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Apple Fitness+: Expanding Offerings for 2026

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 22:34 GMT by CNET
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Evolving Offerings and Continued Growth

Apple has consistently expanded Fitness+ since its debut, understanding that maintaining subscriber engagement requires a steady stream of fresh content and innovative features. While the core framework remains, updates throughout 2026 show a focus on accessibility and variety. The introduction of 'Varsity Basketball' workouts, leveraging dynamic drills inspired by collegiate athletics, caters to a growing demand for functional fitness and agility training. Similarly, the revitalization of the Walking + Running workouts with enhanced visuals and curated music playlists addresses the desire for more engaging outdoor fitness routines. The 'Artist Playlists', featuring workouts curated around specific musicians, have proven surprisingly popular, blending fitness with entertainment. Perhaps most significantly, the expansion of short, 10-minute workouts continues to be a crucial feature, acknowledging the time constraints faced by many potential users. These bite-sized routines allow for integration into even the busiest schedules, removing a common barrier to entry.

The Enduring Strengths - and a Lingering Weakness

The defining characteristic of Apple Fitness+ continues to be its seamless integration with the Apple Watch. This isn't simply a feature; it's the foundation of the entire service. The constant feedback loop, displaying heart rate zones, calories burned, and progress metrics directly on the watch face during workouts, creates a powerful sense of accountability and gamified motivation. The visual quality of the workouts has also remained a consistent strength. Apple's production values are undeniable, featuring professional trainers, beautifully designed studios, and crisp, high-resolution video. The breadth of workout options, catering to various fitness levels and interests, ensures that users can find something to suit their needs, and the trainers themselves are consistently praised for their engaging and motivational styles - crucial for maintaining long-term adherence.

However, the significant drawbacks that existed at launch haven't fully disappeared. The pricing, still at $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually, remains a point of contention. While Apple has attempted to justify the cost through the quality of production and content, it positions Fitness+ as a premium offering that puts it above many competitors. More critically, the exclusivity to Apple devices - specifically Apple Watch and Apple TV - continues to be the most significant limitation. This walled-garden approach effectively shuts out a large portion of the potential market, including Android users and individuals utilizing other smartwatches. While Apple has hinted at potential cross-platform compatibility in the future, it remains purely speculative. The lack of truly personalized workout plans, beyond the data provided by the Apple Watch, represents another area for potential improvement. While heart rate monitoring is incorporated, the service would benefit from more adaptive routines based on individual progress and goals.

Looking Ahead: Maintaining Relevance in a Competitive Market

In 2026, Apple Fitness+ faces a more competitive landscape than ever. While it retains a loyal user base captivated by its Apple Watch integration, Apple must address the concerns regarding exclusivity and personalization if it wants to broaden its appeal and retain its position as a leader in the digital fitness space. The continued expansion of workout categories and the consistent refinement of existing features suggest Apple recognizes these challenges and is committed to keeping Fitness+ a compelling option for its dedicated user base.