Apple and Galaxy Watches are inundated with AI customization; the real inquiry lies in its effectiveness.
WatchOS 26 and Wear OS 6 are set to debut later this year, and it’s intriguing to observe how Apple, Google, and Samsung are adopting varying strategies to maintain their watches’ significance amidst this year’s AI surge.
Viewing WWDC often stirs a competitive mindset among Android enthusiasts, highlighting the new iOS 26 features that appear to have been influenced by Android or how Apple Intelligence does not quite measure up to Gemini.
On the wearables front, however, the imitation of features is widespread and indiscriminate. Galaxy and Pixel Watch users are keenly anticipating when these manufacturers will “adopt” better fitness watch capabilities or Apple functionalities like the Smart Stack.
I can mention that the Galaxy Watch 7 already features an equivalent to Apple’s “new” wrist-flick gesture to dismiss notifications, or that Google Keep anticipated Apple Notes on smartwatches.
Nonetheless, Apple was quicker than Samsung and Google with fitness functionalities including running dynamics, personalized workouts, and training load, in addition to vital safety features.
Determining who was “first” in smartwatch functionalities isn’t crucial (at least for me). The pertinent consideration is who executes a feature effectively, despite obstacles such as battery longevity, underperforming CPUs, and small displays.
It’s evident from Apple’s watchOS 26 showcase, along with Google and Samsung’s Wear OS 6 intentions, that rejuvenated UI, personalization, and AI are the focal points for smartwatches in 2025. Yet, only the Apple Watch 11, Galaxy Watch 8, and Pixel Watch 4 can prove which brand can genuinely deliver.
Can Apple Intelligence or Gemini foresee your requirements?
WatchOS 26 will utilize “prediction algorithms” driven by your contextual, sensor, and habitual data to generate Smart Stack prompts, or “actionable suggestions” that emerge as small icons on the primary watch face.
For instance, it will display a Pilates prompt if your GPS indicates you’re at the studio where you usually exercise. Alternatively, the Watch can select “the optimal playlist for a user’s workout based on the workout type and their individual preferences.”
Other significant watchOS 26 functionalities hinge on AI, such as “more accurate” on-device Smart Replies and “relevant action” suggestions dependent on the content of the message, like activating Apple Cash if a friend requests funds.
We have also gleaned from a One UI APK disassembly that Samsung (reportedly) intends to implement the Now Bar feature. Users would perform a double-tap gesture to access contextually relevant apps from the home screen, like media controls.
In both instances, Samsung and Apple assert that they are so attuned to your routines that they can anticipate your desires, saving you the effort of swipes or voice commands to retrieve it. But can Gemini or Apple Intelligence be relied upon for this, or will these recommendations lack depth? Time will reveal!
From a UI standpoint, I appreciate Apple’s Smart Stack as it can overlay several suggestions, while a Now Bar seemingly accommodates only one prediction. Google’s newly refined Wear OS 6 UI could potentially emulate Smart Stack, but thus far, Google has only implemented it for notification Cards.
Workout Buddy: an AI trainer or just another gimmick?
Apple’s Workout Buddy will leverage Apple Intelligence to highlight pertinent information during and after exercises, such as “You’re 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring,” “You accelerated and completed that last one in 8 minutes,” or that you “just reached the 200-mile mark” for the year.
This instantly reminded me of Garmin Connect Plus, which includes an AI chatbot that summarizes your recent statistics in the app, or Strava’s Athlete Intelligence analytics that evaluates every workout. Other chatbots with varying degrees of accuracy and usefulness also exist.
Honestly, Apple’s concept of AI coaching seems rather basic, concentrating on rings and elementary trivia visible on your watch. However, it may explore deeper subjects like training load and heart rate zones, and at least Apple’s audio offering can deliver this information during workouts for encouragement.
In contrast, Fitbit Premium introduced AI running coaching and personalized workouts last year, tailored to your fitness level and Cardio Load. Apple leads in at-home video workouts with Fitness Plus, but not in AI workouts. It features a revamped Fitness UI to highlight Custom Workouts, but not everyone has the availability to design those themselves.
Apple claims that its Workout Buddy will accommodate running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training — a more extensive range than Fitbit’s emphasis on running. But will it provide any more valuable insights than assessing your duration, pace, and heart rate? That will be the true measure of its effectiveness.
As for Samsung, it’s reportedly developing some form of a basic Running Coach this year, but specific details remain unclear. Its primary focus is a Samsung Health AI Coach that will allow you to “ask questions, gain real-time insights, and receive personalized coaching,” as well as
