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iOS 16 Includes Fitness App As Standard, No Apple Watch Necessary

As part of its iOS 16 presentation at WWDC, Apple today revealed that iPhone users now have access to the Fitness app regardless of whether they have an Apple Watch or not.

fitness app
Previously, the Fitness app was only accessible on iPhones that are paired with an Apple Watch, but no more.

On an iPhone with iOS 16 installed, the Fitness app will use the iPhone's motion sensors to track things like steps, meaning all the activity that your iPhone tracks can be put toward closing your rings. You can set up a daily Move goal in the Fitness app and see how your active calories will help close your Move ring.

The iPhone's motion sensors can track steps, distance, flights climbed, and workouts from third-party apps, which can be converted into an estimation of active calories to contribute to your daily Move goal. You can also share your Move ring with friends for additional motivation.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

55 months ago
This is a good way to help people get into the fitness ecosystem before they get an Apple Watch.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
magicschoolbus Avatar
55 months ago
Great now let me see all of my data on my iPad…
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
55 months ago
This is cool. But why not add the Health app to iPadOS? Such a beautiful screen to track your health. Apple is an awesome company but can be highly illogical at times.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
55 months ago

While I'm sure the functionality is somewhat reduced (understandably), I was in search of a light fitness experience and I didn't want to get an apple watch just for that.
I'll probably take advantage of this, as limited as it might be.
Or you could catch the Apple Watch the poster above you just threw out of his window.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
55 months ago
I wish you could use a Garmin Watch for Apple Fitness +
I don't want all those notifications and distractions, short battery life of the  Watch, but I do like Apple Fitness +.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
55 months ago
Very welcome addition.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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