Apple Watch won’t sync music from iPhone since updating to iOS 26

Same issue - no improvement after trying everything, never had an issue w/ previous iOS. However, when I use my TIDAL account and app, I can download all my playlists and albums without a problem...?! At this point I have simply given up on Apple music app...

I have exactly the same issue iphone 16 pro max and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can’t sync music tried everything. I’ve logged a case with apple support the problem I’m told is wide spread. They don’t say when it will be fixed, apple at it again.

Add me to the list. I'm using an iPhone 17, and Apple Watch 10. I never had an issue using my iPhone 15, though I might not have been on iOS/watchos26 like I am now.

Now that I see all these similar comments here and reddit, I'm at least content to know that it's not just me. Like many, I tried everything including unpairing, restore from backup, even setup as new. All the same behavior.

I did see a message on reddit about watchOS26 being picky with media encoding types, and I think some of my music/playlists did work, but the important ones didn't. Apple should warn us about that, rather than giving the warning about putting your watch on charger or that your internet connection isn't fast enough.

Maybe 26.2 will fix it? *fingers crossed.

After updating my Apple Watch to iOS 26 I’ve been having syncing Issues with fitness and health. I’ve also reset and repaired my watch an iPhone several times and it doesn’t seem to work.

I’m also experiencing the same issue on ios26 the music sync continuously gets interrupted. Did a factory reset on my watch still no luck.

This process has always been the most frustrating part of using the Apple Watch and I have an ultra 2.

The sync always seems to have a mind of its own. It fails when you try to start it manually even though both watch and phone have an internet connection and are sufficiently charged. it has always been a cross your finger moment which is sad for a company as big as Apple. Fix it!

Exactly the same issue with my Apple Watch although this has happened on at least 4 watches since they came out. It is so frustrating waiting for music to sync as such a simple process (or should be) you would think a trillion dollar company like Apple would be able to ensure that the latest software and bluetooth 6 on my new I phone 17 pro max would communicate with another apple device seamlessly. Seems not so. Thinking of buying a Garmin at this stage as it is absolutely ridiculous that I have now had multiple issues and had watch on charge connected to internet for 3 days and the sync has still not started. Joke. Very disappointed but not surprised which is a shame when you are so invested in the Apple ecosystem.