Apple develops screenless fitness tracker to challenge Whoop
Apple is developing a biometric fabric wristband (photo: Getty Images)
Apple is preparing a screenless fitness tracker; the new gadget is expected to compete with Whoop and other minimalist devices for health monitoring. The project is still in its early stages, but it already has the backing of the company’s leadership, according to an analytical report by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg.
The concept behind the new gadget
The device’s main feature is the complete absence of a traditional glass screen, notifications, a media player and apps.
Instead of the familiar Apple Watch design, the new gadget will feature a flexible fabric strap with a fixed module equipped with sensors.
The main goal of the device is to provide continuous biometric monitoring without constantly distracting users with a screen.
The project is under the personal patronage of Chairman of the Board Tim Cook and services chief Eddy Cue, who took over Apple’s health division in late 2025.
Why is Cupertino changing its approach to health-monitoring gadgets?
Although Apple remains the leader in the smartwatch market, the rapid growth in popularity of specialized fitness trackers has prompted the company to rethink its strategy.
Competitors such as Whoop and Oura have attracted millions of users who want to track recovery and health metrics without an additional screen on their wrist.
Apple has already started integrating similar features into its ecosystem.
For example, the latest updates to the Health app and new Apple Watch models have introduced the ability to calculate daily training readiness, estimate biological age, and provide improved 24-hour heart-rate monitoring.
NEW: Apple is developing a Whoop competitor. https://t.co/Mz0Ua1qk9r pic.twitter.com/CnFbUBTRjp
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 22, 2026
Who is developing the device and when can we expect its release?
The early engineering project involves specialists from the team that developed the hardware for the Vision headset. This indicates Apple’s intention to expand its wearable device lineup with new form factors.
The development is currently at the stage of creating the first prototypes. According to sources, the device will not be released before 2028, as the company’s leadership has not yet made a final decision on whether to bring the gadget to market.
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