Apple is reportedly exploring a new type of wearable device that could move away from the company's traditional Apple Watch design. The company is said to be developing and testing prototypes of a screenless fitness tracker aimed at the growing market for dedicated health and fitness wearables.
According to a Bloomberg report cited by multiple technology publications, Apple has been exploring the concept for several months and has now developed early prototypes. However, the project remains in an initial development stage, and Apple has not yet made a final decision about whether the device will be released to consumers.
The reported device would differ significantly from the Apple Watch because it would not include a display. Instead, the prototypes are said to feature a thin fabric wristband connected to a small computing module containing sensors. The primary purpose would be to continuously collect health and fitness information rather than provide notifications, apps and other smartwatch functions directly on the wrist.
This approach would put Apple into closer competition with companies that have built products specifically around screenless health monitoring. Whoop has popularised the concept with wrist-worn fitness trackers designed for continuous health, sleep, workout and recovery monitoring without a traditional screen. Google's Fitbit Air is another recent entrant into the category.
The move comes as wearable technology companies increasingly experiment with devices that reduce the role of displays. Smart rings and screenless wristbands allow users to collect health and fitness information without constantly interacting with a screen. Data can instead be reviewed later through a smartphone application.
For Apple, a screenless tracker could provide a different option alongside the Apple Watch rather than directly replacing it. The Apple Watch combines health monitoring with smartphone-style features such as notifications, applications, communication and on-device information. A screenless device would reportedly have a much narrower focus on health and fitness tracking.
The reported Apple prototype is expected to use sensors to collect biometric and activity information. However, specific sensors, health features, battery capacity, pricing and other technical specifications have not been officially announced. Since the project remains in development, these details could change if Apple eventually decides to bring the product to market.
Apple has already been expanding the health-related capabilities of its wearable ecosystem. Recent Apple Watch models have introduced additional health and fitness features, while Apple's Health app has also been receiving new tools for analysing health information. According to reports, the company is increasingly considering features that are already available on dedicated fitness products.
The screenless tracker is reportedly receiving attention from senior Apple executives, including Executive Chairman Tim Cook and Services chief Eddy Cue. Bloomberg's report said the project is part of a broader effort to reconsider Apple's approach to wearable devices. The company is also reported to be examining other possible changes to its future wearable lineup.
One potential advantage of eliminating the display could be reduced power consumption. A device without a screen would not need to continuously power a display for notifications, menus or other smartwatch functions. Screenless trackers can therefore be designed primarily around sensors and low-power health monitoring. However, Apple's eventual battery-life performance cannot be determined until the company officially announces a product.
The design could also make the device lighter and less distracting during exercise and sleep. Users interested mainly in activity, sleep and recovery data may not need a display on their wrist throughout the day. Instead, they could use an iPhone or another connected device to review collected information.
The reported development also reflects growing competition in the health-focused wearable market. Whoop and Oura have established products centred on health, sleep and recovery, while Google has expanded Fitbit's product lineup with a screenless fitness tracker. Garmin and other manufacturers have also introduced display-free or minimalist health-tracking devices.
However, Apple has not confirmed that the screenless fitness tracker will become a commercial product. The current project is reportedly classified as an early technology investigation, meaning the company can still change the design or abandon the product entirely.
If Apple ultimately approves the project, the device is reportedly unlikely to arrive before 2028. This means consumers should not expect the screenless tracker as an immediate replacement or addition to the current Apple Watch lineup. The reported timeline could also change depending on development progress and Apple's final product strategy.
The project illustrates how the wearable market is expanding beyond conventional smartwatches. While smartwatches continue to combine health tracking with communication and smartphone functions, screenless devices are taking a more specialised approach by focusing primarily on collecting health and fitness information.
For Apple, entering this segment could give consumers another wearable option within its ecosystem. However, the product's final specifications, price, availability and launch date remain unknown. Until Apple makes an official announcement, the reported screenless fitness tracker should be treated as a product under development rather than a confirmed commercial device.