Apple’s Fitness application on the iPhone began as an accessory to the Activity rings of the Apple Watch. However, with the introduction of iOS 26, Fitness has diversified in multiple ways, even for individuals who do not possess an Apple Watch. Here are three recent updates that can assist in achieving your new year’s objectives.
## #1: Apple Fitness+ workout plans, global expansion
Apple Fitness+ is a valuable asset within the Apple One service package. Apple features a team of exceptional trainers who release high-quality video workouts weekly for users of all experience levels. Whether you are new to exercising or an experienced participant, the blend of engaging coaches, straightforward instructions, motivating music, various difficulty levels, and heart rate monitoring makes Fitness+ a fantastic option overall.
In iOS 26, Fitness+ introduced a Custom Plans feature and broadened its availability to numerous new languages. Fitness+ automatically generates prebuilt Custom Plans tailored to your preferred activities. Utilize Get Started to establish a routine, then maintain it with the Stay Consistent or Push Further plan — or create your own. Plans can be especially useful when attempting to establish a new habit, as many are looking to do at the start of the year. Additionally, the new language support allows more users worldwide to experience Fitness+.
Apple Fitness+ is accessible for $9.99/month or included as part of the Apple One package.
## #2: Manual workout logging
iOS 26.1 introduced a function to the Fitness app that might have preserved my Activity ring streaks in earlier years: manual workout logging. Previously, workouts could only be recorded in the Fitness app after first being initiated on the Apple Watch. However, not every iPhone user possesses an Apple Watch, and those who do—like myself—sometimes overlook logging workouts on their Watch.
Regardless of whether you have an Apple Watch, the new capability for manual workout logging in Fitness is a welcome enhancement. Access the dedicated Workout tab in the Fitness app, and you can select the pencil icon in the top-right corner to log a new workout. Choose your workout type, then enter details such as duration, effort, active calories, and more. The data you provide will affect your Activity rings.
## #3: Live Activities for workouts
Fitness now incorporates Live Activities, allowing you to view details about duration, type, and options to pause or stop a workout directly from the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island while you run your workout. Live Activities for Fitness were launched alongside the AirPods Pro 3, which added heart rate sensing. Apple introduced them as part of its shift away from workouts being solely focused on the Apple Watch.
Whether you are working out with AirPods Pro 3 or not, you can still take advantage of Live Activities to monitor your progress for all workouts you initiate from your iPhone or Apple Watch. Live Activities are among my favorite features of the iPhone in recent years, so I have enjoyed seeing them extended to the Fitness app along with several other Apple platforms this year.
Do you utilize Apple’s Fitness app on iPhone, or do you intend to start shortly? Share your thoughts in the comments.
