Apple is developing a new type of device, according to Bloomberg. What is known about the gadget?
The company is testing a prototype of a slim, sensor-equipped wristband that could become an alternative to the Apple Watch in the fitness tracking segment
A screenless fitness tracker could be an alternative to the Apple Watch / Photo: Shutterstock.com / Just Dance
Apple is working on a display-less wearable device for sports and health tracking, similar to the popular Whoop wristband. Bloomberg reported this, citing sources. The project has the support of the company’s top executives, but the device may never make it to production and sale, according to the agency’s sources.
Details
Development has been underway for several months and is currently in the prototyping stage, although formally the project remains in the preliminary technology research phase, according to Bloomberg sources. The prototypes are thin fabric wristbands with a sensor module. This sets them apart from the Apple Watch, which is built around a screen and combines fitness features with apps and notifications. If Apple does decide to release the new device, it is unlikely to hit the market before 2028, Bloomberg reports. An Apple spokesperson declined to comment to the agency.
According to sources, Apple Chairman Tim Cook and Head of Services Eddy Cue—who has been overseeing the company’s health initiatives since late last year—are showing particular interest in the project, Bloomberg reports. Qoo insists that the team responsible for health adopt competitors’ emphasis on a simple interface focused specifically on fitness tracking, whereas the Apple Watch addresses a broader range of tasks, the agency found.
Apple shares rose 0.23% at the close of trading on September 22. During the day, they hit a new all-time high of $345.34.
Context
Apple remains the leading seller of smartwatches, especially in the U.S., but Whoop and Oura, a manufacturer of smart rings, are growing significantly faster and already have millions of users, Bloomberg notes. Whoop, which is valued at approximately $10 billion, previously told Bloomberg that it is considering an IPO. Oura has already filed for an initial public offering. Google released its own screenless gadget—the Fitbit Air—in May.
At the same time, Apple is preparing a major update to its entire smartwatch lineup, which could be released as early as late 2027 and will be more radical than previous incremental changes, according to Bloomberg. Two years ago, the company made the base Series 10 model thinner, while the larger Ultra version has remained unchanged in appearance since its debut four years ago, the agency notes.
This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor
