Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Apple Cuts Fitness+ Audio Staff, Signals Broader Changes
Apple has reduced the number of workers on its Fitness+ workout service.
The affected workers helped make audio programs that people can listen to while exercising.
These programs include Time to Walk and Time to Run.
Apple is expected to release new audio episodes less often.
The programs are not being ended completely right now.
The service costs a lot to operate and needs new content regularly.
Some subscribers also stop using it over time.
Reports say Apple may make more changes and could one day connect Fitness+ more closely with its Health app.
Apple laid off a small number of Fitness+ employees working on audio programs such as Time to Walk and Time to Run.
New Fitness+ audio episodes are expected to be released less often, but the formats have not been discontinued.
The reported cuts reflect Fitness+’s running costs, need for constant new content, and subscriber churn.
People inside the organization reportedly view the layoffs as the beginning of broader cost reductions and structural changes.
Apple could eventually integrate Fitness+ into a redesigned Health app, although that possibility remains speculative.
- Who
- Apple and employees working on Fitness+ audio offerings.
- What
- Apple laid off a handful of Fitness+ audio staff and may make broader changes to the service.
- When
- The layoffs were reported as occurring during the past week; further changes are expected over the coming months and years.
- Where
- The articles do not specify a location.
- Why
- Reported reasons include Fitness+’s operating costs, the need for frequent new content, and subscriber churn.
- Affected team
- Fitness+ employees working on audio offerings
- Audio programs
- Time to Walk and Time to Run
- Immediate content change
- New audio episodes will be released less frequently
- Service status
- The audio formats have not been discontinued
- Reported pressures
- Running costs, constant content needs, and subscriber churn
- Current oversight
- Eddy Cue and Sumbul Desai jointly oversee Fitness+
- Possible future direction
- Fitness+ could eventually be folded into the redesigned Health app