According to reports, Apple is developing a fitness tracker without a screen for the health and fitness wearables market. It may have a thin strip of material attached to a computer component with some sensors in it.
The company has been reported to be making prototypes of the device, but it is still in its initial stages. Moreover, Apple is not sure whether it will make the product available in the market or not. In case of further development, the device won’t hit the market until 2028.
Apple Screenless Fitness Tracker Under Development
According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on the concept of a screenless fitness tracker for some time now and has now begun prototyping the same. At present, the project is said to be nothing more than a technology study at Apple’s end, and no evidence exists as to whether the product will make its way into the market.
The prototype of the screenless device apparently consists of a thin fabric strap coupled with a computing unit featuring sensors. The absence of the screen would mean that Apple can concentrate more on health and fitness tracking without blending the product line with the range of Apple Watch smartwatches.
The project has apparently been backed by Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook and services head Eddy Cue. Cue recently took charge of all health-related projects within Apple.
Apple Could Compete With Whoop and Oura
The new Apple screenless fitness band might enable Apple to venture into a market that includes firms like Whoop and Oura.
Whoop’s value is estimated at about $10 billion (approximately Rs. 95,700 crore), and the firm might go for an IPO at some point. Oura, on its part, has just announced plans for an IPO.
Other firms operating in the same niche include Google’s Fitbit Air and Garmin’s screenless fitness bands.
Apple’s Existing Health and Fitness Features
Several health-oriented features have already been developed by Apple for their existing product lines. Some of the recent versions of the Apple Watch feature sophisticated health-tracking capabilities such as heart rate monitoring and readiness.
There is also the possibility of determining one’s biological age via the Apple Health application, which now features a redesigned interface displaying health information more clearly.
Additional fitness-oriented features may be added by Apple as the company moves into health and fitness applications, but while the Apple Watch integrates health-tracking capabilities with other functionalities, the screenless tracker reportedly will focus more on one particular task.
Changes Within Apple’s Health and Watch Teams
Leadership positions within Apple’s Watch and health units have changed recently. Jeff Williams retired at the end of last year. Also, Stan Ng and Jay Blahnik have left the company because of their prominent positions within the marketing of Apple Watch and fitness strategy.
If Apple proceeds with developing the screenless fitness tracker, it is doubtful that it will appear on the market before 2028. Moreover, its specifications can still change during the development process.
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