One week after introducing Time to Walk, Apple has released another software update aimed at expanding its Fitness+ footprint. With the arrival of the developer seed of watchOS 7.4 and iOS 14.5 today, the company is adding a new feature that will make it possible to stream workouts to an AirPlay enabled TV.
Streaming Workouts to AirPlay Enabled TVs
Users can now stream audio and video from Apple’s subscription-based fitness app to AirPlay 2-enabled sets. This is a nice addition for those without an Apple TV, and users looking to bring the service on the road with them via compatible hotel TVs (when people start staying in hotels again).
Limitations of Streaming Workouts
The biggest difference here is that metrics won’t be displayed on screen. That means you lose things like your rings, calories burned, etc. They’ll have to rely on the connected Apple Watch and iPhone or iPad for that information.
Why This Matters
Not having access to metrics on the TV might not seem like a big deal at first glance. However, these numbers are an important part of the Fitness+ experience. For instance, seeing how many calories you’ve burned during a workout can be motivating and help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Apple no doubt wants to continue to incentivize its own hardware ecosystem, while working to grow the exercise app. By not displaying metrics on the TV, they’re steering users towards using their Apple Watch or iPhone for tracking purposes.
The Future of Fitness+
Fitness+ arrived at the right time for the company, as COVID-19 has caused many of us to let our gym memberships lapse in favor of at-home workouts. There’s a question of sustainability of home workouts in general, with the roll out of numerous vaccines.
Maintaining and continuing to grow these applications will require flexibility. When I spoke to Apple about Fitness+ last week, the company noted that it envisions people bringing the app with them on the go. That could mean doing a Fitness+ workout on the iPad at their gym or finding a way to pack the experience in a bag and use it during their travels.
A Growing Ecosystem
The feature is currently available as part of the developer seeds of the new watchOS and iOS versions, and should be available to consumers when the final versions go live. This expansion of Fitness+ will help users stay motivated and engaged with their fitness goals, even on the go.
Why Fitness+ Matters
Fitness+ won’t replace the gym, but it will help you break a sweat. With its expanding features and user-friendly interface, it’s no wonder why Apple is investing heavily in this area.
The Future of Fitness
As we move forward with our health and fitness goals, Apple is committed to providing users with innovative tools and technologies to support their well-being. The company is taking a thoughtful approach to developing its Fitness+ app, ensuring that it meets the needs of its users while also promoting healthy habits.
Why This Matters for Apple
The success of Fitness+ will undoubtedly have implications for Apple’s hardware sales in the long run. By creating an engaging and user-friendly experience, Apple can increase the chances of users purchasing their devices to support their fitness goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s latest software update has expanded its Fitness+ footprint by adding AirPlay support. This new feature will allow users to stream workouts to their TV, providing a more comprehensive fitness experience.
However, it’s worth noting that metrics won’t be displayed on screen, which might affect the user experience for some. Nevertheless, this is an important step towards making Apple’s fitness app more accessible and convenient for its users.
As we move forward with our health and fitness goals, Apple is committed to providing innovative tools and technologies to support us. The company’s commitment to creating a seamless and engaging experience will undoubtedly contribute to the success of Fitness+ in the long run.
