead you to build healthier habits that will lead to measurable improvements. If Apple plays this right, the long game may actually pay off. Because building trust, delivering real insights, and meeting people where they are is how you win the marathon.
CNET
24-07-2025
- CNET
How to Uninstall the iOS 26 Beta If You Want to Go Back to iOS 18
The iOS 26 public beta opens up the next version of the iPhone's system to anyone willing to install it, not just developers. You can try features such as the Liquid Glass interface, the redesigned Photos app, the AutoMix feature in the Music app and much more. But that access comes with a risk. Due to the nature of prerelease software, the iOS 26 beta includes bugs and performance snags that can disrupt your everyday use, which is why you shouldn't install it on your main iPhone. As another example, if you also want to test the new WatchOS 26 beta, be warned that you will not be able to roll back to WatchOS 11, as my colleague Blake Stimac unexpectedly discovered last year, unless you don't mind parting with your Apple Watch while it goes back to Apple for repair. If you find the current iOS 26 beta to be too brittle, you can roll back to iOS 18 by following these steps. Read more: Everything coming to your iPhone in iOS 26. Do you have the right kind of backup? Reverting to the previous system version isn't a matter of replacing a few key files here and there -- you'll need to erase the phone and install the current release version. This is why it's important to back up your iPhone before installing the beta (or, honestly, updating any version of iOS). The best approach is to create an archive on your computer that you can fall back to. Creating an iCloud backup (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) would seem to be the easiest option, but there's a catch: if the most recent iCloud backup is made under the iOS 26 beta, you can only restore the iPhone to iOS 26. That means when you restore the phone to iOS 18, you'll have to do it from an archive or set it up as a new phone. Data synced via iCloud will eventually arrive, but you will need to reinstall apps manually. Instead, create a local backup: Connect the iPhone to your Mac, select it in a Finder window sidebar, and click the Back Up Now button. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app, select the iPhone there, and click Back Up Now. What if you didn't make a backup before installing iOS 26 beta? If your excitement got the best of you and you skipped making a backup, you should still attempt to sync your important data, such as contacts, photos and notes to iCloud. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Next, in the Saved to iCloud section, tap See All. Tap the categories for items saved to iCloud, such as iCloud Mail, iCloud Drive and Contacts, and make sure they're set to sync. Make sure your important data is synced to iCloud before reverting to the previous version of iOS. (iOS 18 beta shown here, which is functionally the same in the iOS 26 beta.) Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET Make sure your MacOS or Windows software is up to date First, if you're restoring from a Mac, make sure you're running the latest version of MacOS: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, and choose System Settings . in the top-left corner, and choose . Select General in the sidebar. in the sidebar. Click Software Update. If an update is listed -- and you have a current backup -- go ahead and install it. Under Windows, open the Apple Devices app, which replaced iTunes as Apple's conduit for managing its devices. Turn off Find My If you've enabled Find My for that device, you'll want to turn it off before you revert back to iOS 18. Find My is key to the Activation Lock security feature that requires the Apple ID and password of the person who set up the phone. When you finish reinstalling iOS 18, you can turn it on again. To turn off Find My, Go to Settings, tap your name and tap Find My. Then tap Find My iPhone and turn it off. (If the option is grayed out, you may need to disable Stolen Device Protection first.) This screen indicates the iPhone is in recovery mode. Apple Put the iPhone into recovery mode Next, plug your iPhone into your Mac and do the following button dance on the iPhone to enter recovery mode: 1. Press and quickly release the volume up button. 2. Press and quickly release the volume down button. 3. Press and hold the sleep/wake button, and keep it held, past the point where you see the Apple logo and until you see the recovery mode screen -- a black background with a cable indicating a connection with the computer. Restore the iPhone to go back to iOS 18 The computer will ask if you want to update or restore the iPhone; don't be alarmed if the dialog makes it sound as if something is wrong with the phone. Click Restore. In the confirmation dialog that appears, click Restore and Update. Or, if you don't see that dialog, open a new Finder window (MacOS) or the Apple Devices app (Windows) and select the phone in the sidebar. Click Restore iPhone and follow the directions that follow. The release version of iOS, currently 18.5, will download and be installed on the iPhone. During the normal iOS setup process, you're asked if you'd like to transfer settings and data from another device: 1. On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, tap From Mac or PC. 2. On the computer, select the iPhone in the sidebar (of a Finder window on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows). 3. Select Restore from this backup and choose the most recent backup from the pop-up menu. 4. Click Continue. If you chose to encrypt the backup, enter the password you made. The computer then restores the data from the backup.
Phone Arena
25-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Your Apple Watch is about to borrow a trick from your iPhone
WatchOS 26 was announced a couple of weeks ago during WWDC 2025, Apple's next OS for the Apple Watch. It brings a plethora of improvements along with a new design, Apple Notes, and updates to the Workout app. WatchOS 26 also brings another useful change: upgrades to the Control Center. The Control Center in watchOS 26 is getting support for third-party controls. Last year, the Control Center on iPhone and iPad became more customizable and powerful and got third-party controls. There are also new controls being added with software updates. Luckily, now it's the Apple Watch's turn. The new OS for Apple's timepieces will be launched officially in the fall. By that time, many third-party apps are expected to provide their custom controls for you to add to your Apple Watch. Image Credit – 9to5Mac But what's even cooler is that in some cases, you won't even need the developer to have made a control for the Apple Watch. Actually, the Apple Watch's Control Center will be able to tap into third-party controls on your iPhone. There is a new 'From Your iPhone' section in watchOS 26's Control Center and you can find it when editing the Control Center. The section contains imported controls from your iPhone. But that's not all. There's also a new curation feature for the editing screen, so you won't have to scroll through huge lists of controls on your wrist. You will see a new section of "Suggested" controls at the top of your screen when you edit the Apple Watch Control Center. With all these changes, the Control Center on your Apple Watch is becoming super useful. I'm a huge fan of all the new watchOS 26 changes and personally can't wait to install the stable version on my Apple Watch. The stable versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 are expected in the fall. Before that, there will be a public beta opened in July, and right now, Apple's OSes are in the developer beta stage. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Geeky Gadgets
16-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple WatchOS 26 Fitness : The Essential Breakdown of EVERYTHING New
Apple WatchOS 26 brings a host of enhancements designed to refine your smartwatch experience. With a strong emphasis on health tracking, usability, and seamless integration, this update introduces practical improvements that cater to a wide range of users. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a professional seeking efficiency, or someone who values accessibility, WatchOS 26 delivers tools and features tailored to your lifestyle. The video below fromDC Rainmaker gives us a look at all of the new fitness features in watchOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. What's New in the User Interface? The user interface in WatchOS 26 has been redesigned to make navigation more intuitive and efficient. Key updates include: A streamlined layout that simplifies access to essential functions, reducing the time spent navigating menus. Enhanced gesture controls and a more responsive digital crown, making sure smoother interactions and greater precision. New widgets that provide at-a-glance information, allowing you to quickly check updates without opening apps. These changes are aimed at improving usability, helping you save time and focus on what matters most during your day. Enhanced Health and Fitness Tracking Health and fitness tracking remain central to the Apple Watch experience, and WatchOS 26 introduces several advancements to keep you informed and motivated. New features include: Detailed heart rate analysis, offering insights into trends and irregularities for better cardiovascular monitoring. Advanced sleep tracking that provides actionable insights into your sleep quality and patterns. Stress management tools, including real-time stress level monitoring and guided breathing exercises to promote relaxation. Hydration reminders, encouraging you to maintain optimal water intake throughout the day. Expanded support for interval training and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of fitness routines and goals. These updates ensure that your Apple Watch remains a reliable companion for maintaining and improving your overall health and wellness. Performance Upgrades for Speed and Efficiency WatchOS 26 introduces significant performance improvements, making your Apple Watch faster and more efficient. Key highlights include: Faster app launches and smoother transitions between screens, reducing delays during use. Optimized battery performance, allowing for all-day usage without frequent recharging. These upgrades enhance the reliability of your device, making sure it performs seamlessly whether you're managing daily tasks or engaging in more demanding activities. App Functionality: Built-In and Third-Party Enhancements WatchOS 26 enhances both native and third-party app functionality, making the Apple Watch even more versatile. Notable updates include: Expanded capabilities for built-in apps such as Messages, Calendar, and Weather, offering more features and improved usability. New developer tools that enable the creation of richer, more interactive apps, enhancing the overall app ecosystem. Deeper integration with the watch's sensors, providing real-time feedback during workouts and other activities. These improvements ensure that your Apple Watch remains a powerful tool for productivity, communication, and entertainment. More Customization Options Personalization is a key focus in WatchOS 26, offering new ways to make your Apple Watch uniquely yours. Updates include: New watch face designs, ranging from minimalist styles for simplicity to data-rich layouts for users who want detailed information at a glance. Customizable complications, allowing you to display the most relevant information, such as fitness stats, calendar events, or weather updates. These options empower you to tailor your watch to suit your preferences and lifestyle, making sure it reflects your individuality. Deeper Integration with the Apple Ecosystem WatchOS 26 strengthens the Apple Watch's role as a central hub within the Apple ecosystem. Key integration features include: Handoff functionality, allowing seamless transitions between your Apple Watch, iPhone, and Mac for tasks like messaging or browsing. Enhanced compatibility with AirPods, allowing for smoother audio transitions, and HomeKit devices, simplifying control of your smart home. This deeper integration enhances convenience, making it easier to manage your digital life across multiple devices. Accessibility: Technology for Everyone Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with new accessibility features in WatchOS 26. These updates are designed to ensure the Apple Watch serves a diverse range of users. Key features include: AssistiveTouch, which allows users with limited mobility to control their watch through gestures, eliminating the need for physical touch. Refined voice commands, offering greater accuracy and ease of use for hands-free interactions. Improved support for hearing aids and screen readers, making sure the device is accessible to individuals with hearing or visual impairments. These enhancements reflect Apple's commitment to creating technology that is inclusive and adaptable to various needs. A Comprehensive Update for a Smarter Apple Watch WatchOS 26 builds upon the strengths of its predecessors, delivering meaningful improvements across usability, health tracking, and integration. With faster performance, enhanced customization options, and new accessibility tools, this update ensures the Apple Watch remains a leader in wearable technology. Whether you're focused on fitness, productivity, or personalization, WatchOS 26 offers practical tools to enhance your daily life and keep you connected in smarter, more efficient ways. Advance your skills in Apple WatchOS 26 by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: DC Rainmaker Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
