For the past few years, SmartGym has been my copilot during every single gym session I’ve had. Now, thanks to iOS 26 and Apple’s Foundation Models framework, it has gotten even better and more useful. Here are the details.
As with many app updates this week, SmartGym is now fully adapted to Apple’s Liquid Glass design, making it feel native to the new system right from the get-go.
As SmartGym CEO explains it, he went beyond the standard Liquid Glass implementation guidelines, and further adopted the visual overhaul within every aspect of the app:
Yes, we took some liberties with the material as well, like adding it to charts, the workouts on the Explore tab, and more. Yes, we’ve watched the sessions, but let’s call that a “poetic license”. ;)
AI-based routines import
Naturally, the update goes beyond the interface, with the headlining feature being the app’s integration with Apple’s now Foundation Models framework, which leverages the power of Apple’s on-device AI model to help plan, develop, or adjust training routines.
One of the most useful AI-powered features is the ability to import plain-text routines:
Simply copy any workout in plain text and paste it into SmartGym. Instantly, it becomes a fully structured workout with sets, reps, rest times, and more. Even better, Smart Trainer will automatically adapt it to the equipment you have available.
Interestingly, the AI-based feature set doesn’t just stop there. The app’s Smart Trainer feature tracks your progress and suggests adjustments to further optimize your training sessions, which is a nice touch.
Other useful AI-powered features
Aside from the AI-based routine import, the app now leverages Apple’s on-device models to deliver a custom greeting message based on your actual health data. This helps you stay motivated while giving you a quick snapshot of your readiness for the day’s session.
One fun addition to this feature is that you can set a custom personality, ranging from Super Motivational to Mean, which adds a touch of whimsy to the whole thing.
The app’s Smart Trainer also got an upgrade. It now leverages Apple’s on-device model to deliver “clear, easy-to-understand explanations” that aim to help you make the most of each exercise set during your training session.
SmartGym will also generate insightful “monthly summaries, routine breakdowns, and individual exercise performance,” which will help you get an even clearer picture of your performance across time.
Finally, the app will now offer a chatbot-style feature, which will allow users to ask questions about each of the nearly 700 exercises within its library.
Nice tidbits
The update packs even more features the leverage new possibilities brought by iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and beyond:
Widgets: The Liquid Glass overhaul includes a revamp of the app’s widgets, be it for the Home Screen, or the Lock Screen.
The Liquid Glass overhaul includes a revamp of the app’s widgets, be it for the Home Screen, or the Lock Screen. Apple Watch Control Center: the app now leverages the ability to add third-party controls to the Apple Watch Control Center, making it even faster to start an exercise session.
the app now leverages the ability to add third-party controls to the Apple Watch Control Center, making it even faster to start an exercise session. Heart Rate sensor: That was quick. The app will support the AirPods Pro 3 heart rate sensors from day one, which “means that even without an Apple Watch, users working out with AirPods Pro 3 or Powerbeats Pro 2 can still track their heart rate.”
The update also includes support for AlarmKit, Live Workout Builder, persistent Live Activities, and much more. SmartGym is free to download on the App Store, it offers a wide variety of subscription options, and is well worth checking out.
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