Very slow saving and syncing of custom running workouts since watchOS 26.1

[NME42]

The saving and syncing behavior of running workouts has changed with watchOS 26.1. "Open runs" take noticeably longer to save, and after completion, the Workout app remains open longer than before, or rather, the green icon (top center) remains visible longer. The difference compared to previous versions is only around 20-30 seconds, so it's not a big deal.

However, custom workouts (interval trainings) take several minutes to save or don't save at all, forcing me to force quit the Workout app. As a result, the saved running workout is then lost.

I have set up my AWU3 already as a new watch and it did not change anything.

Anyone else experiencing the same issue?



* Tried to discuss this in the "Running with the Apple Workout App" thread, but no responses there.

 

[kitKAC]

I don't really have anything to add other than asking if you've updated to 26.2 yet?

 

[NME42]

I don't really have anything to add other than asking if you've updated to 26.2 yet?

Yes, I did. No change.

I am 99% sure the issues started with watchOS 26.1 and 26.0 was ok.

There was a problem with custom workouts in watchOS 12 where parts of the GPS track sometimes got lost. Maybe the current issue is somehow connected.

Reported the problem via FeedbackAssistent and also the Web Form.

 

[!!!]

I don't have watchOS 26, nor iOS 26 so maybe things are different, but by saving do you mean it syncing them to your iPhone?

Maybe your iPhone doesn't have enough space? Maybe something is wrong with the bluetooth?

Considering you have an Ultra 3, does it still have warranty with Apple? It's worth bothering them about it. I'd definitely contact the manufacturer of an expensive device that does not work correctly.

 

[NME42]

I don't have watchOS 26, nor iOS 26 so maybe things are different, but by saving do you mean it syncing them to your iPhone?

Maybe your iPhone doesn't have enough space? Maybe something is wrong with the bluetooth?

Yes, syncing the workouts to my iPhone.
No issues with Bluetooth or space on my iPhone.

As I wrote: custom workouts are the real problem and they are not significantly larger than Open workouts. There has to be something happening that causes these minutes of processing/syncing.

 

[doogm]

However, custom workouts (interval trainings) take several minutes to save or don't save at all, forcing me to force quit the Workout app. As a result, the saved running workout is then lost.

This has been a thing for me since custom workouts were introduced. In fact, I used to to a custom workout and then do an "add workout" to do a walking workout, but most of the time the walk workout would not record any data and then spontaneously quit after about 9 minutes.

So, I don't do them anymore. I use the app Intervals Pro to notify me of intervals - Intervals Pro has an option not to add to the health app, so all to does is manage the intervals.

 

[rbart]

It's an HealthKit issue:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/running-with-the-apple-training-app.2391800/post-34363699