Apple Considers Screenless Fitness Tracker to Expand Wearable Lineup Beyond Smartwatches

Apple is developing a new health and fitness tracker in response to the growing popularity of Whoop’s wrist-worn device and Oura’s smart ring, Bloomberg reported Tuesday (Sept. 22), citing unnamed sources.

Apple’s device would be worn on the wrist and would differ from the Apple Watch in that it would have a thin fabric band, a sensor-equipped computing module, no screen and a simpler interface focused on fitness and health tracking, according to the report.

Google launched a screenless wearable in May called Fitbit Air, and Garmin offers a fitness device without a display as well.

Apple has been exploring the new category for several months and is now developing prototypes, although the company hasn’t decided whether to release the product. If the company gives the project the go-ahead, the device likely will not debut before 2028, the report said.

The company also plans to update its smartwatch lineup in late 2027 or later, according to the report.

Apple declined to comment on the new screenless device, per the report.

Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, touted upcoming products during his first comments to employees, saying Sept. 1 that beyond the new iPhone, the company has other new products on the way.

“I’m just as excited about what lies beyond that, including the incredible products already in the works and the ones we haven’t even imagined yet that we’ll dream up and create together,” Ternus said.

It was reported Sept. 8 that Apple acquired sensor technology company Sonera in May. Sonera makes non-invasive sensors that can measure the brain’s neural signals, with health benefits that include muscle monitoring to active thought control of devices.

On Sept. 10, Apple announced that a new feature coming in beta later this year to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, Siri Recap, will listen and automatically generate a summary of a conversation, PYMNTS reported.

When Google announced the launch of Fitbit Air in May, the company described the device as a tracker that is simple, affordable and comfortable enough to wear around the clock. The company said that when the device is paired with Google Health Coach, it provides the data the coach needs to deliver personalized guidance.

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