Fitness+: Apple expands and somewhat restructures sports service
Following an Instagram campaign, Apple has made several changes to its paid sports service. Are they a big breakthrough for Fitness+?
Fitness+ on iPad and Apple Watch: The service integrates with Apple devices.
(Image: Apple)
Following an Instagram campaign that promised "something big" for the service, Apple has announced various innovations for Fitness+. The service, which costs 10 Euros per month or 80 Euros per year, will receive new content, improved integration with a competitor service, and new "Challenges" rewarded with virtual medals. So, this is not the big breakthrough for the service, which reportedly is struggling with user attrition. It is still expected that Apple is planning major restructuring, for example, in the context of a new AI-powered health service that is likely to be called „Health+“. This could allow the iPhone company to market the service better as a package – combining sports and health.
More Content, But No Fundamental Innovations
Apple's Fitness+ content improvements include new programs specifically aimed at people who have set more fitness goals for the new year. They run for several weeks under the name "Make Your Fitness Comeback" and include HIIT, yoga, and strength training. "The four-week plan includes three workouts per week – one for each training type – lasting only ten minutes. Each week builds on the previous week," Apple states.
One example is the program called "Build a Yoga Habit in 4 Weeks," which aims to help integrate yoga into the fitness routine. In addition, there is a new digital "New Year" medal awarded for closing all three activity rings for seven consecutive days in January. New content also includes new workouts ("Fitness+ Artist Spotlight") featuring music from popular artists like Bad Bunny or KAROL G, and new "Time to Walk" episodes (podcasts designed specifically for walking) with celebrities like Mel B or Michelle Monaghan.
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Integration with Strava for Campaign
As part of Apple's "Quit Quitting" campaign, there is also a collaboration with Strava. Users of the running and workout app will receive their own medal on Apple Watch if they log at least twelve sports sessions with Strava in January. "For the first time, Strava users with an Apple Watch can also participate in a special Quit-Quitting challenge in the Strava app in January to motivate themselves to stay active and engaged," Apple writes.
Fitness+ can be used for free for three months when an Apple device is purchased – this can be an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Strava subscribers also receive this deal. By default, Fitness+ can only be tested for one month for free. Recently, Apple began offering synchronized soundtracks for the service in German as well.
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