Apple Fitness+ to Work with iPhone Starting Next Week

To date, Apple Fitness+ has required an Apple Watch for some reason, but starting next week it will work with the iPhone as well.

“Since launching just under two years ago, we have heard incredible feedback from users on what a difference Fitness+ is making in their lives,” Apple vice president Jay Blahnik said. “We are thrilled to bring the award-winning service to even more people by making Fitness+ available to all iPhone users later this fall, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch. We can’t wait for more people around the world to stay motivated toward their fitness and wellness goals, and live a healthier day.”

I don’t believe Apple mentioned this change during the online event today where it announced the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2, and Ultra, and AirPods Pro 2, but this is pretty big news. And it’s something I ran into recently when I was checking out Fitness+ on Apple TV and discovered you need an Apple Watch to use the service.

Well, no more. Starting on September 12, iPhone users in over 20 countries will be able to sign up and use Apple Fitness+ with the Fitness app that’s arriving as part of iOS 16. They will have access to the entire service, which features over 3,000 studio-style workouts and meditations. And they can access the service on their iPhone, iPad, and/or Apple TV.

So I may actually try it now. Interesting.