Earn a Running Day Apple Watch Activity Award on June 3

At a glance:

• Apple Watch Activity Challenge for Global Running Day on June 3.
• Users must complete a 5K run (3.1 miles) to earn the award.
• Reward includes a Fitness app award and animated stickers for Messages.

The Running Day Challenge

Apple plans to hold an Apple Watch Activity Challenge to celebrate Global Running Day on Wednesday, June 3. To complete the challenge, Apple Watch owners will be required to record a running workout of at least 5K (3.1 miles) on that day. The challenge can be completed using the Workout app on the Apple Watch or any third-party app that records workouts to the Health app. This flexibility allows users to use their preferred method for tracking their run.

As a reward, participants can unlock a dedicated award in the Fitness app, which appears alongside other achievements, and also receive animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app to share their accomplishment with friends and family. These rewards serve as both a recognition of the user's effort and a way to share their fitness journey within the Apple ecosystem. The challenge is designed to be accessible to both casual runners and more serious athletes, with the 5K distance being a common goal for many.

Previous Apple Activity Challenges

This Global Running Day challenge is part of a series of fitness events that Apple has been organizing. The company has been celebrating Global Running Day since 2024, and it comes after the April 2026 Earth Day and International Dance Day Activity Challenges. These challenges are designed to encourage users to achieve specific fitness goals on particular days, often tied to global observances. By tying these events to meaningful dates, Apple not only promotes fitness but also aligns with broader social and environmental awareness.

The Earth Day challenge, for instance, focused on outdoor activities, while the International Dance Day challenge encouraged users to dance for a set duration. Each challenge is crafted to be inclusive and achievable for a wide range of fitness levels, ensuring that as many Apple Watch users as possible can participate. Apple's consistent rollout of these events highlights the company's commitment to using its products to promote healthier lifestyles and community engagement.

WatchOS 27 to Offer New Watch Faces

For watchOS 27, Apple is testing new Apple Watch faces, and one of them is a simplified version of an existing Apple Watch Ultra watch face that could be coming to standard Series models. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is testing multiple new faces for watchOS 27, code-named "Orchid." One of them is said to be a "simplified take" on the existing Modular Ultra watch face, which is currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. This move could bring a more streamlined and accessible design to standard Apple Watch models, enhancing user customization and experience.

The introduction of new watch faces is a key part of Apple's strategy to keep the Apple Watch fresh and engaging. By offering simplified versions of premium features, Apple aims to make the user experience more uniform across its product lineup. This approach not only benefits users of standard models but also reinforces the value proposition of the Ultra line by making its exclusive features more recognizable.

Apple Announces 2026 Pride Collection

Apple today introduced its 2026 Pride Collection, including a new Apple Watch band, watch face, and a matching wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad. The company said its Pride Collection celebrates LGBTQ+ communities around the world during Pride Month in June and beyond. In addition, Apple noted that it is proud to financially support organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities. This collection is part of Apple's annual tradition of releasing special edition products and designs to honor Pride Month, reinforcing the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Pride Collection typically features vibrant colors and designs that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. By offering physical and digital products, Apple allows users to express their support and identity in various ways. The financial support to community organizations underscores Apple's broader corporate social responsibility efforts, which extend beyond product design to tangible contributions to social causes.

WatchOS 26.5 Fixes Two Apple Watch Bugs

Apple has released watchOS 26.5, which fixes two Apple Watch bugs, according to Apple's release notes for the update. The first bug fix addresses an issue where Messages on Apple Watch may use SMS instead of iMessage when paired with a dual SIM iPhone. The second fix resolves an issue where Workout app audio alerts could fail to play if the phone was not connected. These updates improve the reliability and user experience of the Apple Watch, ensuring that core functions like messaging and workout tracking work as expected.

Bug fixes are crucial for maintaining the performance and stability of wearable devices, which are used daily for critical functions. By promptly addressing issues such as incorrect messaging routing and missing audio alerts, Apple demonstrates its commitment to user satisfaction. Regular software updates are a hallmark of the Apple ecosystem, providing continuous improvements and enhancements to the user experience.