Apple Developing Screen-Less Fitness Tracker to Compete with Whoop
Quick Look
- Apple is developing a screen-less fitness tracker in the form of a thin fabric band with a sensor-equipped computing module, aiming to compete with Whoop.
- The product is in a technology investigation phase with prototypes built, but would not be released until at least 2028, according to Bloomberg.
- Apple already offers fitness tracking via the Apple Watch.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Apple already sells the Apple Watch, which includes fitness tracking features such as workout recording, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. Whoop is a fitness technology company valued at over $10 billion that sells simple fitness bands tracking various health metrics.
Apple is in the process of developing a new screen-less fitness tracker that would put it into competition with Whoop — the fitness tech firm whose valuation recently crested $10 billion.
Bloomberg reports that the iPhone maker is currently engaged in a "technology investigation" — which, just as it sounds, is an exploratory effort to decide whether it will fully develop a product and release it. A number of prototypes have been developed around the item, the outlet notes.
The device — which is described as "a thin fabric band with a sensor-equipped computing module" — would not be released until at least 2028, Bloomberg said.
It’s worth noting that Apple already sells a fitness tracker in the form of its Apple Watch (the wearable records workouts, heart rate, sleep, and other categories). However, the new form factor sounds relatively similar to Whoop, which sells simple fitness bands that the company says can track a variety of health metrics.
TechCrunch reached out to Apple for more information.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Apple will release a screen-less fitness tracker by 2028 or later.
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- What specific health metrics will the new Apple tracker monitor?
- Will the device require a subscription like Whoop's model?
- How will the pricing of Apple's screen-less tracker compare to Whoop and the Apple Watch?
- What stage is the 'technology investigation' currently in?
