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Apple develops screenless fitness tracker prototype
Apple is reportedly developing a screenless fitness tracker designed to compete with specialized wearables like Whoop, Oura, and Fitbit. The device, currently in the prototype stage, is described as a thin fabric band featuring a sensor-equipped computing module. Unlike the Apple Watch, this device would lack a display, focusing instead on continuous biometric monitoring, such as heart rate and recovery data, to minimize distractions and battery consumption.
High-level executives, including Tim Cook and Eddy Cue, are reportedly involved in the project. The development is categorized as a “technology investigation,” meaning a final decision on commercial release has not been made. If Apple proceeds, the product is not expected to hit the market before 2028. The tracker would likely integrate with Apple’s evolving health ecosystem, potentially utilizing Apple Intelligence to provide insights through the Health app.
Separately, Apple is also working on a new home operating system, homeOS, which could debut as early as October 2026. This system is intended for a smart home hub device, featuring a square display and voice-centric control powered by Siri AI.
Entities
Apple · Apple Fitness+ · Bloomberg · Eddy Cue · Mark Gurman · Tim Cook · WHOOP