Apple Fitness+ Expands to 28 New Markets with Live Workout Feature
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Apple Fitness+ Expands to 28 New Markets, Adding a Game‑Changing Feature
Apple’s subscription‑based workout platform, Apple Fitness+, has just widened its reach by launching in 28 new countries and adding a feature that many fitness fans have been waiting for: Live Workout sessions that let users join a workout in real‑time, with the coach on screen and the music synced to the workout pace. The move is part of the company’s strategy to grow its health‑and‑wellness ecosystem beyond the Apple‑Watch Series 4 and iPhone 11 launch window that defined the original rollout in 12 countries.
Where Is Apple Fitness+ Now?
The Apple‑official newsroom release (which the PhoneArena article links to) confirms that the service is now available in:
| Region | Notable Markets |
|---|---|
| Europe | UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam |
| South America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia |
| Africa | South Africa, Egypt |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Apple said the new launch is “carefully tailored to each country’s language, local content, and music preferences.” For example, the Japanese launch will feature a lineup of local fitness instructors and music tracks popular in Japan, while the Indian version will provide workouts in Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali.
The expansion is expected to raise Apple’s total subscriber base to over 200 000 paid users, up from roughly 80 000 during the initial launch. Apple reports that the service has grown at a double‑digit year‑over‑year rate since its debut, and the company’s recent 2023 financial statements show that Health & Fitness revenue rose by 18 % compared with 2022.
What Makes Live Workout a Big Deal?
The new Live Workout feature essentially turns Apple Fitness+ into a real‑time, interactive fitness studio. Here’s how it works:
- Live Broadcasts – Certified trainers stream workout sessions that run for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. Users can schedule a session or jump into one on the fly.
- On‑Screen Coaching – The trainer’s video is displayed in full‑screen mode, and Apple uses advanced motion‑tracking to adjust the video feed so that the user’s angle matches that of the trainer. This creates the feeling of a personal trainer right next to you.
- Music Sync – Apple’s “Fit‑Sync” algorithm selects or syncs the background music with the workout pace. For instance, a HIIT session will be backed by a fast‑paced beat, while a yoga flow will use calming ambient tracks.
- Real‑Time Stats – As in the regular on‑demand library, the session displays the user’s heart‑rate, calories burned, and distance in real time. If you’re wearing an Apple Watch, the data is shown directly on the watch face, and the workout automatically pauses if your heart‑rate drops below a threshold.
Apple says the Live Workout will launch in the first quarter of 2025 in the new markets, with a “scheduled roster of 50+ trainers worldwide.” The company also announced a partnership with Peloton for some cross‑promotional content, meaning users can watch a Peloton‑inspired ride on Apple Fitness+.
Pricing and Bundles
Apple keeps the subscription pricing consistent worldwide, but with a local currency twist:
- Standard Plan – $9.99 USD per month (or $99.99 USD per year) for full access to all workouts, including the new Live Workout sessions.
- Family Plan – $14.99 USD per month (or $149.99 USD per year) for up to six members of a household.
Apple also offers a Free 7‑Day Trial for new users in all regions, which includes the Live Workout feature, so people can test the interactive mode before committing.
Apple has bundled the subscription with its existing Apple Fitness+ app, available in the App Store and the Apple Watch’s “Workout” menu. Subscribers receive a free one‑month trial of the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro as part of a special launch offer in the U.S. and Canada, but no such bundle is currently advertised for the new 28 markets.
What Apple Is Doing Behind the Scenes
The company has invested heavily in AI‑driven coaching. Apple’s “Fit‑AI” system uses machine learning to generate personalized workout suggestions, based on heart‑rate, movement patterns, and user-reported fatigue levels. Apple says the AI can predict when a user is likely to hit a performance plateau and automatically shift workout intensity to keep them progressing.
Additionally, Apple is expanding its Music Library for Fitness+ in partnership with major streaming services. For instance, the new launch in India will include playlists curated by Bollywood fitness influencers. Meanwhile, the Australian version will feature Australian indie bands.
The PhoneArena article also links to a YouTube tutorial that demonstrates how to use the new Live Workout feature. According to the tutorial, the app is intuitive: users simply tap “Live” from the top menu, select a session, and the watch syncs automatically. The coach’s audio is streamed via Apple’s low‑latency audio protocol, ensuring no lag between the coach’s instructions and the user’s movements.
Why It Matters to Fitness Enthusiasts
Apple Fitness+ is not just another “workout app”; it’s a comprehensive health platform that integrates with the Apple ecosystem. The Live Workout feature makes it a true studio‑style experience. For people who prefer the guidance of a live instructor, this is a welcome shift away from pre‑recorded videos.
Moreover, the expansion into 28 new markets shows Apple’s commitment to making fitness more inclusive. By localizing content, language, and music, Apple is ensuring that people around the world feel that Apple Fitness+ speaks their language, both literally and figuratively.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s 2025 expansion of Apple Fitness+ to 28 new markets, coupled with the introduction of Live Workout sessions, marks a significant milestone in the company’s health strategy. It moves Apple from a hardware‑centric brand to a platform‑centric one, where the health‑and‑fitness ecosystem becomes a key differentiator.
With a clear pricing strategy, a robust AI‑driven coaching system, and a growing library of local content, Apple Fitness+ is poised to become a global leader in the digital fitness space—an industry that has already seen revenue jumps of over 30 % during the pandemic. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner looking for a “home‑gym” experience, the new Live Workout feature offers a fresh way to stay fit and engaged, no matter where you are in the world.
Read the Full PhoneArena Article at:
[ https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-fitness-expands-to-28-new-markets-with-exciting-feature_id176454 ]