Since updating to WatchOS 26 I no longer receive any alerts (i.e. pace, heart rate zone and splits) - only beeps, no voice alerts. I do not use headphones/iphone while running. On previous watchOS this worked fine. Alerts are received in other exercises in the Workout app (e.g. Walking and Yoga). Series 6 watch. Yes it is old but it worked fine before the update.
Apple Watch Series 6
I have a similar issue. Alerts are not voiced in ANY workout types (so not only running).
What I realized is that the alerts don’t work if the watch is offline, but will work if the watch is connected with the Internet. My watch is Wi-Fi only and I don’t take my phone on my runs, so it’s always offline during workouts.
The issue happens even if the watch disconnects mid workout. It’ll start playing alerts and stop as soon as the watch loses connection.
Here is how I was able to reproduce the problem and my devices:
As I said, my watch doesn’t have cellular connection and taking my phone with me is not a viable workaround.
I tried changing the settings mentioned in this thread to no avail.
Not sure where the comment went about the person who was saying that support told them they needed to download voice files to the watch starting with watchOS 26 but that makes zero sense because why would notifications during workouts work one day and not the next and randomly stop and start? Is Apple really updating the voice files so often that they're getting removed from the watch but not downloaded again and did they do such a poor job of doing so that it deletes the previous ones before downloading the new ones? Logic says that's 100% not the case.
The fact they have offered me some form of compensation (not yet disclosed) would suggest it won’t function without a WiFi connection or your phone being connected. An AI internet search confirmed as much I have copied and pasted it on this chat. Most disappointing of Apple.
I do not disagree with what you are saying though I'd say no logic applies in this case as Apple clearly did something to create this issue to begin with and has not provided any written guidance/information. I did not bother getting further instructions or explanation as to how to download files as the best option for me was to downgrade to earlier OS. OS26 provides no tangible benefits to continue being stuffed around by Apple. It has been over 1 month and all I have to show for it is wasted time on the phone, creating videos/photos of various things. Now the watch is in the mail on its way to Apple. Fingers crossed.
Yes, I have exactly the same questions. And if that is the case (which I do have strong doubts over), it's not exactly user friendly, which is one of the reasons we went with apple in the first place. 'It just works' Hmmm.
Splendid argument sir! Let us know if it works the we can flood support with downgrade requests. I know for a fact if Apple had been upfront about the changes I would have not upgraded. I wish you the best with your downgrade.
Lostcausethefirst wrote:
I have been offered compensation from Apple but they have not clarified amount or type. It seems it will no longer work as pre 26 offline.
I found this,
How do you get compensation? How old was your watch? Hopefully downgrading to earlier watchOS will fix it for me but they have had the watch for nearly 2 weeks now and still in process
Just to make sure I'm understanding what you're saying here correctly: you ARE able to receive voice feedback alerts from your Apple Watch 11 Cellular model without having the cellular function turned on, all while running Watch OS 26 and 26.1? Or are you saying that you used to receive these alerts but no longer do with the new Watch OS?
Yes, I AM able to receive voice feedback when wearing headphones, in the workout app, while on a run, with an Apple Watch 11 gps+cellular, but the cellular is turned off and I don’t pay for cellular service for the watch, on iOS 26.1, and I am miles away from my phone and WiFi (because I’m running), so I am nowhere near any network connection for my watch.
Good information to know. I don't have a cellular watch so I can't do any sort of testing to see if there is any difference using one with the cellular function turned off. Out of curiosity, have you tried to see if voice feedback works for you out of the watch speaker on a run without headphones?
I have not tried that. I run with headphones almost 100% of the time, and usually my watch is on vibrate only. Maybe I’ll try it and let you know. Did the watch used to give voice feedback through the speaker before iOS 26?
MajorLeagueSoccer wrote:
I have not tried that. I run with headphones almost 100% of the time, and usually my watch is on vibrate only. Maybe I’ll try it and let you know. Did the watch used to give voice feedback through the speaker before iOS 26?
Yes. Prior to Watch OS 26, I would always receive voice feedback through the speaker when on runs. I never run with headphones but perhaps I'll do some tests wearing headphones to see if that changes anything.
Thanks for that. Unfortunately didn’t help. I get voice alerts in the other exercises just not the running workout
I messed the workout up and didn't notice there was an open Warmup with nothing in it. I will test tomorrow during lunch
Thanks. I will log a call
I have the same problem as you, is there any new progress? How can I fix this problem?
watchOS 26 no alerts in workout-running app
