Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Apple Explores Screenless Health Tracker to Rival Whoop
Apple is exploring a fitness tracker that would have no screen.
Early versions reportedly use a fabric wristband and a small computer module with sensors.
The sensors could measure things such as heart rate, sleep and activity.
People would not use the band to read messages or see workout details.
Instead, they would check the information on an iPhone and in Apple’s Health app.
This idea is similar to products made by Whoop and Oura.
Apple has built prototypes, but it has not decided whether to sell the tracker.
If Apple approves it, the device would not arrive before 2028.
Apple is also improving its Health app and has reportedly delayed a separate AI pendant.
Apple has reportedly developed prototypes of a screenless health and fitness tracker with a thin fabric band and sensor-equipped module.
The device would focus on collecting health metrics rather than providing apps, notifications or workout information on a display.
Users would likely view data through an iPhone and Apple’s Health ecosystem, including features such as readiness and health-age analysis.
Apple executives Tim Cook and Eddy Cue are reportedly interested, while the project remains an unapproved technology investigation.
If Apple proceeds, the tracker would not launch before 2028; a separate AI pendant project has reportedly been postponed.
- Who
- Apple is reportedly developing the tracker, with interest from Executive Chairman Tim Cook and services chief Eddy Cue.
- What
- A screenless health and fitness tracker consisting of a fabric band and sensor-equipped computing module.
- When
- The project is in an early development phase and would not launch before 2028 if approved.
- Where
- The device is being developed by Apple; the report identifies the company as based in Cupertino, California.
- Why
- Apple is responding to the growth of health-focused products such as Whoop and Oura and exploring a simpler alternative to a traditional smartwatch.
Reasons Apple May Pursue the Tracker
Reasons Its Future Is Uncertain
Market strategy
Reasons Apple May Pursue the Tracker
A screenless device could let Apple compete with Whoop, Oura and other health-focused wearable makers while offering a simpler fitness experience.
Reasons Its Future Is Uncertain
Apple already sells the Apple Watch and has not approved the new tracker for release, so the project may not become a commercial product.
Role in Apple’s ecosystem
Reasons Apple May Pursue the Tracker
The tracker could supply data to Apple’s Health app, which is being expanded with readiness, health-age, longevity and personalized guidance features.
Reasons Its Future Is Uncertain
The reports do not establish the tracker’s final features, exact software integration or whether Apple will launch it.
Product direction
Reasons Apple May Pursue the Tracker
A screen-free tracker would focus on health and fitness rather than notifications, apps and other smartwatch functions.
Reasons Its Future Is Uncertain
Apple is also reportedly planning a major Apple Watch redesign for as early as late 2027, creating uncertainty about how a separate tracker would fit into its lineup.
- Development status
- Apple has built prototypes, but has not decided whether to release the product.
- Design
- Reported prototypes use a thin fabric band and a sensor-equipped computing module.
- Display
- The tracker would have no screen and would omit display-based smartwatch functions.
- Potential release
- The device would not debut before 2028 if Apple proceeds.
- Data access
- Users would likely view the tracker’s information through an iPhone and Apple’s Health ecosystem.
- Reported rivals
- The project is intended to compete with screen-free or health-focused products from Whoop and Oura.
- Related projects
- Apple is testing a redesigned Health app, while its reported AI pendant project has been postponed.
Sources
Apple Developing New Fitness Tracker Aimed at Rivaling Whoop
Apple Reportedly Developing Screenless Fitness Tracker To Rival Whoop, Puts AI Pendant On Hold
Apple’s next health device may have no screen at all: What we know
