Apple is again said to be working on a screen-free wearable health and fitness tracker to rival Whoop and the recent additions to the market from Garmin and Google.
According to the in-the-know Apple watcher Mark Gurman, the company is “developing prototypes” but is still undecided about whether to diversify its offering by launching a product that would sit alongside the all-conquering Apple Watch.
Such a device would certainly interest users who are keen to further track their health and fitness goals without additional screen time or notifications taking their focus.
The Bloomberg reporter’s sources say Apple is investigating a device with a “thin fabric band with a sensor-equipped computing module.” Should Apple continue with the development, a release would be 2028 at the earliest, Gurman says.
Given the report states that the project is supported by some of the top brass at Apple, including Apple Health chief Eddy Cue and now-executive chairman Tim Cook, there seems to be a better than average chance of this coming to pass.
Gurman points out: “Cue has pushed Apple’s health team to adopt features from the newer rivals, whose products offer simpler interfaces focused squarely on fitness and health tracking. The Apple Watch serves a broader range of purposes.”
The report comes as Apple prepares an Apple Intelligence enhanced version of its Health application, which is currently in beta in the United States.
The app promises tabs for Insights, promising news on things like sleep and Vo2 Max, while Personal Guidance will make suggestions depending on your training goals. The Readiness tab derives from the Apple Watch app and will advise wearers to Recover, Pace Yourself, that they’re Ready, or to Go For It. You’ll probably need an Apple Watch for this and some of the other features too. It’s unclear whether the app will interact as well with third-party trackers for sections like Fitness, Vitals, Longevity and Health Age too.
Apple has also reportedly been working on a smart ring down the years, but it now appears a screen-free wristband might be the solution the company settles on.
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