Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduces a new Readiness bezel option for its watch faces, displaying fitness and health data including heart rate, sleep score, and recovery metrics. This bezel configuration joins existing options like Seconds, Depth, and Elevation, allowing users to track their readiness score throughout the day on compatible faces like Modular Ultra.
Apple is developing a screenless fitness tracker with a fabric band and sensor module, similar to Whoop's design. The device is in early development and unlikely to launch before 2028. Apple has already incorporated some competing features like continuous heart rate tracking into its Apple Watch Series 12 and Health app.
A developer is upgrading Neuro+ GBrain with new AI-powered features including a life coach, goal journal, startup simulator guide, fitness tracker, and mood analyzer.
Garmin released a software update for several smartwatches, adding all-day fall detection to the Venu 4, hands-free voice control with the 'OK Garmin' hotword, and running features like Quick Workout and Run Coach plans to multiple models including Fenix 8, Vivoactive 6, and Forerunner series.
OpenGym is a self-hosted, open-source fitness and body-weight tracking application that runs locally on your devices with no subscription or account required. It features workout planning, guided sessions, exercise library with demos, progress tracking, and cross-device sync via passkey authentication, all controlled entirely by the user.
Gadgetbridge is an open-source Android app that serves as an alternative to manufacturers' fitness watch apps, supporting over 600 devices. The app avoids bloatware and corporate tracking but has limitations like missing features (VO2 max, calendar sync), connection instability, and fewer watch face options compared to official apps. It remains in experimental stage and works better with older, more established device models.
Apple is exploring development of a screen-less fitness tracker to compete with Whoop, with prototypes already built but no expected release before 2028. The device would be a fabric band with integrated sensors, complementing Apple's existing Apple Watch product line.
Apple-owned Beats launched the Beats 360, $349 over-ear wireless headphones specifically designed for workouts with IPX4 sweat resistance, lighter weight than AirPods Max 2, customizable ear cups and headband, and up to 32 hours of battery life. The headphones feature custom audio drivers, improved ANC, and various Apple integration features.
Peloton launched three refreshed treadmills including the new $2,195 Tread Flex, a foldable model designed for space-conscious users, alongside upgraded versions of its existing treadmills with improved cushioning and jump buttons. The company added AI-powered software features including personalized pace recommendations, a ReRun function for recreating outdoor courses, and running form analysis via motion-tracking cameras.
Peloton is launching the Tread Flex, its cheapest treadmill at $2,195, featuring a foldable design to attract apartment dwellers and capitalize on running's growing popularity. CEO Peter Stern is pivoting the struggling company toward treadmills as the at-home running market is forecast to grow 40% by 2030, while stationary bikes face slower growth.
Peloton unveiled three new treadmills and AI-powered features for its Peloton IQ platform to drive growth after years of restructuring. The new lineup ranges from the $2,195 folding Tread Flex to the $6,695 Tread+ Vision, with AI coaching tools for runners and integrations with fitness platforms like Whoop and Garmin. CEO Peter Stern aims to expand Peloton's customer base and revenue sources beyond subscriptions as shares have dropped 43% since he took the role in January 2025.
Apple laid off a small number of Apple Fitness+ employees last week, with sources indicating this signals the start of broader cost-cutting measures and significant changes to the service ahead.
Apple has reportedly laid off a handful of employees from its Fitness+ team, particularly those working on guided workout features like Time to Walk and Time to Run. The layoffs suggest Apple is consolidating its health and fitness features into a single Health app, part of a broader strategy shift under services head Eddy Cue to improve Apple's health offerings and integrate ideas from a scrapped virtual health coach project.
Snail Walk is a mobile game for iOS and Android where players must walk in real life to escape a pursuing giant snail named Bob. The game uses only daily step counts from Apple Health or Health Connect, with no GPS or location tracking, and works indoors or on treadmills.
The Quantified Scientist tested the Apple Watch Series 12's revamped heart rate sensor against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap across indoor cycling, running, and weightlifting. The Series 12 performed very well with correlations of 1.0, 0.98, and 0.97 respectively, placing it above 85% of competing devices during weightlifting.
A personal trainer explains to a tech worker that fitness isn't a single general competency but rather a collection of specialized skills that diverge beyond baseline development. The author uses this analogy to challenge the notion of Artificial General Intelligence, arguing that intelligence itself is multiple distinct competencies rather than one unified capability.
Apple is testing a redesigned Health app in iOS 27.2 beta featuring new Insights and Longevity tabs that track health metrics like activity rings, heart rate, sleep, and vitals. The app calculates a Health Age score based on long-term data and fitness assessments, with plans to integrate a $119 Quest Diagnostics lab panel. The app will launch later this year, not with iOS 27.2.