Apple Watch users familiar with setting up personalized workouts on the device understand that it’s not the most optimal experience. Relying on the relatively compact Apple Watch screen to create and modify these workouts can be challenging. A single incorrect touch may require restarting the entire process. Although you can mirror the Apple Watch to your iPhone, that solution isn’t perfect. Fortunately, the iOS 26 update introduces a helpful new feature that Apple integrated into the Fitness app. The new Workout menu allows users to generate custom training sessions straight from the iPhone.
Apple implemented the Workout menu in the Fitness app to enable iPhone users with AirPods Pro 3, who do not possess an Apple Watch, to start training sessions from their device. The AirPods Pro 3 come equipped with heart rate sensors that function solely during workouts. On the other hand, Apple Watch users who are used to monitoring their workouts on their wrist may overlook the new menu, particularly if they don’t carry their iPhone while exercising. Consequently, the option to create custom Apple Watch workouts using the iPhone may go unnoticed.
The customization capability isn’t readily apparent, even for those utilizing the Workout menu in the Fitness app. As a marathon runner, I typically use the Apple Watch to monitor and fine-tune my runs. I had previously overlooked the Workout menu on the iPhone until recently. In search of a new custom session, I stumbled upon the fact that Apple included the feature for creating personalized workouts within the Fitness app in iOS 26. It’s not only remarkably simple to set up custom workouts on the iPhone, but you can also effortlessly share them with friends and family.
