Accessibility regression – loss of watch-only voice feedback in Workout Buddy (watchOS 26)

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Accessibility regression – loss of watch-only voice feedback in Workout Buddy (watchOS 26)

After updating to iOS 26 / watchOS 26, I no longer receive spoken pace or distance prompts from my Apple Watch when running without my iPhone nearby.

This change directly affects runners with vision limitations who rely on audible pacing instead of reading the Watch screen during workouts.

Apple Accessibility has confirmed escalation under Case-ID 16376973, but I wanted to post here so other users experiencing this issue can reference the same case and share feedback.

Devices:

– Apple Watch Series 7 (watchOS 26.0)

– iPhone 16 Pro Max (iOS 26.0.1)

– Jabra Elite earbuds via Bluetooth

If you’ve lost voice feedback when running watch-only, please contact Apple Accessibility (accessibility@apple.com) or file feedback referencing Case-ID 163****.

Apple Watch Series 7, watchOS 26

Posted on Oct 16, 2025 6:15 AM

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Answer 1

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visually-impaired-runner Author

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4 points

Oct 16, 2025 6:17 AM in response to visually-impaired-runner

Update:

I’ve also filed a detailed accessibility report with Apple Engineering via Feedback Assistant, referencing Case-ID 16376973 from Apple Accessibility.

Anyone else missing spoken pace or distance prompts while running watch-only (no iPhone nearby) can submit feedback at https://feedbackassistant.apple.com

or email accessibility@apple.com

— please include the same case ID so Apple can group reports together.

I’ll keep this thread updated if Apple confirms a fix or workaround in a future watchOS release.

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