Apple is reportedly developing a screenless fitness band aimed at competing in the health monitoring device market, such as Whoop. According to Bloomberg reports, the company already has prototypes, although it has not yet decided whether this accessory will be commercially launched.
This project is in a preliminary research stage. One concept involves a thin fabric strap connected to a module equipped with sensors. If Apple moves forward with this idea, its debut is not expected before 2028.
The intention is to create a simpler device focused exclusively on continuous monitoring of physical activity and health. Unlike the Apple Watch, this tracker would forgo common smartwatch functionalities to prioritize data collection and sensor performance throughout the day.
This line of reasoning mirrors the strategy of Whoop, an American company specializing in health and fitness wearables, which does not yet have a large penetration in the Brazilian market. Whoop watches lack a display and are designed to be worn continuously on the wrist, promising over 14 days of battery life and offering versions with electrocardiogram.
The development of this project is supported by Tim Cook and Eddy Cue, who took the lead in the company's health division last year.
It is important to note that this possible band is not a completely new idea in Apple's plans. In recent months, the company has been investigating various formats for its wearable devices, specifically including a screenless fitness tracker.
This strategic direction is also reflected in recent updates to the Apple Watch. The recently released Apple Watch Series 12 now offers more accurate heart rate monitoring throughout the day and a readiness score calculated from the watch's data, features similar to those found in Whoop, Oura, and Fitbit devices.
The main distinction would lie in the proposal of the new device: while the smartwatch adds notifications, apps, and other functionalities, a screenless band would allow Apple to present an alternative focused solely on tracking fitness and health.
