Apple quietly added a handy fitness feature in iOS 26 Workout Record that few people noticed at the keynote: the system Fitness app can now record workouts and GPS routes directly on your iPhone, even if you don’t own an Apple Watch or AirPods. That means you can track outdoor walking, outdoor running, and outdoor cycling routes using only the built‑in Fitness app. A new “Workout” tab appears in the app where you can start and stop recordings for those three activities.
Why iOS 26 workout record matters
For many users, the biggest obstacle to tracking workouts has been the need to buy a smartwatch or a dedicated tracker. With iOS 16’s update, anyone with a compatible iPhone can begin logging outdoor walking, running, and cycling routes right away — no extra hardware, no third‑party apps required. The convenience is obvious: your phone’s GPS captures route data and the Fitness app records time, calories, and pace so you can review your sessions later.
Strengths
- No extra device required: You don’t need a watch or fitness band to track workouts.
- Route recording: Your outdoor route is saved so you can review it later.
- Built‑in, ready to use: No need to download or configure a third‑party app — the system Fitness app handles it.
Limitations
The feature is a useful starting point, but it’s not a full replacement for dedicated fitness apps or wearables:
- No live map view while recording: The app doesn’t show the current route on a live map during the workout; you only see metrics like time, calories, and pace.
- Limited activity types: Only outdoor walking, outdoor running, and outdoor cycling are supported, so other sports and workouts can’t be recorded with route data.
- No retroactive closure: If you forget to start a workout, you can’t complete the workout later to close the ring for that session.
- Limited analytics: There’s no advanced performance analysis such as interval detection, cadence breakdown, or training load.
- No shareable route visuals: The app lacks attractive route videos or photo highlights for easy sharing on social media.
A great start — and when you’re ready to upgrade, meet Fito
This built‑in capability is a great, low‑friction entry point for anyone who wants to start tracking movement. But once you build the habit, many people will want more features, social motivation, and better insights. That’s where Fito comes in — an iPhone‑friendly, gamified fitness companion designed to make movement fun and sustainable. Like Duolingo but for fitness.
What Fito offers
- Recording and goal tracking
- Goal setting and streaks: Set weekly or monthly targets (for example, exercise three days a week or run 100 km per month). Fito tracks your streaks and offers a “streak shield” so life events (periods, illness, travel) don’t break your momentum.
- Multiple recording methods: Fito will soon sync automatically with popular smartwatches via Health Connect; it also supports in‑app timers for 80+ activities and manual entry when you forget to record or your device runs out of battery.
- GPS route recording and 3D route videos: Fito supports route tracking for running and cycling and will soon generate shareable 3D route videos.
- Gym exercise database: Browse and log 300+ gym exercises with form tips and presets.
- Gamification and social features
- Cute mascot and widgets: Fito features an adorable bear with over 50 different illustrations. Add the home‑screen widget to watch your bear celebrate after workouts or look sad if you skip sessions.
- Collectible achievement cards: Unlock themed card packs (food series, Olympic series, holiday editions) by achieving goals. Each draw gives you a uniquely designed card.
- Friends and sharing: Add friends to share workouts, routes, and photos, compare rankings, like others’ sessions, and remind friends to move — social features are coming soon.
- Professional data and review tools
- Deep analytics: Review calories burned, steps, yearly route maps, workout time, sun exposure, sleep scores, and more with heat maps, bar charts, and other visualizations to improve performance.
- Gear and expense tracking: Tag runs with shoes, rack sessions to particular rackets or courts, and track spending on gear and facilities. Later, see how many kilometers you logged in a pair of shoes or how often you used a racket (coming soon).
- Monthly/annual calendar overviews: Beautifully designed calendar retrospectives display your workout history at a glance.
Conclusion
iOS 26’s built‑in route recording is an excellent, no‑cost way to start tracking outdoor walks, runs, and rides without extra hardware. It’s simple and effective for beginners, but if you want richer analytics, social motivation, shareable visuals, and a gamified experience that keeps you coming back, Fito is built to complement your iPhone and elevate your fitness routine. Try it and transform tracking from a chore into something you actually look forward to.
