Apple Tests Screenless Fitness Tracker to Challenge Fitbit Air and Whoop Strap
Apple’s Quiet Move Toward a Screenless Tracker
Recent reports indicate that Apple is quietly prototyping a screenless fitness band that could join the likes of Fitbit Air, Whoop Strap and Garmin Cirqa. The information comes from Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, who says developers have already built early hardware samples.
Why a Screenless Device Makes Sense
Consumers have shown a clear appetite for distraction‑free wearables. The Fitbit Air proved that a minimalist band can still deliver accurate heart‑rate and activity data, while the Garmin Cirqa added advanced sleep tracking without a display. Both products demonstrate a shift toward software‑first health insights rather than constant visual feedback.
Apple’s Development Timeline
Apple’s internal testing stage does not guarantee a market launch – recall the stalled Apple Car project – but if the prototype progresses, analysts expect a release no earlier than 2028. That timeline gives Apple ample opportunity to refine sensors and integrate the device tightly with the Health and Fitness apps.
Design Language and Brand Identity
Apple is likely to apply its signature aluminium or recycled‑plastic housing, a sleek clasp and a seamless band that feels like an extension of the Apple Watch Series 12. The lack of a screen means the band can be thinner and lighter, potentially appealing to users who already own an Apple Watch SE 3 and want a secondary, less obtrusive device for sleep and recovery tracking.
Software‑First Competition
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 recently expanded its fitness suite with Whoop‑style metrics such as Fitness Index and Daily Cardio Load. Meanwhile, Apple’s own Health app received a major update to leverage the upgraded sensors in the Apple Watch Series 12. The Apple Fitness app, however, has seen few changes in recent years, making a dedicated screenless band an ideal platform for a deeper, data‑rich experience.
Potential Pricing Strategies
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at £219 or $249, positioning it as an affordable entry point. A screenless tracker would need to sit below that price to avoid cannibalising sales, perhaps targeting the $149‑$179 range. Alternatively, Apple could market the band as a premium companion to the Apple Watch, similar to how Whoop Strap is sold alongside other smartwatches, and bundle it with a subscription to Apple Fitness+.
Complementary or Stand‑Alone?
If Apple frames the new band as a complementary health device, it could integrate tightly with the Apple Health app, sending continuous metrics while the watch handles notifications and GPS. In that scenario, a higher price or a free‑with‑subscription model might make sense, echoing Whoop’s approach of offering the hardware free with a monthly analytics plan.
Other Rumoured Apple Projects
Alongside the screenless tracker, rumors persist about an AI‑driven pendant with an embedded camera. Development appears to have stalled, perhaps due to the challenges faced by the Humane AI Pin, which struggled to deliver a usable experience at launch.
What to Watch For
Enthusiasts should keep an eye on any software updates to the Apple Fitness app, as a major overhaul could signal that Apple is preparing the ecosystem for a new, display‑free wearable. Until official confirmation arrives, the screenless fitness tracker remains an intriguing possibility that could reshape how Apple users approach health monitoring.
