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A fabric wristband, a sensor module, no screen: Apple is reportedly working on a fitness tracker inspired by Whoop. Initial prototypes exist, but nothing has been decided about the product – and it wouldn't be available before 2028 anyway.
Apple has been exploring wearables beyond its watch for years. Most recently, the debate centered on a ring-shaped device, for which there is still no timeline or technical specifications. Now, a second form factor is emerging. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is developing prototypes of a tracker without a screen, similar to the membership offered by Whoop. Whether this will become a product remains to be seen.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is reportedly developing prototypes of a fitness tracker without a display: a thin fabric wristband with a sensor module on the wrist.
- According to the report, the project is in the technology review phase; no decision has been made regarding market launch.
- If the device is released, it will be no earlier than 2028.
- Eddy Cue, who has been in charge of Apple's health teams since October 2025, and Tim Cook are expected to support the project.
- The watch has only just adopted the functions of its competitors – the standby value remains exclusive to the Series 12 and Ultra 4.
What is known about the prototypes
According to the report, the devices consist of a thin fabric wristband and a computing module with sensors that rests on the wrist. They are designed to measure heart rate and other metrics, similar to the Apple Watch. There is no display; the data analysis would be performed via the iPhone.
Apple has reportedly been reviewing the category for months. The project is currently in the technology review phase, during which Apple regularly discontinues projects that never become products.
Who is driving the project
Eddy Cue took over the health teams in October 2025 after Jeff Williams left the company. According to the report, Cue is pushing for Apple to adopt features of its newer competitors: simpler interfaces focused exclusively on fitness and health. The Apple Watch, however, covers a significantly broader purpose.
Tim Cook is also expected to support the project. As Executive Chair, he has been a member of the board of directors since September 1st, and he remains involved in product decisions through the board.
The real difference is the business model
Whoop doesn't sell a device, but a membership: The wristband is included in the subscription, while evaluations and analyses are covered by the ongoing fee. The Apple Watch is a one-time purchase; all health features are included at no extra cost.
If Apple were to enter this market, the price would become a fundamental question. A tracker without a screen doesn't sell based on its features, but on the data analysis it provides – and Apple currently offers this analysis for free. We therefore expect that such a device would be positioned below the Apple Watch in Apple's product lineup, rather than replacing it.
The watch has just received Whoops' features
The timing is noteworthy. With Series 12 and Ultra 4, Apple introduced a daily standby metric, precisely the metric that made Whoop and Oura so popular. It remains exclusive to these two new models, even though Series 9 through 11, Ultra 2 and 3, and the SE 3 will also receive watchOS 27.
In addition, there's the physiological age feature that Apple announced with the redesign of the Health app. It hasn't launched yet and will initially only be available in US English – meaning the function is currently unavailable in German-speaking regions, regardless of the watch model.
What comes before it on the list
Apple's wearable roadmap is packed through 2028. Before a tracker without a display, smart glasses and AirPods with cameras are expected, hinted at by code found in iOS 27. The glasses are expected to lack health and fitness features at launch.
| Plan | Status | Earliest time |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods with cameras | Code found in iOS 27 | in front of the tracker |
| Smart glasses | In development, without health features at launch | in front of the tracker |
| Apple Watch with new design | Report on the relaunch of the series | End of 2027 |
| Tracker without display | Prototypes, technology testing | 2028 |
| Ring | individual reports, no timetable | open |
The report mentions another date for the watch itself: a major overhaul of the series is expected no earlier than the end of 2027. The Ultra has retained the same form factor since its debut four years ago, while the Series last became thinner with the Series 10.
Why the project could still fail
Mark Gurman has a long and largely accurate track record of predicting Apple's product plans, and his report is based on internal company events. However, he specifically describes an early phase: prototypes, no decision, no release date. This is the stage at which Apple maintained the ring idea for years without ever shipping a device.
Two form factors are currently being considered: the wristband and the ring, and there's no timeline for either. If you're waiting for a slimmer Apple wearable, the Apple Watch is the only option for the foreseeable future – a comparison of the three current models fully answers that question today.
Would an Apple tracker without a screen appeal to you, or is the readiness value on the watch exactly what you need? Tell us in the comments how you track your stats in everyday life.
