Technology

Apple reportedly prototyping screenless fitness tracker to challenge competitors

Early development of a fabric-band wearable is underway but not expected before 2028.

Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 19:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

Apple is reportedly developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker to compete with rivals like Whoop, according to Bloomberg.[9to5Mac · The Verge]
The experimental wearable features a thin fabric band paired with a sensor-equipped computing module.[9to5Mac · The Verge]
The project has backing from executives Tim Cook and Eddy Cue, who recently took over Apple's health team.[9to5Mac]
The initiative remains in an early investigation phase, with no release expected before 2028 if Apple approves it at all.[9to5Mac · The Verge]

Bloomberg reports that Apple is developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker to rival Whoop.[9to5Mac · The Verge]
Early prototypes feature a thin fabric band containing a computing module equipped with sensors.[9to5Mac · The Verge]
Top executives Tim Cook and Eddy Cue reportedly support the project, with Cue pushing the health team to adopt features from simpler, fitness-focused rivals.[9to5Mac]
Eddy Cue assumed leadership of Apple's health team last October after Jeff Williams departed.[9to5Mac]

The device remains in the technology investigation stage, and Apple has not officially decided whether to bring the product to market.[9to5Mac · The Verge]
If approved, the wearable is unlikely to launch before 2028.[9to5Mac · The Verge]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.