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Get Free Access to Apple Fitness+: Multiple Methods Revealed

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 16:59 GMT by 9to5Mac

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Unlock Your Inner Athlete: How to Get Apple Fitness+ Without Paying a Dime

Apple’s Fitness+ service has quickly become a popular way to access guided workouts and personalized fitness tracking, but its subscription cost – currently $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually – can be a barrier for some. Fortunately, 9to5Mac recently detailed several legitimate ways to experience Apple Fitness+ without spending a penny. This article breaks down those methods, explains the nuances of each, and explores why Apple offers these free access points in the first place.

The Core Offering: What is Apple Fitness+?

Before diving into the "free" options, it's helpful to understand what you’re potentially getting. Apple Fitness+ isn’t just a collection of workout videos; it’s deeply integrated with the Apple Watch. It provides personalized metrics during workouts (heart rate zones, calorie burn, etc.), allows you to view your progress, and offers guided programs tailored to different fitness levels and goals. The service boasts a vast library of workouts across disciplines like yoga, strength training, running, cycling, and more, led by a diverse team of trainers. (You can see a full list of workout types [ here ])

Method 1: The Free Trial – A Classic Entry Point

The most straightforward way to experience Fitness+ is through the free trial. New subscribers are currently eligible for a 3-month free trial. This allows ample time to explore the entire library, test out different trainers and workout types, and see if the service aligns with your fitness routine. This is the "no-brainer" option for anyone even remotely curious about Fitness+. The 9to5Mac article rightly points out that this trial resets periodically, meaning you can potentially cycle through free trials multiple times, although Apple actively tries to prevent abuse of this system (more on that later).

Method 2: Apple Watch Purchase Perks – A Sweet Incentive

Apple frequently uses Fitness+ as an incentive for purchasing new Apple Watches. Currently, when you buy a qualifying Apple Watch (models from late 2021 onwards), you receive three months of free Fitness+. This is a significant value add and makes the purchase decision even more compelling if you were already considering upgrading your wearable. The article highlights that this promotion isn't always available, so it’s crucial to check Apple's website for current offers before making a purchase. It's worth noting that refurbished Apple Watches do not qualify for this free trial offer.

Method 3: Carrier Promotions – A Less Predictable Opportunity

Several mobile carriers have occasionally partnered with Apple to offer Fitness+ as part of their subscription bundles or promotional deals. While these offers are less consistent and require active searching, they can represent a substantial savings if available in your area. 9to5Mac’s article suggests checking the websites and promotions pages of major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to see if any such deals exist. These promotions often have specific eligibility requirements (e.g., new customer, specific plan type), so read the fine print carefully.

Method 4: Apple’s Anti-Subscription Fatigue Tactics – The "Family Sharing" Loophole (with Caveats)

This is where things get a bit more complex and potentially precarious. Apple has been known to offer short promotional periods where existing Fitness+ subscribers can share their subscriptions with family members, essentially allowing another person to access the service for free. The 9to5Mac article notes that this loophole isn't always available and Apple actively cracks down on abuse (e.g., sharing with non-family members). Apple’s terms of service strictly prohibit unauthorized sharing, and violating them could lead to account suspension or termination. The “Family Sharing” option is intended for genuine family members living at the same address. Attempting to exploit it beyond that risks losing access entirely.

Why Does Apple Offer These Free Access Points?

Apple's strategy of offering these free trials and promotional periods isn’t purely altruistic. It serves several key purposes:

• Driving Apple Watch Sales: Fitness+ is a powerful incentive for purchasing an Apple Watch, which remains a core component of Apple’s hardware ecosystem.
• Service Adoption: Free access encourages users to try the service, increasing the likelihood they'll convert to paying subscribers after the trial ends. The "try before you buy" approach is a proven marketing tactic.
• Ecosystem Lock-in: Fitness+ reinforces Apple's broader fitness and health ecosystem, making it more appealing for users to remain within that environment.
• Competitive Pressure: The fitness app market is crowded. Offering free access helps Apple compete with other platforms like Peloton and Nike Training Club.

Important Considerations & Potential Risks

While these methods offer a pathway to free Fitness+, several caveats exist:

• Apple's Crackdown on Abuse: As mentioned, Apple actively monitors for and combats abuse of the free trial and Family Sharing loopholes. Don’t expect these options to remain indefinitely.
• Terms of Service Compliance: Always adhere to Apple’s terms of service to avoid account suspension or termination.
• Limited Availability: Carrier promotions and "Family Sharing" opportunities are sporadic and may not be available in all regions.

Ultimately, the 9to5Mac article provides a valuable guide for those seeking to experience Apple Fitness+ without paying the full price. By understanding these methods and their associated risks, users can potentially unlock a world of guided workouts and personalized fitness tracking – at least until Apple decides to close off these free access points.