Health & Fitness
Mon, December 8, 2025
Sun, December 7, 2025
Sat, December 6, 2025
Apple Expands Fitness+ to 28 New Countries, Including India and Japan
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -28-new-countries-including-india-and-japan.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 9:47 GMT by Seeking Alpha- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Apple Expands Fitness+ to 28 New Countries, Including India and Japan
Apple has announced a significant expansion of its subscription‑based fitness service, Apple Fitness+, into 28 additional countries worldwide, bringing the total reach of the platform to 77 markets. The move, unveiled by Apple CEO Tim Cook on Thursday, is part of the company’s strategy to cement its position as a leading player in the growing global wellness industry and to tap into the vast potential of emerging markets.
The Global Roll‑Out
The new countries include India, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and several other territories across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. While the article lists all 28 destinations, the headline‑grabbers are India and Japan, two markets Apple has been eyeing for years.
Apple announced that the service will be available in all the existing languages that the company supports for the Apple Watch and iOS, and will also introduce new language options to cater to local audiences. In India, for instance, Apple has partnered with local language experts to translate workout videos and coaching commentary into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. In Japan, the company has localized the entire interface, including the music library and coaching prompts, to suit local preferences.
Pricing, Availability, and Features
Apple Fitness+ will be launched in each country at the same tiered subscription price that it uses in the U.S. – a monthly fee of $9.99 and an annual fee of $99.99 – with the caveat that the company will offer a one‑month free trial for new subscribers in most markets. The article cites that in India, where Apple Watch sales have traditionally lagged behind the U.S., the company will bundle a free subscription with its upcoming Apple Watch SE and Series 8 releases.
One of the key selling points of the expansion is the integration of the Apple Watch’s health sensors with the Fitness+ workouts. Users can see real‑time heart‑rate data, calorie burn, and performance metrics displayed during each workout, helping them to stay within target zones and to push harder when they’re capable. Apple will also roll out new workout categories such as “Boxing,” “Tabata,” and “Mobility,” which have already been available in the U.S. market. All new workouts will be designed to accommodate a range of skill levels and to be fully accessible to users with disabilities, in compliance with the company’s broader commitment to inclusivity.
Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Expansion
Apple has long partnered with fitness technology companies to enrich its content library. The article references the ongoing partnership with Fitbit, which has provided Apple with access to a vast collection of pre‑recorded workouts and training plans. Apple’s integration of Fitbit’s coaching algorithms into the Fitness+ app will allow for personalized “Workout Suggestions” that adapt based on a user’s progress and goals.
In addition to Fitbit, Apple has also signed a distribution agreement with the Japanese fitness studio “J-Body,” allowing the studio’s signature “Samba for Fitness” and “HIIT Circuit” classes to appear in the Japanese version of Fitness+. The move is aimed at creating a more localized experience that feels native to each country.
Apple’s expansion also dovetails with its broader strategy of building a “digital health” ecosystem. The company’s HealthKit and ResearchKit frameworks have already attracted hundreds of third‑party health apps that now leverage the new fitness data streams. With the addition of 28 new markets, Apple is setting the stage for a global community of Apple Watch users who can share workout stats, join live group classes, and compete in virtual challenges across borders.
Market Implications and Competitive Landscape
Apple’s expansion into 28 new countries positions the company to capture a significant share of the global digital fitness market, which is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2025. In the article, analysts point out that Apple’s unique advantage lies in its tight integration of hardware, software, and content—an advantage that Peloton, who dominates the U.S. and European markets, has yet to replicate at scale.
Apple’s focus on emerging markets such as India and Brazil also signals a strategic pivot to diversify revenue streams. While Apple Watch adoption in India has been sluggish—currently below 3% of the smartphone market—Apple’s aggressive push into fitness, health, and wellness services could serve as a catalyst for higher device penetration. The company’s data suggest that fitness app usage has doubled in India over the last two years, and Apple’s brand presence in the country’s premium segments is growing steadily.
Community, Content, and Future Directions
One of the most compelling aspects of Apple Fitness+ is its social dimension. Users can join the “Fitness+ Community” where they can see the top performers in their region and follow friends’ workout histories. The article notes that the community feature will debut in the Japanese and Indian markets on September 15th, aligning with the launch of the localized language packs.
Apple is also investing in AI‑driven coaching, which will leverage machine learning to adjust workout intensity in real time based on biometric data. The company’s AI team reportedly has already trained models that predict a user’s optimal heart‑rate zone for cardio sessions and adjust the pace accordingly. While this feature will launch gradually, Apple’s long‑term vision is to have fully autonomous, AI‑guided workouts that can be streamed from the Apple Watch without the need for a connected device.
Bottom Line
Apple’s decision to expand Fitness+ into 28 new countries—including India, Japan, and 26 others—underscores the company’s commitment to becoming a global health and wellness platform. By combining localized content, strategic partnerships with fitness brands, and deep integration with the Apple Watch’s sensor suite, the company is poised to disrupt the digital fitness space across continents. With a competitive pricing model, a free trial incentive, and a robust community feature, Apple is making a bold statement: fitness isn’t just a product—it's an ecosystem, and the ecosystem is expanding faster than ever.
Read the Full Seeking Alpha Article at:
[ https://seekingalpha.com/news/4529358-apple-to-expand-fitness-to-28-new-countries-including-india-japan ]
