Apple Watch playback controls not working with iPhone 17 Pro

I upgraded to iPhone 17 Pro with IOS26 pre-loaded. With my iPhone 16 Pro I was able to control the audiobook playback from my Apple Watch at night while in bed. Didn't matter which app I was using (Libby, Hoopla, Audible, etc) I guess all those app feeds showed up under "now playing" and I had full playback control. Now I don't know if it is a software issue, or settings issue. Unless I get some help here I will have to drive to the Apple Store.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Watch playback controls