Apple Watch Users Criticize watchOS 26 Workout App for Poor Usability

Since Apple launched watchOS 26 in September, a growing number of Apple Watch users have taken to online communities to express their dissatisfaction with the redesigned Workout app, as reported by MacRumors on November 20. Many users feel the new interface has made starting a workout an unusually difficult and frustrating experience, a departure from the simplicity typically associated with Apple products.

watchOS 26

The core of the controversy lies in the app's complete interface overhaul. The previous version, watchOS 11, featured large, easy-to-press tiles that allowed users to begin a workout with a single tap. This design was praised for its efficiency and straightforwardness, catering to users who wanted to start their exercise quickly without navigating complex menus.

In contrast, watchOS 26 replaces these tiles with a scrolling list and small buttons located in the corners. Users must now first select their workout type, wait for a brief animation to complete, and then precisely tap a much smaller play button to begin. Although the new version integrates music and podcast settings, this added complexity to the core function of starting a workout has become a major focus of user complaints.

User feedback highlights several specific pain points. The small touch targets are a primary issue, with many users reporting they need to tap multiple times to successfully start an exercise. This problem is significantly worse in situations with wet hands, as swimmers have noted it's nearly impossible to reliably start or switch workouts once they are in the water. Furthermore, the new layout has disrupted the muscle memory of long-time users by relocating frequently used functions like goal setting and quick start options.

Beyond the design flaws, the app's reliability has also come under fire. Numerous users have experienced "false starts," where tapping the start button shows a press animation, but the workout session fails to actually begin. Additionally, a delay in the loading of the play button often causes users to accidentally trigger the wrong workout while scrolling through the list.

The overall sluggishness and lack of smooth scrolling have only added to the frustration. As a result, some users have resorted to workarounds such as using Siri voice commands or the dedicated Action Button on the Apple Watch Ultra to bypass what they describe as a "terrible" interface. For many, the watchOS 26 Workout app redesign is seen as a significant step backward in user experience.

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