Apple Tests Screenless Health Band Rivaling Whoop

Apple is developing a screenless health and fitness tracker intended to compete directly with specialized devices like the Whoop. According to reports from Bloomberg, the company is currently building prototypes, though it has not yet decided whether to release the product to the public.

The device is described as a thin fabric band featuring a small, rounded sensor module in the center. This design marks a significant departure from the traditional smartwatch form factor, focusing exclusively on health metrics rather than general computing tasks. The project is in the technology investigation phase, with no launch expected before 2028.

Executive support drives the project

High-level leadership at Apple is backing this initiative, including Tim Cook and Eddy Cue. Cue took charge of Apple’s health team last October and has pushed for features that rival newer, focused competitors. These rivals offer simpler interfaces dedicated solely to tracking fitness and health, a stark contrast to the multi-purpose nature of the Apple Watch.

The move appears to be a strategic response to the growing popularity of dedicated health wearables. Users who prefer a lightweight, screen-free option for monitoring sleep and activity are increasingly turning to brands like Oura and Whoop. This shift highlights a specific market segment that the current Apple Watch lineup does not fully capture.

Rivals gain market traction

Competitors in the space are seeing significant financial growth, indicating strong consumer demand for this specific type of device. Oura, for instance, sold 3.6 million rings in the twelve months ending in June. The company reported a 74% revenue increase to $1.21 billion for the nine-month period, signaling that the market for dedicated health trackers is expanding rapidly.

While Apple remains the dominant player in the general smartwatch market, its devices serve a broader range of functions than these specialized trackers. The trade-off for consumers choosing a screenless band is the loss of notifications, apps, and calls, gained in exchange for a simpler, more comfortable, and potentially longer-lasting battery experience focused purely on health data.

Future watch updates remain priority

Despite the development of this new band, Apple is not abandoning its primary smartwatch line. Bloomberg notes that a major update to the Apple Watch lineup is planned for release as early as late 2027. This redesign will follow years of incremental changes and aims to refresh the hardware after the Series 10 update two years ago.

The Ultra model, which has retained the same design since its debut four years ago, is also expected to see changes. This dual approach suggests Apple intends to maintain its strong position in the smartwatch market while cautiously testing the waters with a more niche, screenless health device. The decision to release the new band will likely depend on how well the prototypes perform in this specific user segment.