Apple Reportedly Developing Screenless Fitness Tracker Similar to Whoop

Apple Explores New Wearable Category

Apple is reportedly developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker, according to Bloomberg. This new device is designed to compete with existing products like Whoop and Oura Ring, which offer health tracking without a traditional smartwatch display.

The prototypes currently under development are described as having a thin fabric band integrated with a sensor-equipped computing module. The project is in an early "technology investigation" phase, and a potential release would not occur before 2028, if Apple decides to move forward with the product.

Executive Support and Market Context

The initiative reportedly has support from top Apple executives, including Eddy Cue and Tim Cook. Eddy Cue, who took charge of Apple's health team in October, has encouraged the team to incorporate features found in rival products that focus on simpler, dedicated fitness and health tracking.

This move suggests Apple's interest in capturing a segment of the market that prefers specialized fitness devices over the broader functionality of the Apple Watch. Competitors like Whoop and Oura Ring have gained popularity among users seeking continuous health monitoring without a smartwatch.

Distinction from Apple Watch

Unlike the multi-purpose Apple Watch, this rumored device would focus solely on health and fitness tracking, aligning with the simpler interfaces offered by Whoop and Oura Ring. These rival products are known for features like extended battery life, with Whoop bands offering over 14 days of use, and continuous data collection.

Apple has already integrated some features found in Whoop into its existing products, such as continuous heart rate tracking in the Apple Watch Series 12 and a "readiness score" in the Health app, which is also used by Fitbit, Oura, and Whoop to assess workout preparedness.

Development Timeline and Uncertainty

The screenless fitness tracker is still in an early stage of development. While prototypes exist, Apple has not yet made a final decision on whether to release the product. The earliest potential launch window is estimated to be after 2028, indicating a long-term development horizon for this new wearable category.