Sources: Apple is developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker similar to Whoop but hasn't decided whether to release the product

A screenless Apple fitness tracker is now in prototype, potentially arriving by 2028.

Apple is reportedly developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker that would function similarly to Whoop bands. The device would monitor metrics like heart rate and other physiological data, with insights likely accessible through the Health app. While prototypes exist and internal interest, including from services chief Eddy Cue, is noted, Apple has not yet committed to releasing the product. This potential wearable could integrate with upcoming Health app updates and may not launch before 2028, following other anticipated Apple releases like AI smart glasses and AirPods with cameras. The company is exploring simpler interfaces for wearables, drawing inspiration from existing products like the Whoop band and Oura Ring.

Apple's exploration into a screenless fitness tracker signifies a strategic move to diversify its wearable offerings beyond the Apple Watch, targeting a segment of users who prefer minimalist devices focused purely on data collection. This aligns with a broader trend of wearables emphasizing continuous monitoring and readiness scores, as seen with Whoop and Oura. The integration with an updated Health app suggests a software-centric approach, where the device acts as a sensor hub for a richer digital health ecosystem.

The potential introduction of such a device could pressure existing players in the dedicated fitness tracker market and challenge the Apple Watch's dominance in the broader wearable space. It also signals Apple's continued investment in health technology, potentially laying groundwork for future health-focused innovations. Consumers interested in passive health monitoring without the distractions of a screen may find this product appealing, while existing Apple Watch users might see it as a complementary device or a simpler alternative.